EAST ELLIJAY, Ga. – Following into the new year and preparing for the 2022-2023 school year, the Gilmer Board of Education took the next step in personnel approvals for the coming term.

Last month, the process started, as it does annually, with approval for administrators. Unanimous approvals came for most in the Board offices and school principals with Dana Berry having two abstained votes and Carla Foley receiving one abstained and one no vote. This month, the second step comes as the board approves staff for the schools as presented by those administrators.

In addition to the monthly personnel changes that were approved, the board unanimously approved certified staff and staff for every school. Only certified personnel saw any differences in voting as board members Michael Parks abstained on Donna Parks and Jenna parks and board member Ronald Watkins abstained on Tina Watkins. The certified staff recommendations specifically noted the request for individual votes on these staff members in order to allow the board members to abstain on votes involving their relatives.

Also in preparation for the coming term, the Board of Education nominated Doug Pritchett as their legislative delegate and Michael Bramlett as his alternate for the summer legislative session. As delegate, Pritchett will represent the Gilmer BOE at the state session of the Georgia School Board Association (GSBA). He may also propose changes to the 2023 GSBA legislation on behalf of the board. Unanimous approval came for both representatives.

Amid the personnel and staffing preparations for the coming school year, Superintendent Dr. Brian Ridley announced that the board is looking at letters of intent and personnel and is planning on hosting a job fair next month. It will be held at the Gilmer Board of Education Administrative Building on March 2, 2022 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Additionally, Dr. Ridley also commented saying, “We may be hiring some people on the spot.”