Local school districts are hosting a series of public meetings in the coming weeks to discuss their futures.
Columbus Municipal School District will host a parents meeting to discuss ideal characteristics for a new Columbus High School principal on March 17 at 5:00 p.m. in the CHS cafeteria. Former principal Jill Savely left to take the principal position at Golden Triangle Early College High School this semester. Johnnie Johnson, a retired administrator and educator, has taken the position on an interim basis.
CMSD is also hosting a series of four meetings to discuss the new “Pathways to Graduation” academic program the district has recently implemented. The first such meeting is Thursday, March 19 at Townsend Community Center. Additional meetings will be held Tuesday, March 24 at Brandon Central Services, on Thursday, March 26 at Sim Scott Community Center and on Tuesday, March 31 at Columbus Boys and Girls Club. All meetings are scheduled for 6:00 p.m.
County meetings
Outside city limits, the Lowndes County School District is hosting a series of meetings at all three campuses to discuss the proposed $44 million bond issue voters will decide on May 12.
West Lowndes High School will host a informational meeting at 6 p.m. on March 19. Caledonia’s meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on March 26. A meeting at New Hope High School had been canceled prior to spring break due to weather and is being rescheduled.
Superintendent Lynn Wright said he and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Robin Ballard will lead a panel of community members at the meetings. Wright said that panel will include representatives of Lowndes County’s business community, project architect Joey Henderson and other leaders. The panel will answer questions from parents and community members about the $44 million bond issue.
If passed, the $44 million bond will include: $11 million for a centralized career-technical center; $26 million for a new high school on the New Hope campus; $3 million for upgrades and additions at the Caledonia campus; $1.9 million for a new field house at Caledonia; and $2 million for renovations on the West Lowndes campus.
The bond issue will not require a local tax increase, according to district consultant Jim Young.
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