The Tri-County Journal
& Chattahoochee Chronicle
PO Box 850, 71 Webb Lane
Buena Vista, GA 31803
229-649-6397
tjournal@alltel.net

By CRYSTAL RAINEY (From the May 17, 2006 issue)
   The Marion County Board of Education meeting for the month of May opened with the recognition of the passing of Lucille Tymes before board members proceeded with various items of school business.
   Melody Murray, curriculum director, spoke on the Early College Update. Georgia Southwestern State University is working with five surrounding counties with a program with the intention to help potential dropouts. The program is designed to keep children in school and Murray has attended almost every meeting to keep up-to-date on the program.
   The program allows a student to receive a high school diploma and a two-year college degree in only two years, but the program was designed for potential dropouts. Many students found interest in this program when suggested, including children who did not need the program. The cost is $2,500 per student and with so many showing interest the board agreed that it would not be a good idea to take part in the program.
   Next was the Principals’ Report by TCHS Principal Glenn Tidwell. The honors banquet was held on Thursday, May 11. Tri-County has just recently won three region championships. One went to girls’ track, and one to both girls’ and boys’ tennis. Also the Academic Decathlon team competed nationally and Ashley Shipp placed second in the Social Science Fair.
   Roger Presnell’s term is up on the MCHS School Council and Tidwell asked the board to reappoint him. The board approved.
   The changes for next year’s handbook have been discussed in the past meetings and it was said that the board would approve the changes this month. Principal Tidwell reviewed some of the changes with the board again, such as the proposal that a student will have to have a counseling session with their parents before being allowed to withdraw next year. Also, students will be allowed to bring cell phones to school, but they will have to be turned off. There were several changes, which the board approved.
   Driver’s Ed in the past has cost $75, but the price has been increased to $125 due to an increase in gas prices and insurance.