Area lawmakers push sex ed, library issues; Veteran White Co. educator leaving; FBHS student headed to D.C.

*Two area lawmakers were successful earlier this week as they campaign for the state legislature to include their sex ed and school library proposals in legislation apparently headed for final votes in the closing days of this year’s session. Sen. Clint Dixon (R-Buford) wants to keep students from being enrolled in sex education programs unless their parents opt into the program (rather than allowing parents to opt out of it) and prohibit students below sixth grade from receiving any sort of sex education at all. Additionally, it incorporates language from a bill introduced by Sen. Greg Dolezal (R- Cumming) that would notify parents every time their child checks a book out of their school library. 

*Jennifer King, a veteran employee of the White County School System, has been named principal of Big A Elementary School in Toccoa, effective July 1. King has been with White County Schools for 23 years serving as the Director of Student Accountability and Elementary Curriculum, Principal of Mossy Creek Elementary, Assistant Principal of Mossy Creek Elementary, and Assistant Principal of Mount Yonah Elementary as well as a Gifted Resource Teacher for Grades 1-5 and a First and Second Grade Teacher. 

*A Flowery Branch high schooler, sophomore Mason Bass, is one of four high school students in the Jackson EMC service area chosen for this year’s Washington Youth Tour. Jefferson High’s Grace Koster is also included. You can read about the tour and more about these students and the others who’ll be making the trip here: High School Students Selected as Jackson EMC Delegates for 2024 Washington Youth Tour