Mayor Shan Ash presents proclamation to Councilman Edward Young who retired Monday after 47 years on the council.

CLEVELAND, Ga. – Much of Monday’s city council meeting was dedicated to honoring City Councilman Edward Young, who is retiring after 47 years of public service, and Jack P. Nix Elementary School for earning the prestigious Platinum Award as one of Georgia’s “Greatest Gains” schools.

Mayor Shan Ash read a proclamation to honor Young, who was first elected as city councilman in 1970. He then told Young, “I have known you all my life, and I appreciate all the time you spent with me while I was growing up. I consider you a true friend.”

Councilwoman Annie Sutton said, “I have really enjoyed working with you. You have taught me a lot and I appreciate how you welcomed me.”

Police Chief John Foster said, “It has been real good. I hate to see you go. You and I settled a lot of problems sitting at the picnic table at Country Cupboard.”

Ash also read the proclamation honoring Jack P. Nix Elementary School.

Mayor Shan Ash presents proclamation to Jack P. Nix staff (from left) Laurie Hall, Cheryl Allen, Stacie Ward, Kelcie Johnson, Michele Ash.

To receive “Greatest Gains” recognition, a school must earn a three-year average College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI) progress score that ranks in at least the 93rd percentile. The awards were developed by the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement and are part of the state’s Single Statewide Accountability System.

This is the first year the school was eligible for the award that measures how students grow academically. “We are really proud of the school and the work they do,” said White County School Superintendent Jeff Wilson.

Mayor Ash introduces Cub Scout Isaac Parker, who led the meeting in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, and Isaac’s sister Elizabeth

Isaac Parker, a student at Jack P. Nix and a high-achievement Cub Scout, led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Council agreed to renew the city’s Key Risk workers’ compensation plan which will see the premium increase by $4,600 from the previous year to $49,935 in 2018.

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