VALDOSTA – With a fairly short agenda, Lowndes County Schools Board of Education took time to recognize a faculty member with an award Monday evening.

LCS Interim Superintendent Sandra Wilcher took the forefront announcing the recipient.

“We started the Spotlight Award in an effort to highlight the people who go beyond the call of duty and to bring attention to the system in a positive way in a manner that builds the climate and culture of our school system. Tonight, we want to give the Spotlight Award to someone from Lowndes High School and that is Jason Bussey,” she announced.

Wilcher continued reading a brief description about Bussey, who serves as the school nutrition program manager for Lowndes High School. His nomination was received from LHS Principal LeAnne McCall.

McCall wrote, “From his willingness to try new menu items for the students, although they love grilled cheese and vegetable soup, to adding the salad bar back for teachers, he’s made the lunch experience for everyone better. He’s always positive and kind to his fellow employees, to students at Lowndes High and faculty and staff.”

Wilcher said Bussey went above and beyond immediately after Hurricane Idalia. He made the LHS Cafeteria available to prepare a meal for over 650 linemen who were working to restore the community. He also prepared breakfast for school maintenance employees tending to damage on Lowndes campuses.

Bussy said he was shocked to receive the award. He was supported by his attending family members.

Other actions

Ken Overman, the assistant superintendent of finance and operations, presented the financial report for September.

The meeting continued with Assistant Superintendent Dr. Rodney Green and board celebrating the LHS 2023 graduation rate of 91.2%.

Executive Director of Facilities and Operations Jeff Hill notified the board on the progress of the LHS band, soccer and track building.

Hill said, “I can happily report that the progress over there has picked up significantly. The architect, the engineer and myself met last week with concerns that we had and issues with some structuring.”

He said all issues have been resolved and that the job site area has been cleaned up.

Chairman Ronnie Weeks asked, “Do you have any idea about the completion date?”

Hill responded there has not been a shortening of the completion date at this point.

Two other projects Hill mentioned were the Central Office addition and the Dewar Elementary School classroom addition. Both projects have seen progress. The school project will have a groundbreaking in about early spring and he anticipates it taking about 14 to 16 months to finish.

The board unanimously approved the finance report and the location changes for board work sessions prior to adjourning for executive session. Board member Amy Stecz of District 6 was absent from the vote.

The next scheduled Lowndes County Schools Board of Education meeting will be Monday, Nov. 6, at 6 p.m. at Lake Park Elementary.