Dougherty County School System works deal to lower students graduation costs

ALBANY — The Dougherty County School System breezed through a relatively light agenda at its regular mid-month meeting Wednesday.

Prior to the meeting, Assistant Superintendent Jack Willis put forth a proposal that, through a collaboration with cap-and-gown vendors and its four high schools, the Dougherty County School System has managed to reduce the cost of graduation for seniors.

This spring, a graduating senior will be able to walk across the stage and collect his or her diploma for $33.50. That cost is for the cap and gown. The diploma and diploma cover will be paid for by the Board of Education.

Previously, the costs associated with graduation fluctuated from high school to high school, with costs sometimes rising above $100 for graduation materials and supplies. To reduce those costs, the DCSS reached out to the vendors who supply caps, gowns and diploma covers, as well as the four high school principals. The group was able to negotiate a deal that worked in the best interest of the students and the vendors.

“The intent is to standardize and reduce the cost of graduation for students who reach that level,” Assistant Superintendent Jack Willis, who spearheaded the effort, said. “This is the result of concerns over the expense to graduates and a lack of consistency from school to school.”

Graduates will still be able to purchase items over and above the cap and gown minimum, but those costs will vary by high school.

The proposal was was later approved by the board.

In a last-minute addition to the board agenda, former Dougherty County School System Police Chief Theotis Gervin was hired as a truancy officer for the system

In December of last year, Gervin was indicted on three counts of identity fraud for using an EBT card without authorization from the card’s true owner. In the charges, Gervin was accused of willfully and fraudulently using the card at Sam’s Club, a Dollar General store and a Harvey’s supermarket, all located in Dougherty County.

Gervin later settled those charges.

In other action items, the board approved:

— a $212,465 change order for Albany High kitchen and cafeteria renovations;

— a $171,953 bid from Dukes, Edwards and Dukes for cosmetology lab modifications at the CCLPC;

— a $255,650 bid from Foam Solutions for waterproofing the east stands at Hugh Mills Stadium;

— awarding an Architectural Contract to Maschke Associates for Turner Elementary Phase II;

— a bid of $25,150 to James Unlimited for maintenance improvements at the Sylvandale Complex.

The next DCSS board meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 12.