Superintendent highlights social workers, maintenance staff, award-winning teachers and student poets

Superintendent Dr. Anthony Mays used the superintendent’s report at the March 18 meeting to recognize multiple district employees and students for recent achievements and contributions.

Mays opened the report by recognizing social workers as the district's outstanding support services department of the month, noting their role in student safety and community support. He asked social workers present to stand so the board could acknowledge them.

The superintendent then invited Glenn Jarrett and the maintenance staff to the dais and thanked them for proactive work to keep buildings and infrastructure functioning, especially during severe weather. Later in the report, Mays and trustees recognized a Life Changer award recipient, Miss Mitchell, sponsored by the National Life Group Foundation, and noted Kerr High School math teacher Karen Ortha was named National Teacher of the Year as part of an Extra Yard for Teachers program; that recognition included a $5,000 donation to her campus.

Mays also described a first annual poetry slam the district held for Black History Month, in which students from secondary grades competed. He and trustees presented monetary awards to the top winners, Haley Richardson and Tony Johnson of Holland Middle School, and praised the student performances. Mays said he and his wife donated the cash awards for the poetry event.

All of the items presented in the superintendent's report were recognitions and required no board action. The board recessed later for 10 minutes so recognized guests could take photos and receive flowers.