Board Approves Redistricting Map
Board of Education, Community, Indians Corner January 11, 2022
LUMPKIN COUNTY, Ga.- The Lumpkin County Board of Education approved the redistricting map at the board meeting on Jan. 10.
The board also approved personnel changes at the meeting. They recognized the First Lego League teams and Ideal Indians as well.
The redistricting map happens every ten years after the census to ensure that each district has an equal population. The map is the same one that the County Commissioners approved. For more information on that meeting visit https://lumpkin.fetchyournews.com/2021/12/22/2021-indian-super-bowl-champs-recognized/.
The changes to the districts are very minor. There was more growth in the city than there was in the county and the map reflects those changes.
The next item that was approved was personal recommendations by Superintendent Dr. Brown. There are four new hires for the following positions paraprofessional, part-time literacy coach, custodian, and secretary.
There is one retirement and one resignation that was approved. There was one transfer to another job and a new substitute hired.
Finance Director Shannon Christian presented the board with the Nov. finance reports. As of Nov., the board had collected 75% of the tax revenue, today it is closer to 90%. The CARES Act 1 and 2 money has now been expended and drawn out. Lastly, the FY21 Audit has begun and should take about two weeks.
The Nov. Financial Report.
The board took time to recognize the First Lego League teams at the meeting. There are currently three teams, one a Blackburn elementary and the other two at the middle school. These teams use STEM education in practical ways to build robots that then compete against other schools. For more information on First Lego League visit https://www.firstlegoleague.org/.
The Blackburn First Lego League Team. Left to Right Steven Garbuzovas, Jackson Gerholdt, Sheil Sandoval-Lopez, Eileen Sandoval-Lopez, and Wyatt Strayhorn.
This is the third year competing for the Hyper X team from Middle School. The first year they were champions, the second year they won two virtual awards and this year so far they have won the Innovative Project Award.
The Hyper X team. From Left to right Mathieu Weber, Braxton Mills, William Giles, Brewer Dansby-Sparks, Solomon Alhadeff, and Vera Carson.
The other middle school team is made up of middle school and elementary school kids. They are called Hybrid Haul and this is their first year competing and so far they have won the Engineering Excellence Award.
The Hybrid Haul Team. From Left to Right Jack Esternson, Kelton Hahbitsky, Grant Dansby-Sparks (LBES), Bowen Aiken (LCES), Connor Meye(LBES), Makayla Prosser, and Cooper Sexton.
Lastly, the board recognized this month’s Ideal Indians. They are Haley Cain, Alexandra Valdez, Julie Knight-Brown, Ursula Luesing, and Radford Windham. These educators and the nurse were nominated for their actions in the schools to help students succeed.
The January Ideal Indians. From Left to right Alexandra Valdez, Haley Cain, Ursula Luesing, Julie Knight-Brown, and Radford Windham.
Senate releases proposed Congressional Map, moves Clyde out of Ninth?
Featured News, Featured Stories, News September 27, 2021
ATLANTA – The proposed Senate Congressional Map, presented by Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan and Senator John F. Kennedy, Chairman of the Senate Redistricting and Reapportionment Committee, makes significant changes to the Ninth District.
The map places Jackson County in the Tenth District. Ninth Congressman Andrew Clyde (R-Ga) resides in Jackson County. If the proposed map passes, Clyde could no longer serve as the Ninth Representative.
The proposed map places Pickens County entirely in the Ninth District. Also, Forsyth County moves entirely into the Sixth District and out of the Ninth. Madison, Elbert, and part of Clarke shift into the Tenth District as well.
Northern Gwinnett becomes part of the Ninth District and out of the Fourth but remains in the Seventh and Tenth.
The Senate bill will now go to the house and then into conference.
Every 10 years, the legislature redraws district lines according to Census population data. The political future of the state often hangs in the balance. Currently, Republicans control the House and Senate in the General Assembly.
“It is clear that this map not only meets principles of redistricting, but we are proud to present a map that regardless of political party, Georgians can be proud of,” said Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan. “Ensuring that any maps we produce are fair, compact, and keep communities of interest together, will continue to be of upmost importance.”
“Even given the delay of official Census numbers, the Senate Redistricting Committee has diligently worked to ensure that we hear from citizens across all regions of the state,” said Chairman John F. Kennedy. “Looking at this map, it is obvious that Georgians have been heard, and will continue to be heard.”
Georgia has 14 U.S. House seats, 56 state senators, and 180 state house members. 2020 Census data placed 10.7 million people in Georgia. Districts should have an equal number of people across those U.S. House, state senate, and state house districts.
Lawmakers on the Joint Reapportionment Committee are responsible for developing the new district maps. Sometime later this fall, the General Assembly will convene a special session concerning redistricting in Georgia.