VALDOSTA — The Valdosta Board of Education approved two school trips but expressed concerns for an overseas trip earlier this week during its regular meeting. 

The Sallas Mahone Tome Student Literacy Society Trip, March 12-13, 2018, to the University of North Georgia for Tome competition and the Sallas Mahone fifth grade Atlanta trip, May 8-9, 2018, were both approved by the board. 

However, during a presentation for a possible 2018 Ghana trip, the board did not express unanimous support. 

Marilyn Johnson said for the 2018 Ghana exchange program, Valdosta City Schools would partner with VRA International Schools, a different school from a prior trip, and VCS students would be able to visit the schools’ three locations: Akosombo, which would be VCS’s main partner school, as well as Akuse and Aboadze.

Warren Lee, District 3 board member, expressed unease about the trip during the presentation.  

“My concern is still the security of the students,” Lee said.

Lee said he does not feel comfortable approving an abroad trip for students at this time with what is occurring around the world today.  

Johnson said she feels secure with the parents’ decisions on sending their children abroad and the measures taken here for safety and in Ghana are similar. 

“Believe me, I would not want to go or take students anywhere where I felt that they were in danger,” Johnson said. “Ghana has a very good record of safety.” 

Johnson also said unlike in the past, one person is no longer running the program, as it’s now a group effort with committees having been formed with Valdosta State University professors and VCS teachers, so the trip can run more smoothly than previous trips. 

The board has not yet called a vote regarding the reinstatement of the Ghana exchange program. 

More information on the Ghana schools is available at vra.com/vraschools/.

Members of the VCS middle school volleyball team were recognized for its undefeated season of 10-0 during the team’s second year of competing. 

Athletic Director Reginald Mitchell introduced the team to the board. 

“We want to say congratulations and we’re proud of you all, and we’re excited about the direction of the volleyball program,” Mitchell said. 

Mitchell also introduced the Valdosta High School boys cross-country team, commending its members for winning regions the second year in a row. 

Dr. Janice Richardson, principal of Valdosta High School, spoke to the board about having graduation at the stadium, prom at the new VHS and moving back to block scheduling. 

Richardson will provide more information at the next board meeting. 

The Nov. 28 work session was canceled, and the next scheduled meeting is 7 p.m., Dec. 12, at 1204 Williams St.

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