CORDELE – Crisp County Board of Education members adopted a proposal for a new school nurse program at their June meeting Tuesday night.

They also honored a number of retirees and accepted a plaque recognizing the school system’s accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Previously, the school system has been working with Crisp Regional Hospital to provide nursing services at the elementary schools. Funds for the program have been steadily decreased by the state, however, and the hospital has indicated that it can no longer provide services as it has done in the past.

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Michael Lehr presented a proposal that would cost the system just under $74,000 annually for personnel and professional development.

The plan calls for hiring one registered nurse who will be housed at O’Neal, but will travel to all the schools and supervise medical services on other campuses.

Existing personnel at each elementary school who already have been handling first aid and dispensing medications will receive supplements for performing these extra duties. Additional training also will be provided for these persons.

The maximum cost mentioned above includes the addition of the same services at the middle and high schools, should the board choose that option.

Another $9800 will be allocated for travel, supplies and incidental expenses.

A job description will be developed for the head nurse, Lehr said. Superintendent Dr. Judy Bean said this person could provide some sex education and work to combat a teen pregnancy problem that exists in the system. “The possibilities are limitless,” she said.

Last month, Dr. Bean recognized a number of retiring teachers. Nine more were honored this month, including Kay McClung, Kathy Nesbitt, Junior Peeples, Jim Mitchell, Kathy Adams, Willie Mae Dexter, Janet Robinson, Gwen Owens and Virginia Maddox.

On behalf of the Board, Chairman Erskine Weaver thanked all the retirees for what they have done for Crisp County children.

Lehr presented the accreditation plaque to Weaver. The system had gone through the evaluation process this past January.

Retiring Board member Colon Williams also received a plaque for his six years of service. He started serving in 2003, Dr. Bean said, and has been an advocate for sports and facilities during his tenure.

“I’m amazed at how much the system has grown in those years,” she said. Adding a personal note about her own retirement, she said, “I’m leaving at the best possible time. We are on top academically, and we have a fund balance most counties would die for.”