South Tattnall Elementary School (STES) teacher Amy Quick has been selected as the system wide Special Education (SPED) Teacher of the Year in addition to the honor for her school of STES. The award is known as the Denna Ansley Maddox Special Education Teacher of the Year Award, in memory of Denna, who was a former Special Education Director for the Tattnall school system; she died in 2022. She was well known and highly respected as a champion for special education.
Other SPED teachers selected for their various schools include Shymekia McClain for North Tattnall Elementary School (NTES); Patricia Archer for North Tattnall Middle School (NTMS); Laura Rahn for South Tattnall Middle School (STMS); and Jennifer Rogers, for Tattnall County High School (TCHS).
The Special Education Teacher of the Year awards were presented at the Monday, February 26, 2024, Tattnall County Board of Education (BOE) meeting, with Denna Ansley Maddox's daughter-in-law, Belen Oliver, assisting in the presentation of the plaques.
Amy Quick was lauded by her principal, Dr. Kristi Kaiser, for her 22 years of dedication as a teacher, and especially her devotion to special education students.
"She is the epitome of a special education teacher. She is compassionate but also firm in her expectations. She has never encountered a behavior problem that she could not handle on her own. She is immaculate with her paperwork as well, which is always appreciated," said Principal Kaiser.
NTES Special Education Teacher of the Year Shymekia McClain was complimented by her principal, Christine Jenkins, for her dependability, patience, kindness, and humble demeanor while also always willing to help a fellow educator or student.
NTMS educator Patricia Archer was lauded by Principal Donny Sikes for her teamwork among the staff, and going above and beyond what is expected of her, such as attending most of the athletic events and other student activities, with the knowledge that this builds relationships with students.
Laura Archer, STMS Special Education Teacher of the Year, was commended by Assistant Principal Tori Flowers as a true advocate for her students and a teacher who makes sure that her students receive what they need.
Jennifer Rogers, TCHS Special Education Teacher of the Year, is yet another devoted special education teacher, who left teaching in the business department to follow her heart into special education. Principal Justin Flowers described Jennifer as one of the most selfless individuals he had even known. She encourages a family atmosphere in her classroom, and her paraprofessional, Tonja Anderson, was profuse in complimenting Jennifer, referring to her as an amazing and compassionate educator.
Another BOE agenda item included the approval of Graham's Floor Covering in Reidsville for the TCHS flooring project, with their bid of $408,000 for removal and replacement of the tile at TCHS with LVT/LVP and also to be placed over the existing epoxy hallways. The time table for the work is May 30, 2024, to July 23, 2024. Other bids were received from TQ Constructors, Inc., of Metter for $445,000 and a $650,000 bid from United Grounds Maintenance Services, Inc., of Glennville.
Several items were agreed to be placed on Gov.Deals, which included a 2006 International 29-passenger bus for special needs with AC and a wheelchair ramp; a 2006 International 72-passenger bus; a 2007 International 72-passenger bus; a 2007 International 66-passenger bus; and a 2005 International 66-passenger bus.
In addition to the approval of K-12 and Pre-K certified personnel for the 2024-25 school year, the BOE members accepted over a dozen resignations and retirements as follows: resignations from STES: Chelsey Dansby and Michelle Pratt; from NTES: Chrystal Hines; from STMS: Logan Stanfield, Jeanie Thompson, Jamie Poplin, and Haleigh Moses; from TCHS: Megan Hart and Nathan Lott. Those retiring are as follows: from STMS: Teresa Thompson; from NTES: Joyce Mead, Jennifer Brown, Donna Lynn, and Jean Landman; and NTMS: Rikki Lamb and Marilyn Shehee.
Certified staff hired for the 2024-25 school year are at TCHS: Assistant Principal Amy Scott and teachers Richard Winbigler, Zack Stanaland, Hope McLendon, and Concepcion "Connie" Presas; and at STES: teachers Jaylon Kelly and Sherri Collins.
Non-certified staff personnel hired include bus drivers Kimberly Craft and Joseph Jenkins and bus monitors Charlize "Bella" Scott and Brittany Rahn.
