There were two special recognitions at the Coffee County Board of Education’s November School Board Meeting this week, the School Nutrition Department for receiving the Golden Radish Award and the presentation of the GSBA safety grant.
The Coffee County School System was recognized with the Golden Radish Award at the Honorary level for their accomplishments during the 2015-2016 school year, which include: locally grown foods were featured 178 days during the school year, and students regularly enjoyed local cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and green bell peppers in their salad bar. The Golden Radish Award publicly recognizes school districts for all aspects of farm to school, from local food procurement to hosting taste tests to gardening with students, and is awarded at Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Honorary Levels. Districts were evaluated on their work in ten different activities of farm to school.
The Georgia School Boards Association, Risk Management Services (RMS) recently announced the 2016-2017 Safety Grant recipients. The GSBA Safety Grants are in their second year. The grants are available to assist and improve safety infrastructure in local school systems.
“Safety of Georgia’s public school students and faculty have been and always will be a priority for us,” said Valarie Wilson, GSBA Executive Director. “We are excited to provide an opportunity to highlight and support our school districts in their important work of educating children.”
Last year’s Grant money totaled $25,000. This year’s total grant money awarded is $50,000. The GSBA RMS received 51 applications which represents 51% of the RMS membership, an increase of 21 from last year’s awards.
GSBA Director of Risk Management Services, Mrs. Trudy Sowar stated, “Our Risk Management Services staff are committed to ensuring our member schools receive the supports and resources needed to implement safety programs and procedures.”
All applications were sent to the GSBA office where a selection committee read and reviewed the entries. Three representatives from different departments of the GSBA Risk Management Services division reviewed the anonymous applications. All were evaluated on a comparative basis. Coffee County received a $5,000 grant in response to issues of multiple bus accidents, district will purchase video systems to help them have taped evidence when an accident occurs.
Pictured (L-R): Superintendent Dr. Morris Leis; Buddy Gilliard, Director of Transportation; Dr. James Banks, Assistant Superintendent; receive the GSBA Safety Grant.
– Submitted