LCSS names Vulcan Materials as November Partner in Education

Community, News

LUMPKIN, GA

According to a press release from Lumpkin County School System PR Coordinator, Jason Lemley, the Lumpkin County Board of Education and Superintendent, Dr. Rob Brown, recognized Vulcan Materials Company as the October Partner in Education.

Lemley stated that the Partner in Education program, “welcomes the involvement of all of our stakeholders, (students, faculty, staff, parents, and community). A partnership is a mutually agreed upon arrangement where both the school and the business, individual or organization is intended to benefit our schools, our students, our faculty, staff and families.”

Lemley also explained that Vulcan Materials was recognized this month due to their “recent donation, delivery and placement of a spirit rock for Long Branch Elementary School.” The LBES spirit rock will allow the school to show their school spirit and “encourage pride in the tribe!”

Plant Manager, Bill Wilson, and company mechanic and LBES parent, Josh Kilpatrick, are representing Vulcan Materials during this recognition.

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East Ellijay Police Officer Arrested. Theft by Taking

Featured, Featured Stories

The GBI arrested East Ellijay Police Office Michael McClure at approximately noon today February 14th 2018.  A copy of Booking report and warrant below.  FYN has requested a statement from the GBI and East Ellijay Police Chief Larry Callahan.

Below is a Press Release Statement from East Ellijay Chief of Police, Larry Callahan.

Lumpkin County Schools lands top 10 finalist for inaugural Governance Team of the Year Award

Community, Education

LUMPKIN, GA

The Lumpkin County School System has been named one of the top ten finalists for the inaugural Governance Team of the Year Award, presented by the Georgia School Boards Association.

Lumpkin County Schools named top 10 for GSBA Governance Team of the Year

Lumpkin County Superintendent Dr. Rob Brown, told Fetch that, “We are proud for the Lumpkin County School System to be selected as a Finalist for this award. To be recognized in the Top 10 out of 180 school systems for any award is an honor. While always keeping the best interests and needs of our students in mind, our school board and our leadership team are always working to support our incredibly talented group of educators in Lumpkin County. This recognition is a small reflection of the many great things happening in Lumpkin County Schools.”

Lumpkin County Board of Education member, Mera Turner, also expressed her excitement over receiving the honor, “Proud that we were 1 of the 10 systems in Georgia selected for this award.  I want to thanks all the Governance teams for their hard work and dedication to the students of Lumpkin County Schools.”

GSBA President and Rockdale County Board of Education member explains that, “This group of ten school districts from all over Georgia exemplify what it means to achieve at the highest levels. We are very pleased with this inaugural class for the Governance Team of the Year.”

According to the GSBA website, the award will be presented on December 6, 2018, during the banquet at the 2018 GSBA/GSSA Annual Conference in Atlanta, “To one Georgia public school district’s board of education and superintendent who have achieved all-around success in their district.”

 

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]

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.

 

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]

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.”

 

LCHS Academic Team to compete on local student quiz show

Community, Indians Corner

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 class of 2018 ranks top 25 in ACT scores

Community, Education

LUMPKIN CO., GA

In a press release submitted by Lumpkin County School Superintendient, Dr. Rob Brown, the Lumpkin County class of 2018, “outperformed all other Pioneer RESA districts ” on the ACT test.

LCHS class of 2018 earned a composite score of, 21.7, exceeding the national average score of 20.57. Out of all of the districts in the state of Georgia, Lumpkin County ranked 13th, putting them in the top 25 district scores of 2018.

Lumpkin County Superintendient, Dr. Rob Brown, stated in regards to the outstanding performance that, ““We are extremely proud of our high school and the outstanding performance of our students. We have amazing educators at LCHS who push all students to reach their full potential. Although ACT scores are usually tied to a high school, this score is a reflection of our entire school system and the great work teachers in ALL of our schools do each day. Despite being a district that spends fewer dollars per student than most districts in our RESA, we are performing at the top. And we are proud of that!”

The American College Testing (ACT) is a standardized test that records general educational development of high school students.

Georgia on the ACT.

 

Rank Pioneer RESA

District

ACT

Composite Score

1 Lumpkin County 21.7
2 White County 21.5
Georgia Average 21.4
3 Habersham County 21.3
4 Hall County 21.2
National Average 20.8
5 Towns County 20.6
Pioneer RESA Average 20.57
6 Banks County 20.5
7 Dawson County 20.5
8 Rabun County 20.5
9 Union County 20.4
10 Franklin County 20.3
11 Stephens County 20.2
12 Hart County 20
13 Fannin County 19.8
14 Gainesville City 19.5

 

Georgia’s Top 25 District Scores 2018

Rank Georgia

School System

ACT

Composite Score

1 Decatur City 24.6
2 Forsyth County 24.5
3 Oconee County 24.2
4 Fulton County 23.7
5 Buford City 23.5
6 Fayette County 23.4
7 Cherokee County 23
8 Cobb County 22.8
9 Columbia County 22.8
10 Gwinnett County 22.6
11 Bryan County 22.3
12 Jefferson City 22.3
13 Lumpkin County 21.7
14 Bremen City 21.6
15 Gilmer County 21.6
16 Oglethorpe County 21.5
17 Pike County 21.5
18 White County 21.5
19 Coweta County 21.4
20 Effingham County 21.4
21 Morgan County 21.4
22 Dalton City 21.3
23 Habersham County 21.3
24 Haralson County 21.3
25 Pickens County 21.3

 

 

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]

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