Montgomery Board of Education Honors Student FFA Members, 1991 Alumna and The Advance News Reporter

The Montgomery County Board of Education honored two student FFA members, an alumna from the graduating class of 1991 and a Vidalia news reporter during their monthly meeting on September 15 in the Montgomery County Board of Education’s Office in Mount Vernon.

The Board recognized two student state FFA members, including Area 4 Secretary Hannah Williamson and State Vice President Evan Hardeman, and asked both to speak about their experiences.

“This year has been an amazing opportunity for me to greater accomplish myself, shall I say, and gain more skills, especially when it comes to communication and working with others,” said Williamson. 

Both students spoke about their opportunities to meet and collaborate with other FFA members from several other states and even politicians such as U.S. Sen. Rev. Raphael Warnock. They also spoke about their upcoming plans, such as a career development event.

“Once you get into the [agriculture] world and the FFA world, and you keep coming back, you’re going to see the same faces over and over and over again,” said Hardeman. “So I think that’s probably the neatest thing about it, just making those connections and being able to hold those the rest of your life.”

The Board also announced the introduction of the Wall of Honor in the school gymnasium, a wall for plaques dedicated to Montgomery County alumni who have passed away. According to Board Chair Henry Price, the concept for the wall began after a suggestion by Heather Williams.

“Heather asked me, she says, ‘What can we do to honor people?’” said Price. “Well, I started dreaming of all kinds of things.”

After hearing suggestions from multiple faculty members, including a memorial garden, the school decided on the plaque wall as the best option.

The wall’s first plaque was dedicated to Debra Fernandez Tucker, a 1991 graduate who died Thursday, Nov. 24, 2024. The plaque was presented to Tucker’s husband, Billy Tucker, before being placed on the wall.

In addition, the board announced The Advance News’ reporter Makaylee Randolph as their nominee for the Georgia School Board Association’s Beacon Award. According to Superintendent Dr. Ronda Hightower, the award “underscores the vital role of informed journalism in shaping public understanding and dialogue around educational topics.”

Dr. Hightower also presented Randolph with a miniature lighthouse, claiming the gift represented Randolph’s role as a journalist.

“Just as a lighthouse guides ships safely to shore, Ms. Randolph shines a light on the complexities of public education, illuminating vital issues and offering clarity to our community,” said Dr. Hightower in the letter of recommendation for the award. “Her exemplary reporting serves as a beacon, helping to navigate the often turbulent waters of educational discourse.”

The award’s winners and finalists will be announced on Nov. 10 and recognized on Dec. 5 during the Georgia School Board Association Conference in Atlanta.

Price announced they had nominated Dr. Hightower for State Superintendent of the Year.

The board also announced Reggie Ricks as their pick for the Recognizing Inspirational School Employees Award. According to Dr. Hightower, Ricks and his wife also helped the school pass its annual bus safety inspection with “flying colors.”

Ricks also requested the Board purchase a new special education bus. He suggested a bus from Thomas Built Buses featuring a wheelchair lift and built-in booster seats for smaller children. 

Board Member Eugene Ward offered a motion to purchase the bus, which passed unanimously, and the Board decided to wait six months to buy a second bus.

At Dr. Hightower’s request, the board also considered a bid to repair a section of the school’s track which had been damaged due to students landing on the spot while practicing long jumps. While not originally on the meeting’s agenda, Dr. Hightower asked the bid be added to the agenda, as Montgomery County will be hosting the regional tract meet.

Board Member Susan Beard offered a motion to accept a $66,500 bid for the track repair, which passed unanimously.

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Scott Barrow delivered an HR, safety and facilities report in which he announced the introduction of an anonymous tip line for students. Mandated by Georgia House Bill 268, the tip line, Class Link, can be accessed via a student’s Chromebook.

“If they know something that is a school threat or imminent danger to the school system, we know that they’re going to know before we do because of social media, just talking to their classmates and peers, so it just gives them a way to report that 24/7,” said Dr. Barrow.

The board also accepted a resignation and two hires, including one paraprofessional and one substitute teacher.

The board also heard a financial report, delivered by Financial Director Mylinda Moore.

According to the report, as of Aug. 31, 2025, the revenues for the fiscal year total $2,416,794.56, which is 18.6 percent of the schools’ projected revenue for the 2026 fiscal year. For expenditures, the schools have spent $3,203,129.28, which is 23.36 percent of the projected budget.

As of Aug. 31, the fund balance totalled $5,817,600.66; the accounts payable report totalled $1,671,699.20; the open purchase orders report totalled $260,937.21 and the SPLOST balance totalled $826,897.26.

At the school level, the Montgomery County Elementary School balance totaled $42,321.53, and the Montgomery County Middle and High School balance totalled $116,135.26.

Board Member Beard offered a motion to accept the financial report, which passed unanimously. The board also approved multiple fundraisers following a motion from Board Member John O’Conner, which passed unanimously.