On Tuesday, the Baldwin County Board of Education was recognized by the School of Continuing & Professional Studies at Georgia College & State University for receiving this year’s collaboration award.
Executive Director of the School of Continuing & Professional Studies Angela Criscoe, along with Director of Academic Outreach Ruth Eilers, were in attendance to present the school board with the collaboration award.
The school district’s collaboration efforts have assisted in providing resources for students such as clothing, school supplies, tutors, after-school programs, a school-based healthcare clinic, and many other assets.
“We love to partner with the Baldwin County School District because you care about the well-being of all students, their families, and the community. We have always found working with Baldwin County Schools to be an admirable experience and we appreciate the work of Dr. Price and your team,” stated Criscoe.
Criscoe continued by commending the district’s willingness to problem solve, think innovatively, foster relationships, and adapt to needs before presenting the award.
Superintendent Dr. Noris Price and Chief Financial Officer Samantha Jenkins then presented their tentative budget for the 2025 fiscal year for board approval. The proposed budgeted expenses come out to be $58, 345, 596, with 84% of the expenses consisting of personnel, while the other 15% is operational.
The board approved the tentative budget, and the first of two public budget hearings will be held May 21 at the Early Learning Center. The final budget will be presented June 11 at the board meeting.
The finance department was recognized for receiving an unmodified audit by the Georgia Department of Audits & Accounts. Dr. Price noted that their financial reporting has been reliable and accurate every year for over 10 years.
Amber Morris from the United Way of Central Georgia was in attendance to recognize those in Baldwin County who helped to raise money last year and present them with a check for $14,588.25 raised in memory of the past district coordinator, Ola-Scott-Little.
“Over 12,000 families and individuals were impacted in that year's time frame because of the money that was raised here, and that is huge for Baldwin County. We see the growth that has taken place here. We see the people that believe in a better and brighter tomorrow, and I can't help but think that is in great part to Dr. Price, the Board of Education, and the teachers, students, and faculty here in Baldwin County,” said Morris.
Danika Biyogmam was recognized for being named valedictorian at Baldwin County High School, and Kiersten Smith for being named salutatorian. Smith was also acknowledged for being selected as a Gates Scholar. Known for its rigor and prestige, the Gates Scholarship is highly selective, with Dr. Price noting that only 750 scholars out of 53,000 applicants were chosen in the nation.