The Thomaston-Upson Board of Education unanimously approved an amendment to the FY23 budget during its Sept. 13 meeting, moving $2 million from the fund reserve balance into the general fund for safety and classroom improvements, as well as upgrades to be made at Silvertown Ball Park.
Superintendent Dr. Larry Derico said he has discussed the needs of the ballpark with Thomaston City Manager Russell Thompson and will have the ability to make upgrades to the park.
Board member Jay Eubanks clarified, “This is not an increase to the budget in any way.”
The board approved the scheduling of a work session to discuss upgrades at athletic facilities within the school district. The work session will be held on Thursday, Sept. 22, at 6:30 p.m., following the Upson-Lee High School Homecoming Parade.
Director of Operations Marc Ellington presented the board with plans for the incoming agriculture center at Upson-Lee High School.
The 18,848-square-foot facility will include a climate-controlled show arena of 10,155 square feet with artificial turf, including a drainable backing, and a holding area of 8,693 square feet that can accommodate 75-80 animals. The facility also includes seating for 236 individuals, an area for 16 animals, which will be utilized by students who cannot house animals at their own homes, 50 paved parking spaces, concessions, an audio/visual control room, restrooms, dressing rooms, student project housing, and a storage/wash area.
“We are very excited to get started on it,” commented Ellington, who said the project is scheduled to be completed in July 2023.
In other news, Dr. Derico announced that Technology Director Matt Bentley has started a monthly podcast and the first episode was released the week of the meeting, as an “informative and entertaining look at technology in the schools and in today’s world,” featuring technology artists George Flowers and Bruce Dunaway.
Bentley will feature local “tech stars” on the podcast each month. The podcast can be found under the technology department page under “links” at www.upson.k12.ga.us.
The board approved a maintenance surplus request for a 2004 Ford F-150 with more than 209,000 miles, previously used for a system plumber.
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