LCHS announces upcoming REACH Adult Field Day event

Community, Education

DAHLONEGA, GA

Leadership Lumpkin Class of 2019 and Lumpkin County High School will host the second annual REACH Adult Field Day event on March 28, 2020.

Leadership Lumpkin Class of 2019, partnered with Lumpkin County Schools, hosts the event and according to LLC’s social media page, “The mission of the Leadership Lumpkin County Class of 2019 is to have an indelible and positive impact on the Lumpkin County community by advancing the post-secondary educational opportunities for these local students…We believe that by seeking collaboration with local businesses, community members, and sponsors, we will have a progressive impact on the future of our children. held each year to raise money in order to help underprivileged Lumpkin County students excel academically and reach their future goals.”

Last year, over 53% of  LC students received free or reduced lunches, 150 students were homeless, and Lumpkin County had approximately 25% of their students receive a college or technical college post-secondary education. LCHS assistant principal, Jason Lemley, told FYN, “We have a goal to raise $20,000 this year!  We raised over $15,000 last year, and we are confident we can get to 20K.  We already have our first sponsor, and we will be reaching out to many others soon.  Last year was a great first year, and we want this to grow year after year.  Even if you don’t participate on a team, come out and enjoy the hilarious “talent” and join us for a day of fun!”

The event will be at the Lumpkin County High School. For more information, contact Mr. Lemley at LCHS.

 

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LCHS seniors clean up trash in Adopt-A-Road initiative

Business

LUMPKIN CO., GA

Lumpkin County High School class of 2019, along with LCHS principle Billy Kirk, participated in an Adopt-A-Mile initiative on Wednesday, May 22. They chose a one-mile stretch of roadway in front of the high school to ‘adopt’ and collected over 200 pounds of “miscellaneous trash and debris,” according to the LCHS Facebook page.

Photo courtesy of LCHS

Kirk explained to FYN, “The students wanted an opportunity to leave a legacy and we bounced ideas and the Adopt a Road initiative was born.” He also stated that the LCHS seniors wanted to give back through community service work since the community had done so much for them, “We decided cleaning the road in front of our school to beautify our community would be a great way to accomplish this. Today, we took the senior class on a journey that resulted in 62 bags of garbage and debris from the roadway and close to 200 pounds.”

Photo courtesy of LCHS

 

According to Kirk, “It is amazing the amount of trash people throw out on our streets and we are hoping this act of service will be replicated all over our community.”

 

 

 

 

 

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LCHS students plan walk-out to support their principal

Community, News

LUMPKIN CO., GA
Lumpkin County High School students are planning a walk-out at 12:30pm on Wednesday, March 13, to protest the resignation of the LCHS principal, Billy Kirk, according to the #weneedbilly social media page.
It was announced on Monday, March 11 that Kirk had resigned. School officials are remaining quiet in regards to the reason for Kirk’s resignation. Angry students are planning to walk out of the school, in a peaceful protest against the Board of Education’s decision.

This is an ongoing story; please follow Fetch Your News for updated information.

LCHS students hold a peaceful walk-in to show support for the principal

Feature News, News

LUMPKIN CO., GA

Several students at Lumpkin County High School held a peaceful walk-in on Wednesday, to show their support for the LCHS principal, Billy Kirk.

Students at LCHS give cheer on orator in support of principal

The Lumpkin County Board of Education announced to employees on Monday, March 11, that Kirk had resigned without revealing the cause of his resignation. Once this news went public, LCHS students, parents, and staff began sending emails, letters, and phone calls to the Board of Education advocating for Kirk to be reinstated. Other Lumpkin County residents have even begun a petition titled, “Prevent Principal Billy Kirk From Leaving,” which has collected almost 400 signatures in the few hours since it has gone live.

Students at LCHS give cheer on orator in support of principal

Students at LCHS decided to hold a peaceful walk-out to show their support for Kirk. LCHS officials required that students host a walk-in, held in the LCHS gym, for the safety of the students. According to LCSS Chief Financial Officer, Shannon Christian, “We are allowing the students to hold a peaceful protest in the gym, but it is the desire of the principal for no press to be in attendance.” Although all press was denied access to the event, Fetch Your News was able to obtain a video and images of the event.

There were a number of students who spoke out, in support of Kirk, and the crowd erupted when one orator stated, “There are a lot of people at this school who look up to Mr. Kirk as a father figure.”

Lumpkin County Sheriff, Stacy Jarrard, stationed himself outside the LCHS entrance to further ensure the safety of any student that may have decided against going to the gym. Jarrard also told the press, “Let it go on the record that it is not the decision of LCSO to deny media access to this event.”

 

LC BOE votes against reinstating LCHS principal Billy Kirk

Featured, Lumpkin County High School

LUMPKIN CO.,

The Lumpkin County School System held a special called meeting on Monday morning at 7AM to discuss personnel recommendations, in response to the public backlash over the recent resignation of LCHS principal, Billy Kirk.

The meeting began with a motion to go into executive session, but no other board members second that motion. BOE member, Craig Poore, addressed the sizeable public crowd stating he refused to enter an executive session, “What happened down there [the walk-in at LCHS] was unprofessional, and I am embarrassed by what we did down there. I am not going into an executive session, and I will not sit there and talk about this, where you bow my hands and I can’t speak no more on it.” Poore then went on to explain, “I think the level of unprofessionalism is awful; we ought to be ashamed of ourselves.”

Before adjourning, LCSS Superintendent, Dr. Robert Brown, then presented personnel recommendations to the board, “I have a recommendation for the board to rescind the resignation submitted from Mr. Billy Kirk on March 11, and to recommend him for employment as the principal of LCHS for the 2019/2020 school year.”

After Brown’s recommendation was made, Poore requested to speak his opinion on the walk-in once more, explaining that he would have been more open to considering rescinding Kirk’s resignation if he had not, “gone up there [LCHS]… using and abusing those kids in that building [referring to the walk-in]…” Poore’s comments received a strong reaction from the crowd, as citizens expressed their disagreements. One citizen yelled out, “You’re wrong,” and another asked Poore to “step down” from his BOE position.

Poore further explained his dissatisfaction with Kirk’s decision to allow the students participate in the walk-out without any disciplinary action, “I received 12 phone calls alone from parents that said they didn’t want their child participating in that event [the walk-in].” One LCHS student who was in attendance then responded with, “They didn’t have to,” in which Poore responded, “They may not have had to, but you know what? They were children.” Although students are protected by the First Amendment to the right to free speech, according to the American Civil Liberties Union, (ACLU) schools do have the right to discipline students for participating in a walk-out, “The law in most places requires students to go to school, schools can discipline you for missing class. But what they can’t do is discipline you more harshly because of the political nature of or the message behind your action.”   

Self then presented Brown’s recommendation to the board, with McClure making a motion to approve it. However, no other board members seconded the motion, resulting in the denial of reinstating Kirk as the LCHS principal. Lumpkin County citizen, John Dowdy, expressed his anger with the board’s decision, “You can say no public comment if you want to, but if we aren’t going to get a second on this, [recommendation] all five of you [BOE members] will answer to us [the public] for what you’ve done.”

LC resident, John Dowdy, [far left] expresses his disappointment in the board’s decision regarding LCHS principal, Billy Kirk

Another angry resident, Leigh Ann Linn, told the board, “Richard Woods will receive an email. He’ll receive lots of emails, and the board will be investigated. We are not letting this go.” Linn also told FYN, “It is apparent by today’s meeting that there is a personal agenda from some board members against [Billy] Kirk. Craig Poore made completely false accusations against Kirk. He obviously controls the board and did not hesitate to let us know that if we didn’t like it, we could do something about it in four years. A good man, and family, is being attacked without just cause.” Linn also stated that the fight for Kirk was “far from over.”

Brown released a statement to FYN, regarding the results of the board meeting, “I am very disappointed with the circumstances of today’s called school board meeting. I hope that our school board can work together to get this issue resolved and to ensure our school system continues accomplishing great things. We have seen many successes in recent years, and it is my hope that can get through this conflict and get back on track as soon as possible.”

Poore summed up his statements by telling the crowd that he does not have any regrets, “Four years from now…I’m going to leave here and my conscious is going to be clear.”

The public will be allowed to imput regarding Kirk during the next board meeting, which is scheduled for April 15, at 7PM and will be held at the LCSS Central Office in Dahlonega.

 

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LC BOE announces called meeting to allow public to express concerns

Lumpkin County High School, News

LUMPKIN, CO.,

The Lumpkin County Board of Education announced a called meeting for Monday, March 25 at 6:30PM.

Lumpkin County School System announced on social media on Friday, March 22 that the purpose of the meeting is to allow Lumpkin residents to express their concerns regarding the recent resignation of Lumpkin County High School principal, Billy Kirk, “Individuals wishing to address the board can get a ‘Public Comment Sign-In’ form from the LCSS after 8AM on Monday, [March 25].” They further explain that “Completed forms should be given to the board secretary prior to the start of the meeting. Each speaker will be allotted three minutes.

When asked what made the LC BOE decide to hold a called meeting, LCSS Superintendent, Dr. Rob Brown, told FYN, “The board wants to give the community an opportunity to share their input on our current issues.”

FetchYourNews.com attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month for ad server. FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and has between 15,000 to 60,000 per week Facebook page reach. For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or visit [email protected]

 

Lumpkin County BOE announces called meeting for Monday morning

Business

LUMPKIN CO., GA

Lumpkin County School Schools have announced that they will hold a called meeting held on Monday, March 18, at 7AM

When asked about the purpose of the meeting, LCSS Superintendent, Dr. Robert Brown, stated that it would be for “personnel recommendations.” The public is welcomed to attend. The location will be the LCSS central office, located at 56 Indian Drive, Dahlonega, GA 30533.

Lumpkin County BOE rehires LCHS principal Billy Kirk for upcoming school year

Feature News

LC BOE listen to several concerned residents during Monday’s meeting

 

LUMPKIN CO., GA – According to Lumpkin County Board of Education member, Jim McClure, the LC BOE held a special called meeting on Monday, March 25 because, “We have personnel issues to discuss, as normal for this time of year. Most of this will be in executive session…We will have the best students interests at the forefront of any decisions of the board.” LC Superintendent, Dr. Rob Brown, told FYN the purpose of the called meeting was because “The board wants to give the community an opportunity to share their input on our current issues.” 

The BOE opened the floor to a large crowd of Lumpkin County residents who had attended in hopes of expressing their opinions on the recent resignation of LCHS principal, Billy Kirk. Those who wished to speak were asked to sign up before the meeting, and they were each allotted three minutes to voice their opinions. A total of 14 attendees spoke out, with 13 expressing favor for Kirk.

LCHS sophomore, Joseph Thomas, addresses the board, in defense of Billy Kirk

Several LCHS students including, sophomore Joseph Thomas, who told the board that, [Billy] Kirk is directly here for us students…I’m not the type of kid to do this, but I’m going to fight for Principal Kirk.” Another student fought back tears as she explained how Kirk was there for her during the passing of her grandfather, “My grandpa died…he [Kirk] was there. He talked to me when I didn’t even want to come to school. He was there, and you couldn’t ask for a better principal than him.” 

Once the board heard those who wanted to speak, they entered a two-hour executive session. After the executive session ended, board members continued the meeting by discussing a list of personnel recommendations; included on that list was the recommendation to rehire Kirk as principal of LCHS for the upcoming 2019/2020 school year, “Billy Kirk was not reinstated.” Brown told FYN after the meeting adjourned, “He has been rehired for the upcoming school year.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtSeOFO9oa4

 

 

 

 

 

FetchYourNews.com attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month for ad serveFYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and has between 15,000 to 60,000 per week Facebook page reach. For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or visit [email protected]

 

LCHS students hold a peaceful walk-in to show support for the principal

Business

LUMPKIN CO., GA

Several students at Lumpkin County High School held a peaceful walk-in on Wednesday, to show their support for the LCHS principal, Billy Kirk.

Students at LCHS give cheer on orator in support of principal

The Lumpkin County Board of Education announced to employees on Monday, March 11, that Kirk had resigned without revealing the cause of his resignation. Once this news went public, LCHS students, parents, and staff began sending emails, letters, and phone calls to the Board of Education advocating for Kirk to be reinstated. Other Lumpkin County residents have even begun a petition titled, “Prevent Principal Billy Kirk From Leaving,” which has collected almost 400 signatures in the few hours since it has gone live.

Students at LCHS give cheer on orator in support of principal

Students at LCHS decided to hold a peaceful walk-out to show their support for Kirk. LCHS officials required that students host a walk-in, held in the LCHS gym, for the safety of the students. According to LCSS Chief Financial Officer, Shannon Christian, “We are allowing the students to hold a peaceful protest in the gym, but it is the desire of the principal for no press to be in attendance.” Although all press was denied access to the event, Fetch Your News was able to obtain a video and images of the event.

There were a number of students who spoke out, in support of Kirk, and the crowd erupted when one orator stated, “There are a lot of people at this school who look up to Mr. Kirk as a father figure.”

Lumpkin County Sheriff, Stacy Jarrard, stationed himself outside the LCHS entrance to further ensure the safety of any student that may have decided against going to the gym. Jarrard also told the press, “Let it go on the record that it is not the decision of LCSO to deny media access to this event.”

 

School Board reviews tentative FY 2019 budget

News

DAHLONEGA, Ga. — The public got its first look at White County School System’s tentative fiscal year 2019 budget during Monday’s meeting.

Chief Financial Officer Connie Daniels presented the plan, which calls for $35,925,195 in spending with $34,775,937 in estimated revenue. The fund balance as of July 1 is expected to be $4,382,356. No increase in the millage rate is anticipated.

Instruction will account for the largest expenditure ($23,698,044), followed by maintenance and operations ($3,162,321), administration ($2,773,615) and transportation ($2,628,393).

The special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST) is expected to generate $3,221,836. State and federal grants are anticipated to produce $4,100,000.

The capital projects fund is $3,221,836, funded by the voter-approved SPLOST.

A second public hearing on the budget is set for the June 11 work session at 5:30 p.m. The budget will be considered for final adoption by the board during the regular meeting at 7 p.m.

The board recognized outstanding achievement by students and staff.

Lumpkin County High School Principal Billy Kirk honored four students who won state championships this year. They were: Rachel Gaston (clinical nursing), Joey McCormack (auto refinishing), Nolan Wheeler (wrestling 145-pound class) and Elizabeth Harwood (literary and rhetorical essay).

Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and student body President Tyler Schott finished in the top five in business calculations and will compete in nationals.

Larry Odom, president of the Dahlonega branch of United Community Bank, was recognized as the school system’s Partner in Education for May. Odom and the bank have provided funding for student cookouts, bonuses, awards and have helped pay for lunches for students who cannot afford to pay.

 

 

 

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