Kimberly Cannon | The Valdosta Daily TimesThe Valdosta Board of Education met for a retreat at the Teaching and Learning Center Friday. 

VALDOSTA — School officials want to solve capacity issues at Valdosta Middle School and J.L. Newbern Middle School, provide internet access to all students but weighed the pros and cons of a student trip to Ghana.

The issues were reviewed Friday during the Valdosta Board of Education retreat held in Valdosta.

According to data presented at the meeting, Valdosta Middle School is at 111 percent capacity, and J.L. Newborn is at 89 percent capacity. Dr. Todd Cason, Valdosta superintendent of schools, projected that J.L. Newbern will face similar capacity issues in the future.

Kelly Wilson, chair of the board, proposed merging the schools by making Valdosta Middle School a sixth- and seventh-grade school and making J.L. Newbern an eighth-grade academy. The academy would benefit eighth-graders due to J.L. Newbern’s close proximity to Valdosta High School.

The board also discussed adding a second story to Valdosta Middle School, which would add 16 more classrooms, according to Cason. 

Cason said, as of now, Valdosta Middle School will temporarily displace teachers until additions are available. 

The board discussed plans to provide all students with internet access. 

Cason proposed establishing internet hubs throughout the community, which would function like Wi-Fi hotspots. He said the internet cost could be covered by E-Rate. The board noted the possibility of partnering with the city to provide internet access. 

Board members discussed plans for a school trip to Ghana that would be a year and a half to two years in the future. 

The board proposed sending an advanced team to Ghana to observe the school prior to the official trip, identifying a capable leader to organize the trip and placing more focus on the middle school students who would attend, rather than high school students. 

However, board members were not entirely in agreement regarding the trip. 

Warren Lee, District 3 board member, said he did not support the Ghana trip, due to safety concerns and the disorganization of the previous Ghana trip. 

“It’s a little shaky (of a) trip right now,” Lee stated. 

Stacy Bush, at-large board member, said he understands concerns about safety but supports the trip. 

“I’m of the mindset that we need to act for safety, but I also believe that we need to act in the best interest of allowing these kids to be participants in helping make the world a better place, and the only way they’re going to do that is if they have a world view that allows them to understand cultures around the world,” Bush said. 

A State of the District presentation will be presented at the next Valdosta Board of Education Meeting, 7 p.m., Sept. 12, at the Valdosta City School Superintendent Office, 1204 Williams St. Board of Education meetings are open to the public.

Kimberly Cannon is an Intern Reporter with The Valdosta Daily Times. Her extension is 1376.