JROTC Programs at North, South Paulding Approved; Contracts and Bids Get Nod

We live-blogged this morning's meeting on Twitter @DallasPatch. Below is our timeline of the meeting, with the most recent posts on top.

You can view the meeting's agenda here.

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11:14 a.m. And we're adjourned.

11:11 a.m.: Superintendent Cliff Cole informs the board that Georgia Power was chosen by district over GreyStone to supply power to middle school #9—both providers serve the area, but Georgia Power had the lower rate.

11:10 a.m.: And we're back! Board takes no action regarding two parent requests, which likely dealt with graduation participation.

10:59 a.m.: School board still in closed session. Part of the delay is that parents who spoke earlier this month on students not be allowed to walk at graduation have been invited in to talk to the board.

9:29 a.m.: Now board is headed to closed session. Student-related topics, personnel, land/legal issues set to be discussed.

9:26 a.m.: That's it for action items. We're onto points of information now.

9:25 a.m. $182,325 paving project at Union Elementary gets board approval. Cole says it'll basically serve as a fix and improvement for the school.

9:13 a.m.: Cole: District has been approved for Army Junior Reserve Officers' Training units at North, South Paulding high schools, something district has sought for several years. Cole said board action is needed because personnel positions have to be approved. And the measure gets board approval.

The two Army JROTC programs are slated to begin next school year. Board members gave the nod to four new positions in all—a senior army instructor and an army instructor at each school.

9:12 a.m.: Coweta-Fayette EMC gets the board's nod to supply natural gas.

9:11 a.m.: Board approves $22,750 bid from Ben Hill Roofing of Douglasville for South Paulding Middle School roof repair. Superintendent Cliff Cole says school has had roof issues for a while.

9:09 a.m.: Board now approves renewal of gas and diesel fuel bid from PK Oil Company of Dallas.

9:06 a.m.: Now, a renewal request for waste removal services with Waste Industries in Douglasville. Passes unanimously.

9:04 a.m.: Now looking at an list of assets to be disposed of, such as broken, obsolete, replaced items. Board members approve the list.

8:59 a.m.: Next up, an $11,670 contract with West Ga. Regional Library system. Amount is the same level the district is currently funding it. Library contract approved unanimously.

8:56 a.m.: Turner: Sidewalks make it safer for the students. Cable: From liability standpoint, sidewalks maybe decrease the district's liability. Motion to grant easement passed unanimously.

8:54 a.m.: Now into action agenda. City of Dallas requesting easements around Herschel Jones Middle School for sidewalks. City requesting that land owners donate right of way or easements needed for its North Johnson St. and Polk Ave. improvements.

8:52 a.m.: Cost of PCHS project rising because of increased scope of work and time constraints. Project had about a $450,000 price tag before.

8:47 a.m.: Turner now presenting info on Paulding County High vocational renovations. Running about $675,000. Electrical a big expense with project as building isn't within code. Once ceilings are opened up, could have asbestos issues.

8:45 a.m.: Turner is showing photos from the MS #9 site. Dust becomes an issue out there at times. Have had some unsuitable soils out there at times, but officials had taken that into account and project is under budget. Water/sewer 75 percent installed, storm sewers at 60%, first slab pour scheduled for next wk. Project on time or ahead for Aug. 2012 opening.

8:43 a.m.: Now Marty Turner is up to present info on the Paulding Co. High renovation project and middle school #9. 

8:41 a.m: Now Debbie Kelly is talking about the district's expanding of advanced courses in middle school core areas. Kelly: Advanced courses better prepare students for the rigor of high school.

8:37 a.m.: Board attorney Tom Cable said the parents could be discussing their students' grades, medical conditions, etc., which would make it private.

8:36 a.m. : First order of business: Board member Nick Chester raises concern about parent requests that are to be discussed in closed session later.