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Lucas C. Allison

Dispatch Correspondent

The Wilcox County Board of Education met in a regular session with the following members in attendance: Chairman Denita Childs, Vice-Chairman Berry Collier, and members Morris Holloway, William Dozier, and Philip McKie. Superintendent Nathan Gibbs represented the school system. Phillip Worley was also present as Finance Director for the system. Jowan Johnson, Lucas Allison and Xavier Ferguson were present as community stakeholders.

Chairman Childs called the meeting to order, and all stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance.  Mr. Collier provided the prayer.  Chairman Childs presented the meeting agenda. Mr. Dozier made a motion to adopt the agenda as presented; Mr. Holloway seconded, and approval carried unanimously.  Minutes from the March 11 regular meeting, April 8 work session and April 10 called board meeting were provided for board members to review. Mr. Dozier made the motion to approve the minutes, and Mr. Collier seconded the motion. Vote was unanimous in favor of approving the minutes.

Mr. Jowan Johnson addressed the Board and expressed concerns regarding diversity in our hiring practices and encouraged the district to consider minority representation in future administrative roles.  Mr. Johnson spoke specifically regarding his wife Courtney who had applied for a position of Assistant Principal. Mr. Johnson stated she initially was denied the opportunity to be interviewed, however Mr. Gibbs agreed to interview her, but she felt the decision  was made on the successful candidates before her application was submitted. She felt she was discriminated against in the process.  Mr. Johnson then spoke of the lack of minorities or people of color in the Administration offices of the Board of Education. He stated children of color need to see persons of color in upper administration throughout the system, to give them encouragement and role models.  Mr. Johnson, alleged member of interviewers, were not qualified and the interview panel were biased. He stated he has dealt with the same type of problem for the past 14 years as a County Commissioner.  He stated he knew board members didn’t have answers today, however we want change even if  it takes a lawsuit to get change.  Supt. Gibbs thanked Mr. Johnson for expressing his concerns and addressing the Board of Education.

Recognition: The 2024-25 Honor graduates along with the Valedictorian, Salutatorian and STAR student/Star Teacher were provided to board members.  Mr. Wade Burnette was found in compliance with the Wilcox County NCJ Audit for the second audit cycle in a row.

The Georgia Education Workers’ Comp Trust Award of Excellence was presented to Wilcox County schools for an outstanding year in safety at the GEWCT conference.

Facility Updates: Ag Facility has an issue with a wall being taken out and not having enough structural support on the South side of the holding pen. Engineers evaluated it and provided a solution by adding extra structural steel in the outside wall of holding pen. Supt. Gibbs recommended approving the extra steel support to the structure so the openings could be constructed as shown in the initial design.  Mr. Holloway made the motion to approve, and Mr. Dozier seconded the motion. Approval carried unanimously.

The following monthly financial reports were reviewed with board members: Cash Flow Projections, Historical Tax Receipts, SPLOST reports – monthly and historical,

Construction Account Balance and Debt Service Fund, Debt Service schedule, Electric Bills.

Supt. Gibbs shared the 21st Century/PASS calendar for the SY26 for review. Supt. Gibbs made the recommendation to approve the SY26 21st Century/PASS calendar. Mr. Collier made the motion to approve the calendar, and Mr. Dozier seconded the motion. All voted unanimously in favor of the calendar.  Supt. Gibbs discussed the Wilcox County Resolution for assistance from GaDOE in Developing a five-year plan for our system. Mr. Collier made the motion to approve the resolution, and Mr. Holloway seconded the motion. Approval carried unanimously.  Supt. Gibbs shared the following information:

Enrollment report as of 4/8/2025, GSBA Recognition Program Self-Assessment was shared with Board members and asked they complete the Self-Assessment and return them at the next Board meeting. GSBA Summer Conference information provided to Board members.

2024-25 Progress Monitoring (DIP/SIP) updates,  Signed MOU for Turner County’s Titan Regional College and Career Academy, update on the Annual Basketball Fundraiser Dates, one tournament date was changed due to conflict with Prom.

Chairman Childs requested an executive session to discuss or deliberate upon the appointment, employment, compensation, hiring, disciplinary action or dismissal of a public officer or employee. Mr. Dozier made a motion to enter executive session; Mr. McKie seconded, and approval was unanimous. Mr. Dozier made a motion to exit the executive session; seconded by Mr. Collier and approved of a unanimous vote. Supt. Gibbs made the recommendation to approve Cody Greene as the new HS Asst. Principal. Mr. Dozier made the motion to approve Mr. Greene and Mr. Holloway seconded the motion. Mr. Greene was approved of a 3-2 vote with Mr. McKie and Mr. Collier voting against the motion.

Supt. Gibbs made the recommendation to approve Haley Howell as the new HS ELA teacher and Ms. Britney Baker for Substitute Para Pro/Teacher (pending completion of training). Mr. Collier made the motion to approve, and Mr. McKie seconded the motion. Approval carried unanimously.  The Wilcox Board of Education holds Workshop meetings the first Tuesday of each month at 5PM, and Regular Monthly meeting the 2^nd Tuesday of each month at 5PM, the meetings are held at the Board offices at 114 Seventh Avenue Rochelle.