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THE MADISON COUNTY (GAf JOURNAL. THURSDAY. NOVEMBER 12, 2009 — PAGE 3A
Madison County may lean toward
charter school system in next decade
By Ben Munro
ben@mainstreetnews.com
Given the option of an IE2
school system or a charter
school setup, Madison County
may move toward a charter
system within the next four
years.
By law, school leaders must
designate by 2013 which
funding model it prefers.
“It does appear, for school
systems our size, that a charter
systemis the way to go between
the two,” Madison County
Schools Superintendent Mitch
McGhee said.
The charter format places an
emphasis on the local schools
having “a lot of empower
ment,” McGhee said.
The IE2 system is based on
achievement marks. Schools
face penalties if they don’t
meet those standards.
The IE2 format caters to
larger school districts, like
Gwinnett or Forsyth County,
McGhee said.
“That’s more of a big sys
tem issue,” he said.
There’s currently a $ 100-per-
student rate in state funding
associated with becoming a
charter school system. But
that funding may become lim
ited as more schools go that
route.
School officials will make
a presentation to the Madison
County Board of Education
after the Christmas holidays
regarding both options.
Central officials have already
seen 4-5 presentations regard
ing charter systems vs. the IE2
format.
The process to make the
switch takes about a year to a
year and a half.
“We’re going to need to start,
February or March, heading
down that road,” McGhee
said.
Fourth annual Madison County
Artist Market set for Saturday
By Margie Richards
margie@mainstreetnews.com
Over 30 local artists will sell their handmade works at the historic
courthouse on the square in Danielsville this Saturday, Nov. 14,
from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the fourth annual Madison County Artist
Market.
This pre-holiday market gives local residents a chance to pur
chase handmade items and gifts without having to travel outside the
county, said Laura Bowen co-coordinator of the artist market.
‘We are so fortunate to have a wealth of talented artists living right
here in Madison County,” said Bowen. “In fact, several of the coun
ty’s artists have been recognized both regionally and nationally.”
Bowen points out that just this past year, Pat and Janice Shields
were featured in Southern Living Magazine for their original, yet
traditional Southern pottery.
Stephanie Astalos-Jones was the focus of a Southern Living
Magazine article as well. Astalos-Jones is an artist and actress who
makes pysanky (Ukrainian eggs) and pysanky jewelry. The art
of pysanky is an ancient tradition full of symbolism and folklore,
Bowen noted.
Folk artist Peter Loose has had his work exhibited in museums
throughout the southeast. His work was also displayed across the
big screen in a recent Warner Brothers movie. Producers leased
Loose's artwork for scenes in the movie, Bowen said.
“So many of the artists participating in the market are very suc
cessful and have been selling and exhibiting their works around the
southeast and even nationally,” Bowen said. “Having them all come
together for this one special day will truly benefit our residents and
help to support our local economy.”
Pottery, jewelry, paintings, birdhouses, folk art, garden art, origi
nal block prints, candles, fiber crafts, porcelain painted items, wood
working, photography, and more will be available Saturday.
“Handmade gifts are a special way to honor the holiday season
and there is literally something for everyone on your list,” Bowen
said.
For a preview of the Madison County Artist Market, visit http://
madisoncountyartistmarket.blogspot.com/
Stephanie Astalos-Jones, an artist and actress, will
have her pysanky (Ukrainian eggs) and pysanky
jewelry at the market Saturday.
Barbara Read, Comer, has her blood drawn Monday
from Scott Veale, Red Cross blood collection techni
cian. Zach Mitcham/staff
‘The gift of life’
Madison Countians donate
blood to Red Cross Monday
By Zach Mitcham
zach@mainstreetnews.com
B arbara Read of Comer lay on one of the dona
tion beds in the Red Cross bus outside the county
library Monday, offering her blood for a stranger.
“I just want to help others in need,” she said. “I’m glad I'm
healthy enough to do it. I hope that some day, if I need it, it
will be available for me.”
The Red Cross Blood Donation bus was parked outside of
the county library for five hours Monday, with technicians
busy inside the big vehicle taking donations from willing
Madison Countians.
Sara Carter, who oversees the blood drive for the library,
said 47 people showed up to donate, with “33 good pints
collected.”
Scott Veale, Red Cross collection technician, said types O
and B negative are most in need. He said the most critical
times are usually in the summer and on the holidays when
schools are on vacation.
“But we’re always in need,” added Veale, noting that the
goal for Monday was 39 usable donations, which would
require about 50 donors.
The next scheduled blood drive at the library is May 10.
Carter noted that the library holds blood drives on the second
Monday in May and second Monday in November.
For more information on donating blood to the Red Cross,
contact 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543).
Madison) ournalT OD AY. com
BOC to hold budget meeting Nov. 18
The Madison County Board of Commissioners will meet
at 4 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 18, to consider the 2010 county
budget.
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