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Hess explained that utilizing Zonar would enable the addition of a GPS system on every bus, turn-by-turn instructions for substitute bus drivers and electronic pre-trip inspections.
Suzette Lowe As a result of the Jackson County Board of Education’s decision at the May 6 meeting, class size for grades kindergarten-3 will be reduced to no more than 17 students. Superintendent Blaine Hess and Assistant Superintendent Jay Carnell explained this change was made possible by funding source changes. “We are able to use Elementary and Secondary Schools Emergency Relief Fund (ESSERF) for this,” said Hess. “This stimulus money will go to good use in adding additional positions and keeping others.” The premise behind lowering class size according to Hess is “to recaptur...
JCEA requests change in school Inclement Weather Policy Suzette Lowe Reporter The President of the Jackson County Education Association (JCEA) addressed the Jackson County Board of Education regarding the inclement weather policy. Board members Steve Chancey, Dan Barnette, Ben Mize, Jim Frazier, with Bobbi Ferrell once again appearing by phone, listened as concerns were expressed at the Feb. 4 meeting. Adena Barnette said the policy, which affected instruction on Feb. 2, required teachers to report to schools to provide remote instruction. If they were unable to be there, or felt unsafe on th...
BOE approves COVID Leave Policy and band uniforms for Ripley High Suzette Lowe Reporter The Jackson County Board of Education meeting began as it has so many times before, hearing concerns of teachers regarding the return to five-day a week in-person classes. Adena Barnette, president of the Jackson County Education Association, spoke to the board regarding a poll of all county personnel completed last week. Barnette said around 200 employees had responded to the survey. The questions regarding how comfortable employees are in returning with the current re-entry plan and any fear related to i...
By Keefer ON THIS DAY IN MUSIC HISTORY: 1973 - NBC debuts The Midnight Special rock variety show, its response to ABC's popular In Concert series. The 90-minute program followed the Friday night edition of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. The Midnight Special was noted for featuring musical acts performing live, which was unusual since most television appearances during the era showed performers lip-synching to prerecorded music. The series also occasionally featured performances of comedians such as Richard Pryor, Andy Kaufman, and George Carlin. 1973 - Elvis Presley meets Muhammad ...