The-Press-Sentinel_473991

SECTION July 31, 2025 ......................................................... c Wayne County Press Established 1960 • Jesup Sentinel Established 1865 • Combined February 1977 • © 2021 Press-Sentinel Newspapers, Inc. By Drew Davis STAFF WRITER (Editor’s note: This sto- ry is the second part of a two-part series on Wayne County School Super- intendent Toni Williams’ outlook for the coming school year. This part includes her reflections on her first year as superin- tendent. The first part of the series can be viewed as part of this year’s first back-to-school section, available at no charge on The Press-Sentinel’s web- site—www.thepress-sen- tinel.com. ) It’s been almost a year since Wayne County School Superintendent Toni Williams took the reins of the school sys- tem (then as interim s c h o o l superinten- dent) on Sept. 28, 2024. The ensuing year has been “both challenging and rewarding,” Williams said in recent comments to The Press-Sentinel , noting that severe weath- er caused several school closings during the past school year. “Despite these chal- lenges, our staff remained resilient, and we maintained our focus on students,” she said. “Our team has embraced the motto ‘We are Wayne County’ and is committed to continuous improve- ment. “I am grateful for the support of our staff, school board and commu- nity, and I am excited about what we can accomplish together.” In regard to her general plans for the school sys- tem, she said, “I aim to improve the culture and climate of our district, improve academic achievement, and main- tain fiscal responsibility.” That third point is especially significant because the hiring of Williams—a former financial director for the school system—was prompted in part by financial concerns. Acting as an independent financial consultant last summer, Williams her- self had identified a need for improvement in the school system’s book- keeping. “Since being hired, my team has made signifi- cant progress in address- ing financial issues, cre- ating a fiscally sound budget, and being trans- parent with the school board and taxpayers,” she said. Online registration The biggest immediate task facing Williams is overseeing the beginning of a new school year. “Parents were informed about updating their child's school registration information via the par- ent portal for the 2025- 2026 school year,” Williams said. “The regis- tration process must be completed by Aug. 1 at 1 p.m. for students to receive their schedules at open house or on the first day of school.” (For more information about online registration for returning students— including how to get help from school librarians or at the school system’s tech center—see the story about online registration in the first back-to-school section, available at no charge on The Press- Sentinel ’s website, www.thepress-sentinel .com.) Capital projects “We are also undertak- ing several capital pro- jects, all funded by the E- SPLOST [special purpose local option sales tax for education], including roof replacements at both middle schools and the construction of new ag, ROTC and weight room/athletic multipur- pose facilities,” Williams said. The roof replacement at Arthur Williams Middle School began two weeks ago. “Once AWMS is com- plete, the crew will move on to Martha Puckett Middle School,” Williams said. “The roofing pro- jects should be complete by mid-September. “The new ag facility will be constructed on Joey Williamson Road between New Life Church and the high school track. The ROTC facility and weight room/athletic facility will be constructed on the high school’s main cam- pus. “We expect minimal disruption to instruction during the construction of these projects.” Groundbreaking cere- monies for the agricultur- al-education building and for the ROTC addition and weight room took place last week. Williams reflects on ‘challenging,’ ‘rewarding’ year LUCAS GRIFFIS / Staff Breaking ground for an ROTC addition and a new weight room at Wayne County High School are, from left, Pope Construction senior project manager Bill Vickery, Pope Construction owner Jeff Pope, Wayne County Board of Education members Todd Wise and Tina Moseley, School Superintendent Toni Williams, Board member Sheron Daniel, project architect Michael Waldbillig, and Board members Bruce Harris and Cary Yarbrough. Toni Williams After School Program Every weekday, 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. 1065 W. Cherry Street, Jesup, GA • 912-427-0435 Call the school for more details! Your child will be picked up from school, have karate lessons, gymnastics and study time with a snack- all before you get off work! EMMA MONI JACK JUDDY front: Judson Holley, Tyler Schrum, Sawyer Rice, Aidan VanNus, Jack Sikes back row: Moni Tomberlin, Dana McCaffrey, Corky Sikes, Amanda Sikes, Macyn Alexander TYLER **LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE** •Pre-school and kindgergarten combos Home of the Young Attitudes Dancers Competition Team DANCE CENTER Ages 3 and up | Space is limited Now registering for Fa Classes Tap • Jazz • Hip-hop • Lyrical/ Contemporary Call or text 912-223-2136 • yadcangie@gmail.com 345 S. Macon Street, Jesup GA Young Attitudes