Carroll County Superintendent of Education Billy Joe Ferguson is hoping for the best for the new school year.
“It’s been quite a challenge. It’s been the hardest year I’ve ever had finding teachers,” Ferguson said.
The district has lost one of its counselors and 11 teachers, including some special education teachers.
School for teachers and other staff will begin on Aug. 1.
The first day for students is Aug. 8. Ferguson said he’s expecting around 1,000 students this year.
The district has taken J.Z. George Middle School, which is housed at J.Z. George High School, and combined its administration with that of the North Carrollton high school.
The school, still referred to as J.Z. George High School, will teach students in sixth through 12th grades.
Its principal, Coretta Green, was formerly the principal of the middle school. Charles Rawls is the new assistant principal.
The high school lost its band director, Lane Thompson, and the district has hired Michael Williams as his replacement. Shelby Stapleton will be the assistant band director.
Basketball coach Ira Peterson will be replaced by Jonathan Childs.
Ferguson a new vocational program will be offered this year. The course is known as “Law and Public Safety” and involves a series of educational pods, which cover a variety of subjects. “They teach EMT, among other things,” he said.
It is similar to an existing high school program regarding the construction trades, such as electrical, plumbing and carpentry, Ferguson said.
He said he’s a little concerned that supplies needed for the program are dependent upon state educational funding.
“Right now, the money situation is likely to put it on hold,” Ferguson said.
Renovation work at Marshall Elementary included new library shelving. At the school’s kindergarten building, bathroom remodeling, repainting and removing old carpeting were completed.
Ferguson said all of the work was done in house.
“I’m happy. I think they’re happy,” he said, referring to the teachers, who help select the colors for the building.
Enrollment may be done at both schools from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday.
nContact Bob Darden at 581-7239 or bdarden@gwcommonwealth.com.
