LC BOE votes against reinstating LCHS principal Billy Kirk
Featured, Lumpkin County High School March 18, 2019
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
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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New JROTC and Science facility coming to Lumpkin County High School
Community, News August 17, 2018
DAHLONEGA, GA
The Lumpkin County Board of Education reviewed preliminary blueprints of the new JROTC and Science facility during the monthly Work Session on Monday, August 13.
Representatives from RLR Architects and Carroll Daniel Construction presented drawings for the proposed facility, which will replace the temporary trailers currently used for JROTC purposes. Dewayne Roof, with RLR Architects, explained that the ROTC building will be two-stories tall, equipped with elevator and staircase access. Entry to the building will be located near the high school, and a weather canopy will cover the walkway between the two entrances.
The first level will contain two ROTC classrooms with a shared office, observation windows and a restroom. It will also have a centralized walk-through uniform storage area and laundry area. Lumpkin County High School Logistics Specialist, Steve Hawk, said the central location and design of the uniform storage will provide easy access to uniforms, as well as simplifying the overall process. There will also be separate male/female dressing rooms, complete with restrooms, and a supply storage room with roll up doors large enough for vehicle unloading.
After seeing the ground-floor layout, Hawk expressed his gratitude to the board and the design team, “I’m really impressed with the drawings. Anything we’ve suggested, they’ve put in there…after 15 years of working out of trailers, it’s a great idea.”
The second level will contain the armory storage area, will also feature what JROTC Senior Army Instructor, Jeff Moran, described as “a fifteen fifteen lane, state of the art, electronic rifle range” that will be something that they can, “add and develop not just excellent, but championship shooters.” An electronic equipment storage room and multipurpose room will also be located on the second floor. The roof will provide access to a two-story rappelling wall, complete with a cushioned landing located area at its base. Access to the rappelling wall will be secured from non ROTC students. The science building will a single-story building containing science classrooms and storage.
Lumpkin County JROTC Army Instructor, Ron Fugate, stated that he did know know of any other high school in Georgia that was equipped with an electronic rifle range; he also explained that it would be the “latest and greatest” in the marksmanship program; he too, expressed deep gratitude.
Lumpkin County High School Superintendent, Dr. Robert Brown, estimated the cost of the project to be around 3.2 to 3.4 million dollars for the total cost, “we will benefit $600,000 for the actual construction on the facility. The rest will be “local commitment and SPLOST funding,” Brown explained.
The construction on the project is estimated for November 2018.
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Gilmer and Lumpkin Students Accepted to Naval Academy
Community, Featured May 9, 2017
May 8, 2017 |
Gilmer and Lumpkin Students Accepted to Naval AcademyGAINESVILLE, Ga.—Two northeast Georgia students have been offered admission into the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis as part of the class of 2021. Congressman Doug Collins (R-Ga.) nominated Austin Pierce and Garrett Sellers for the service academy in 2015. Both cadets have successfully completed a year at the Naval Academy’s Preparatory School in Newport, Rhode Island, which focuses on strengthening their character as well as their physical and academic abilities. “I nominated Austin and Garrett to the Naval Academy as outstanding high school students and athletes. Their accomplishments over the last year further demonstrate their strength as leaders and their value to our military, and I commend them for their service,” said Collins. Pierce graduated from Lumpkin County High School in 2016 before attending the Preparatory School. He will be part of the track team at the Naval Academy. Sellers hails from Talking Rock and graduated from Gilmer County High School in 2016. He is also an athlete and will play football for Navy. |
Dr. Darnell Leads Discussion About Suicide Prevention
News March 29, 2017
DAHLONEGA, Ga. — It was a somber crowd that gathered in the Lumpkin County High School Auditorium Tuesday evening to hear Dr. Janice Darnell deliver a poignant but vitally important message in the wake of one of the most tragic weeks in the school’s history.
By now, the entire Lumpkin County community knows that in two separate, but related incidents, last week, two LCHS students ended their own lives and another overdosed in an apparent attempt to commit suicide. Out of respect for the victims, their families and their privacy, Fetch Your News will not mention the names of those students.
Darnell, Director of Student Support Services at Dawson County Schools,said
her goal was to help people recognize the warning signs and risk factors associated with suicide. “No family is immune from this,” she said.
Using the most recent figures from the Center for Disease Control from 2014, Darnell pointed out the second leading cause of death among Georgians between the age of 25 and 34 is suicide.
In that same year, 18 percent of high school students reported seriously considering suicide, 15 percent reported making a serious plan to commit suicide and 9 percent reported making an attempt to commit suicide. Lumpkin County ranks 43rd of 159 Georgia counties in death by suicide.
“There is no single path that leads to suicide,” she said. Some of the causes include serious mental illness, sickness, abuse, painful emotional loss and exposure to violence. “Ninety percent of those who have died by suicide have some type of a treatable mental illness.” She also pointed out the importance of recognizing risk factors or symptoms.
Some symptoms of mental health issues can include a sudden, unexplained drop in grades, unusual behavior, interaction with peers, someone who was very outgoing suddenly becomes introverted. A drastic change in appetite, decreased energy, expressed feelings of “no worth” or writing about dark subjects should also send up red flags. Bipolar disorder is one of the leading causes of mental illness.
Some important facts about mental illness include the following: One in five Americans experience some form of mental illness, nearly one in 25 adults live with a serious mental illness, half of chronic mental illness begins by the age of 14 and 75 percent begins before the age of 24.
The good news is that there are many community resources available to help someone who may be contemplating suicide. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or suicidepreventionlifeline.org and Georgia Crisis & Access Line at 800-715-4225 or mygcal.com. Locally, there is Lumpkin County Family Connection lumpkin.gafcp.org
Tragedy has a way of bringing communities together and that appeared to have been the case last night as parents, students, educators, clergy, concerned citizens law enforcement officers and elected officials were all there to educate themselves on how to prevent such a tragedy from ever happening again.
As School Superintendent Rob Brown said, “There has been a complete outpouring of support from the college, clergy and community and it is much appreciated. We will do anything and everything to prevent this from ever happening again. Suicide is not a Georgia problem. It’s not a Lumpkin County problem. It’s a national problem.”
LC BOE announces called meeting to allow public to express concerns
Lumpkin County High School, News March 22, 2019
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.”
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Lumpkin County BOE announces called meeting for Monday morning
Business March 15, 2019
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 earns first win of season in defeat of Chestatee
Lumpkin Co. Basketball, Team FYN Sports November 20, 2019
The Lumpkin County Boys played a complete game in their 67-43 win over Chestatee on Tuesday night in Dahlonega. They won every quarter and only allowed six points in the second quarter. Their defense stifled the War Eagles with plenty of blocked shots and an excellent effort on the boards.
Patrick Jackson shoots the corner 3.
Patrick Jackson was all over the court for Lumpkin Tuesday night with 19 points, eight rebounds, and five assists. Jacob Cumbie put up 16 points and five rebounds, and Peyton Polk had 11 points, six boards, and a plethora of blocks.
The Indians opened the game on an 8-2 run to get the quick lead. After Chestatee ended the run with a 3-pointer, Chandler Pulley responded with a 3-pointer of his own. Lumpkin had a 20-12 lead after one quarter of play.
The defense of the Indians clamped up the Chestatee offense in the second. They outscored them 15-6 in the quarter to take a commanding 35-18 lead into the half.
Lumpkin County opened the second half with a dunk by Polk, and they never looked back. The scoring in the quarter was fairly even, but the Indians had all the momentum. They led 52-29 at the end of the third.
Chandler Pulley handles the ball at the top of the key.
The Indians won the fourth quarter 15-14 in an almost equal quarter of play. The game started to get physical, but Lumpkin County played strong and won the game 67-43.
Their next game is Friday against Banks County at 8:30 PM.
Sorrells is the new head football coach at Lumpkin County
Lumpkin County High School, Sports, Team FYN Sports May 14, 2019
DAHLONEGA, Ga. — The search for a new head football coach at Lumpkin County High School is over.
LCHS Athletic Director Nicky Jenkins confirmed today that Caleb Sorrells will take the helm for the Indians immediately. “He started full time today,” Jenkins said. “He’s met all the kids and right now he’s on lunch duty.”
Sorrells is no stranger to winning football programs. He played college football at Carson-Newman and when he graduated, he started his coaching career at Gaffney High School in South Carolina where the team won a state championship. He then moved to Cartersville High where he was on the staff that won another state championship.
For the last three seasons, he has been an assistant head coach and quarterback coach at Stephens County High School.
“We are really excited to have him,” Jenkins said Tuesday. “When the search committee interviewed him, he showed a real excitement and enthusiasm. He has really studied Lumpkin County football and made it a point to say ‘I’m not running away from anything, I’m running to Lumpkin County’”
Sorrells will replace Shane Williamson who resigned to accept a coaching position at Hawkinsville High School. Williamson served as LCHS head coach for three seasons and posted a 8-22 record.
The Indians open the 2019 season on Aug. 23 with a non-conference home game against East Jackson.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Lumpkin County BOE rehires LCHS principal Billy Kirk for upcoming school year
Feature News March 26, 2019
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.”
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LCHS students hold a peaceful walk-in to show support for the principal
Business March 13, 2019
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.”
Lumpkin County Board of Education announces called meeting for August 24
Community, News August 23, 2018LUMPKIN, CO., GA
11 days after they voted on the current millage rate, which will result in a property tax increase, the Lumpkin County Board of Education announced that they will hold a called meeting on August 24. The announcement came after local media and local citizens questioned the integrity behind previous public hearings that involved the millage rate vote.
According to their Facebook page, the purpose of the meeting is to, “hear community feedback regarding millage rates, school system budgets, and school finance.” They also stated that, “all community members are encouraged to attend and to provide feedback or ask questions.If you are unable to attend, but wish to provide feedback, please email our school board members.”
In a separate post on social media, Superintendient, Dr. Robert Brown, released the following statement, “It is ridiculous for anyone to suggest that our school board is not welcoming of public input or attempted to avoid feedback provided at the millage hearings. Our school board members receive phone calls and emails from concerns and supportive citizens on a regular basis. They welcome and seek feedback from a variety of sourced in our community, all in an effort to continue providing a premier education for all students in Lumpkin County.” However, according to a local Dahlonega resident, several attempts at contacting members of the board and the superintendent were all left unanswered.
FYN also called and emailed each board member, as well as the superintendent, but did not receive a response.
The meeting will be held at the Lumpkin County Central Office at 6pm.
Students in Dawson, White and Lumpkin counties stage walkout to honor those killed in Parkland, Fl.
News March 16, 2018
Dr. Rob Brown
DAHLONEGA, Ga. – Students all across the nation staged a 17-minute walkout Wednesday organized by Empower, a youth branch of the Women’s March. National organizers say the walkout was staged to “demand Congress pass legislation to keep us safe from gun violence.”
However, in heavily Republican counties like Dawson, Lumpkin and White, the walkouts were more about a respectful memorial to the 17 students and faculty killed at a Parkland, Florida, high school last month and less about making a political statement.
Lumpkin County Schools
Lumpkin County School Superintendent Dr. Rob Brown said about 125 students at Lumpkin County High School and 25 at Lumpkin County Middle School participated.
“It was all about showing respect for the students and faculty involved in the Parkland tragedy,” Brown said.
While some Georgia school systems threatened to punish students who walked out of classes, that was not the case in Lumpkin, White or Dawson counties. “We believe First Amendment rights are just as important in schools as they are in the rest of society,” Brown said.
Students at both schools stood around the American flag in observance of the 17 minutes. “The principal encouraged the kids to work on their social skills by talking to students they don’t know and getting to know them,” Brown said.
White County Schools
Dr. Jeff Wilson
Students in White County schools were also welcome to join in the walkout. School Superintendent Dr. Jeff Wilson said 200 White County Middle School students participated along with about 50 at the high school and 15 at the Ninth Grade Academy.
“We respect their right to express themselves as long as it’s respectful and doesn’t disrupt the other students,” Wilson said.
The walkout had a very unique significance at WCMS thanks to a teacher, Melanie Lawhorn, and her students, who developed the “Warriors for Kindness” project. The project, which is posted on the school’s website states, “In order to honor the lives of the 17 individuals lost in Parkland, Florida, White County Middle School students are performing 17 random acts of kindness during the one-month anniversary week.” The acts of kindness are being logged and will be mailed to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School as a sign of support and love for the community.
Dawson County Schools
Dr. Damon Gibbs
School Superintendent Dr. Damon Gibbs said the event in Dawson County was respectful and non-disruptive.
“We allowed our students to gather in remembrance of those killed in Parkland, Florida, as well as to express their desire to see an end to school violence of any kind,” Gibbs stated.
Staff was assigned to hold discussions with students and answer any questions that they had.
“We respect the right of our students to express their opinions in a respectful and non-disruptive way,” Gibbs said. “We are also seeking their opinions about how we can make our schools safer in the future.”
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Men’s basketball comes up short in Gainesville
Sports, Team FYN Sports November 13, 2019
The atmosphere was electric for the basketball season opener at Chestatee High School on Tuesday night. Unfortunately that spark fizzled out for the Lumpkin County Men’s basketball team, who found themselves playing catch up to the War Eagles in the fourth period.
The War Eagles ultimately edged past the Indians 74-68, with Brenton Nicholson sinking eight three point shots throughout the game. Two of those were early in the fourth period to give the War Eagles a lead they refused to relinquish.
Lumpkin County’s Pat Jackson led the way in points for the Indians with twenty overall, as well as five assists. Peyton Polk and Jacob Cumbie contributed seventeen points each, and Gus Faulkner put up eleven.
The Men’s basketball team will be on the road again Friday night against rival White County. Tip-off is set for 8:30 p.m.
Check out pictures from the game here on TeamFYNSports Facebook page!
LCHS Academic Team to compete on local student quiz show
Community, Indians Corner February 13, 2019
DAHLONEGA, GA
The Lumpkin County High School academic team will compete in their second High-Q appearance on, Wednesday, February 13, 2019.
High-Q is a popular local student quiz show that is broadcast throughout the United States. Various local high school teams earn the chance to compete on the show, by answering questions based on high school subjects. According to the LCHS Facebook page, the academic team was also recognized in December, by City of Dahlonega Mayor, Sam Norton, and the City Council, for, “Tremendous leadership and accomplishments so far this year.”
LCHS will compete on student quiz show, High-Q
Aaron Hopper, LCHS teacher and Academic Team coach, explained to FYN that they apply each year to be on High-Q, which is an honor to earn since they have a limited number of slots. Hopper also explained, “We were invited this year to play Griffin High School in the first round. Since because we beat Griffin, we will go to the next round, which is today against Northview High School in Fulton County.” He also added, “We’re really excited to going to the next round and we are ready to compete, and I have full confidence in the team to the best job that they can!”
LCHS principle, Billy Kirk, also expressed his support, “Our Academic team continues to surpass expectations each opportunity they get to compete. Mr. Hopper does an unbelievable job preparing his team for the rigorous academic challenges and represents LCHS and our community in a tremendous way. I get excited when we get to compete on a state stage such as High Q and go toe to toe with schools much larger than us and win. We are looking forward to our next round of competition to show the state what our team has to offer.”
Lumpkin County School System Superintendent, Dr. Rob Brown, told FYN, “We are extremely proud of our LCHS Academic Team! They have represented us very well all season and they were outstanding against Griffin on High-Q. Regardless of the outcome in the next round of High-Q, we are confident that Mr. Hopper will have our team well prepared and they will make Lumpkin County Schools proud!”
The show will air March 2, 2019 on WSB-TV Channel 2.
Lumpkin County Board of Education discusses communication improvements
Community October 15, 2018
LUMPKIN CO., GA
The Lumpkin County Board of Education discussed the current protocol for communicating with parents, and the possible changes that will be made to those methods, during the Board of Education meeting on Monday, October 8.
LCSS Chief Operations Officer, Greg Trammell, explained their recent transition from PowerSchool to Infinite Campus and how this could impact their current robocall system, One Call Now. Trammell also explained that Infinite Campus comes equipped with Shoutpoint – a remote, dial-in program that commissions bulk-communication more accurately than One Call Now.
Lumpkin County Superintendent, Dr. Robert Brown, stated that One Call Now had flaws that could potentially violate the system privacy codes and why the change is an upgrade for LCSS, “Anybody that ever lived at an address in PowerSchool, showed up in Infinite Campus as part of that household. For example, the home that I was renting at one period, everybody that showed up that ever lived in that house, was showing up in my family’s registry, which could be a serious FERPA [Family Educational Rights and Privacy Acts] violation.” Lumpkin County Elementary School is the first school to test the new system.
The board also mentioned other LCSS system-communication errors that have recently resulted in negative attention for school administrators. According to Brown they need a system to determine, “How, and when, and in what ways will the board like for us to communicate. We’ve been ripped for not communicating enough, and we’ve been ripped for communicating too much.”
Although public concern was raised over not being immediately informed of an alleged event substantial enough to warrant a police investigation, Brown remained solid in his assertion that parental disclosure was not necessary, to avoid “negative attention” for the accused student.
Brown doubled down on his statement that Lumpkin County Sheriff Stacy Jarrard did not repeatedly advise him to do an all-call the night of the alleged threat. , “Contrary to some of the public opinion, the sheriff did not repeatedly tell us to call out,” Brown said. “I had one phone call from him, at 8:51 p.m. and he asked me were we going to put anything out.
Jarrard has publicly stated that he did, in fact, suggest the robo call go out to concerned parents “three different times” but was turned down each time.
Craig Poore, brought up an important issue – how would the parents and caregivers who are not on social media have received that information?
Despite the confusion and misunderstanding from board member, Jim McClure, over the public uproar, it did not occur out of assumption that administrators did nothing to ensure the students were safe. Negative attention was directed at school officials, because they did not effectively inform parents – and would not have informed parents at all – had there been no mention of the alleged threat on social media later that night. One parent of an LCHS junior told Fetch Your News that they feel they “have the right to be informed” of any possible incident involving their children while in the care of LCSS, regardless of the outcome.
Brown stated that there would be an upcoming Leadership meeting, and communication would be discussed in more detail. Hopefully, this has been a learning experience that will lead to proper and improved communication and stronger community trust, and will also help parents feel more at ease when we send our children to school.
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Lumpkin County girls take down Chestatee, move to 3-0
Sports November 20, 2019
The first half was close, but the Lumpkin County girls outscored the Lady War Eagles 13-3 in the third quarter to pull away and win the game 48-27 Tuesday night in Dahlonega. Kate Jackson lead the way for the Lady Indians with 17 points in the game. Lexi Pierce also chipped in 12 points as the two girls outscored the entire Chestatee team.
Madisyn Echols sets up the offense.
The first quarter was a defensive battle, with Chestatee coming out with a 5-4 lead. Makenzie Caldwell and Madisyn Echols each scored to keep the Lady Indians in the game.
The offenses shook off the rust in the second quarter. Lumpkin took an 11-8 lead before the Lady War Eagles went on a quick 6-0 run to take a 14-11 lead. The Lumpkin County girls responded well with two buckets to take the lead into the half. Pierce stole the ball and got a layup to end the half, giving her team the 15-14 halftime lead.
The second half was all Indians, as they scored the first five and last eight points of the third quarter to take a 28-17 lead into the final quarter.
Kate Jackson shoots a free throw in the fourth quarter.
Chestatee tried throwing a press defense at the Lumpkin girls, but they broke it with ease. The Indians put up 20 points in the final quarter to extend their lead to a comfortable margin. They scored the last six points of the game and won their home-opener 48-27 over Chestatee.
The Indians’ next game is Friday as they play host to Banks County at 7:00 PM.