Pay Raises for Teachers and State Workers Sail Through Georgia House

Cherokee Tribune-Ledger Podcast

CTL Script/ Top Stories of March 9th

Publish Date: March 8th

From the Ingles Studio Welcome to the Award-Winning Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast

Today is Saturday, March 9th and Happy 59th Birthday to linebacker Brian Bosworth.

***03.09.24 – BIRTHDAY – BRIAN BOSWORTH***

I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cherokee is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia.

1. Pay Raises for Teachers and State Workers Sail Through Georgia House
2. Cherokee Schools Announces Media Specialist of the Year
3. Woodstock Looks to Address Affordable Housing

We’ll have all this and more coming up on the Cherokee Tribune-Ledger Podcast, and if you’re looking for Community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!

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STORY 1: Pay Raises for Teachers and State Workers Sail Through Georgia House

The Georgia House of Representatives has approved the fiscal 2025 state budget, coming in at $36.1 billion. This budget includes substantial pay raises for teachers and other state employees, made possible by a significant surplus. The new budget, set to come into effect on July 1, represents an increase of 11% compared to the previous year.

A 4% pay raise is slated for the majority of state employees, with additional targeted raises planned for agencies experiencing high turnover rates. Public school teachers can expect a $2,500 raise.

Furthermore, the budget has provisions for funding in education and healthcare sectors, addressing areas such as enrollment growth, school bus requirements, campus safety, and increases in Medicaid reimbursement. Following this approval, the budget will now proceed to the Georgia Senate

STORY 2: Cherokee Schools Announces Media Specialist of the Year

Cherokee County School District honored Jennifer Cogdill, a media specialist at Woodstock High School, as the Library Media Specialist of the Year. Cogdill was chosen from a pool of nominees for her exceptional contributions to education.

She was presented with the award and received a $500 Visa gift card, plaque, and banner sponsored by Credit Union of Georgia. Cogdill's leadership, collaboration with teachers, and innovative programs have elevated teaching and learning at Woodstock High School.

She advances to the regional competition and has previously been recognized for her achievements, including being named the Woodstock Zone Media Specialist of the Year. Cogdill's dedication to education extends beyond her role as a media specialist, as she also serves on the school's instructional leadership team and sponsors student organizations.

STORY 3: Woodstock Looks to Address Affordable Housing

Woodstock's Mayor, Michael Caldwell, is actively addressing the pressing issue of housing affordability as a member of the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Local Leadership Housing Action Committee. The city has formulated a plan to conduct a thorough residential density audit alongside a review of its accessory dwelling unit (ADU) ordinance.

The residential density audit is aimed at gaining an in-depth understanding of the potential for current and future developments. On the other hand, the ADU review is designed to strike a balance between the growing demand for ADUs and the preservation of neighborhood character.

In order to fund these initiatives, Woodstock is pursuing grant funding. This comes in light of the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) reporting that housing prices are increasing at a rate that outpaces wages in metro Atlanta, leading to a shortage of affordable housing units.

The next committee is set to begin on March 14. Interested individuals can visit atlantaregional.org.

We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info.

Back in a moment

Break: CURIOSITY LAB BIKE RACE – DRAKE

STORY 4: Firm Hired for Safe Street and Roads Action Plan

Cherokee County authorities have engaged the services of Pond and Company to formulate the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Action Plan. This initiative is aimed at bolstering road safety measures and decreasing the number of severe injuries and fatalities on the road.

The Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a design services agreement, which costs around $562,000. The plan's funding includes a substantial federal grant of $450,000, which will be used to analyze traffic data and crash reports. The findings from these analyses will help shape improvements and policy recommendations for the countywide transportation system.

The remaining amount is expected to be equally shared between the county and participating cities. The county will cover 67.11% of this cost through funds obtained from the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax.

The study is projected to be completed within approximately 12 months.

STORY 5: Cherokee High School Student Earns Appointment to U.S. Air Force Academy

Cherokee High School senior Sydney Watson has earned an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy and received the prestigious J-100 AFJROTC Character-in-Leadership Scholarship. The scholarship provides full tuition, housing allowance, and other benefits to 100 cadets.

Sydney expressed gratitude for the support from her community and JROTC program. She also excels academically, ranking second in her class and achieving notable scores on standardized tests.

Sydney is also involved in various extracurricular activities and holds leadership positions. Her achievements are even more remarkable given her mother's battle with cancer when Sydney was young, underscoring their shared journey and appreciation for life's moments.

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STORY 6: Next Step Ministries Withdraws Application

Next Step Ministries, a Cherokee County nonprofit serving individuals with disabilities, withdrew its request to construct a second building after months of deliberation by commissioners.

The organization sought to build a 10,920 square-foot facility next to its existing one, but faced opposition from some residents concerned about the size and impact on the rural area.

Next Step cited concerns over renovation costs and ethical considerations regarding their existing building's appearance.

This withdrawal marks the second time the nonprofit has withdrawn its expansion plans. Despite setbacks, Next Step remains committed to serving the community and exploring other avenues for expansion.

STORY 7: Defense lawyer in Trump case defends bid to disqualify Fulton D.A. Willis

Ashleigh Merchant, the defense attorney for co-defendant Michael Roman in the Fulton County election interference case against ex-President Donald Trump, recently testified before a state Senate committee.

Merchant's allegations revolve around Willis's failure to disclose her romantic relationship with lead prosecutor Nathan Wade, who was appointed for this case. She accused Willis of financial gain from both the contract with Wade and their personal relationship. Furthermore, Merchant questioned the oversight of Willis' utilization of public funds provided by the county commission.

She also criticized Wade's billing procedures and restated prior allegations about his qualifications and the timeline of his relationship with Willis. Willis, in response, defended herself by stating that she and Wade shared trip expenses, thereby denying any conflict of interest.

Senate Minority Whip Harold Jones challenged Merchant's claims, emphasizing Wade's efficacy in securing indictments and guilty pleas. The committee is now awaiting a ruling from Fulton Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee regarding the disqualification motion.

We’ll have closing comments after this.

COMMERCIAL: HENRY CO SHERIFFS

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