The Oconee County Board of Education held its first three sessions — the July regular meeting and two public hearings — in the new Instructional Support Center on Monday.

During the July regular meeting, the Board unanimously voted to approve the following items on the agenda: 

• The purchase of a combination oven for Colham Ferry Elementary from Manning Brothers of Athens with a bid of $45,013.76.

• The Lighthouse memorandum of understanding.

• The Local School Board Training Plan 2024-2025.

• FY 2024 budget amendments for the general fund and federal funds.

• Personnel recommendations, including the naming of Kimberly Griffith as the new assistant principal at Dove Creek Elementary School. 

The Board also took off the table and approved GARH: Employee Leaves and Absences; JGCD: Medication; and DIB: Financial Reports. The Superintendent of Schools and the Teaching and Learning, Student Services, Special Education, Technology, Business Services, Human Resources, Operations, Facilities, and Communications divisions delivered reports. Dr. Mike Eddy represented Dove Creek Middle as the school’s Points of Pride and artwork display were shown. One citizen addressed the Board during the Public Communication portion.

Earlier on Monday, the Board held two public hearings on the recommended total millage rate of 14.25 mills for Fiscal Year 2025. Three citizens addressed the Board at each hearing. The final public hearing on the millage rate will be held on Monday, July 8, at 6 p.m. The Board then will hold a special session at 7 p.m. to approve the millage rate. A simultaneous broadcast of the sessions will be available on the Oconee County Schools YouTube channel. Meetings will be recorded and posted to the OCS YouTube channel within 48 hours.  

Oconee County residents are invited to attend all Board of Education sessions in the Instructional Support Center at 71 North Main Street in Watkinsville.