VALDOSTA — Lowndes County Schools are in a contractual agreement with the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office to provide 15 school resource officers for the school system.

At the Aug. 13 board meeting, it was announced that three SROs will be present at Lowndes High School, while all other buildings and campuses will receive one SRO.

Dave Clark, board chairman, said the program costs $677,000.

“We believe this is money well spent to ensure our students’ and staffs’ protection,” School Superintendent Wes Taylor said.

The board unanimously approved the contract.

A new attendance policy was approved, which includes more additional clarification on unexcused absences.

The former policy read excessive absences for health reasons from students could require a physician’s note.

The new policy was made more specific to read “10 or more absences for health reasons,” and a physician’s note would be required to now consider those absences as excused.

For other unexcused absences, it will no longer be the case that a parent or guardian is to respond to the school after a third unexcused absence.

Instead, the school system will notify a parent or guardian with an outline of penalties and consequences after the fifth unexcused absence.

The new policy also outlines more specific consequences if the issue is taken to court, which could include “a fine of not more than $100, up to 30 days confinement in jail, community service or any combination for each offense.”

Renovations to Hahira Middle School heating, ventilation and air-conditioning equipment was approved by the board at the price of $38,500.

Jeff Hill, county schools facilities coordinator, said he only received one bid for the project from BFB Gladwin Architects.

The next board meeting will be 6 p.m., Sept. 10, at the board of education office. 

Katelyn Umholtz is a reporter with the Valdosta Daily Times. She can be contacted at (229)244-3400 ext. 1256.