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It’s happening again

2019 high school reclassification — It’s déjà vu all over again.

In 2016, the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) implemented the 3% rule, a rule intended to improve competitive balance in classifications 2A, 3A, and 4A. This rule targeted enrollment from out of district. Seven private and city schools initially moved up in classification.

During the three years prior to the implementation of the 3% rule — 2013-2015 — five private schools won 52 state titles. These five schools, 4% of all schools in 3A and 4A, won 32% of state titles. During the three years after the implementation of the 3% rule — 2016-2018 — seven private schools won 53 state titles. These seven schools, 6% of all schools in 3A and 4A, won 33% of state titles. The three years prior to the 3% rule, 3A/4A Buford won 10 state titles. The three years following implementation of the 3% rule, 5A Buford won 15 state titles.

GHSA’s current proposal replaces the 3% rule with a 2.0 multiplier. This multiplier will double count any student outside a school’s enrollment district. A school will not move up more than one classification.

The current proposal will move Buford and 3A/4A private schools down in classification, then back up. GHSA’s objective is not competitive balance, it’s to move a few more schools up in classification. Private schools will still dominate in 3A and 4A.

Alan Henderson

Watkinsville

 

Schley auction a great success

I want to commend Nancy McMath Young, President, and all members of the Ellaville-Schley County Historical Society for conducting a very successful benefit Auction on Saturday, Sept. 14 at the Thomas Wall American Legion in Ellaville. I would also like to thank the Lonesome Road Bluegrass Gospel Band for providing entertainment for the event. Special thanks also go to Brandon Albritton for preparing the delicious Bar-B-Que that everyone enjoyed for dinner. Over 150 lbs of BBQ was sold at the event. Thanks to BO Barrow of Barrow Guns in Butler for donating a Ruger Semi-Automatic 22 Rifle for the Auction. All proceeds from the Auction, BBQ, and quilt raffle will be used to preserve the history of Ellaville and Schley County.

Over 200 items were donated for the auction by area businesses, industry, historical society members and local individuals. Items included everything from a “Deer Jumping Fence” painting by local artist Eva Clark, a toy John Deer Tractor with Equipment donated by the local John Deere Dealership in Americus, a pair of Georgia boots donated by Shiver Hardware, a set of Crescent tools and Jack stands donated by ACE Hardware, a propane fish cooker donated by Partner’s Propane to two yearly subscriptions donated by The Americus Times Recorder and The Stewart/Webster Patriot Citizen newspapers. The beautiful handmade quilt was won by the Ellaville Lions Club.

A very special thanks to the Auction Committee whose members are too numerous to mention.  The committee was so efficient that they organized, displayed, numbered and set up the auction within three hours. The clerk, cashiers, displayers and ring men did an excellent job to make the auction both exciting and fun. Thanks to their diligent work, we were able to complete the auction in a little over 2 hours.

Over 100 people attend the Annual Auction and BBQ to show support for the organization’s continuing efforts to preserve our past. I would like to thank all the supporters who attended the auction each year, as well as all the businesses and industries throughout Schley County and surrounding areas that donate goods and services each year for this worthy cause. Without your continued support, preservation efforts would not be possible.

It is important that we preserve the history of Ellaville and Schley County.  The Ellaville/Schley County Historical Society provides an excellent venue for preservation efforts to begin.

John T. Greene, coordinator

Georgia Family Connection, Schley County Collaborative

Ellaville