Letters to the Editor

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE READ QUESTIONS

I, Coach Hank Aldridge was the public speaking part of the Emanuel Co BOE meeting

March 11, 2025. I presented these questions and followed BOE protocol policy. I presented a book showing how behind we are with our softball and baseball hitting facilities at all Emanuel Co Schools. BOE minutes have where I requested my book back March 12, the next morn-ing. After many calls, including law enforcement to the BOE office, my book was returned on March 14.

PROTOCOL PROCEDURE

EMANUEL COUNTY BOE

LEVEL THE PLAYING FIELD

PROTOCOL #1

WHY SHOULD EMANUEL COUNTY TAXPAYERS VOTE FOR THE SPLOST WHEN THE BOE TRACK RECORD SHOWS SPLOST IS NOT BEING USED IN A TIMELY MANNER PER DESIGNATED PROJECTS OVER THE YEARS?

PROTOCOL #2

HOW CAN A PROJECT TO CLOSE IN A CAGE BY DONATED MONEY BE IGNORED WHEN 75 YARDS AWAY A COOK SHELTER WAS ERECTED BY AN INDIVIDUAL WHO DONATED MONEY WITHOUT A BOE MEETING?

PROTOCOL #3

WHY CAN THE SUPERINTENDENT REQUIRE PROTOCOL WHEN SHE GAVE OUT IN-FORMATION ON $5.5 MILLION AT SHS FACILITIES ON HOW IT WAS TO BE SPENT AND USED TO KEVIN CARTER AT 10:30 A.M. ON FEB 11, 2025. BOE DID NOT PASS AGENDA UNTIL APPROXIMATELY 6:30 P.M. ON FEB 11, 2025?

(SERIOUS VIOLATION TO TAXPAYERS)

PROTOCOL #4

WHY CAN’T NON-FOOTBALL ATHLETES TAKE THE WEIGHT TRAINING CLASSES AT SWAINSBORO HIGH TO IMPROVE THE ATHLETES OF BASEBALL, TRACK, BASKET-BALL, SOCCER, AND ALL OTHER SPORTS.

(SERIOUS VIOLATION)

PROTOCOL #5

HOW CAN SUPERINTENDENT ENCOURAGE COACHES NOT TO SPEAK WITH COACH ALDRIDGE UNTIL THIS PROJECT HAS BEEN RESOLVED?

(JOB SECURITY ISSUE OCCURRED IN MEETING WITH SUPERINTENDENT IN HER OF-FICE)

PROTOCOL #6

WHY WOULD ANY TAXPAYER EVER VOTE FOR SPLOST WHEN SUPERINTEN-DENT/BOE TURNS DOWN FREE MONEY FOR FACILITIES?

THANK YOU, DENISE JANSEN AND BOE FOR YOUR WILLINGNESS TO LOOK INTO THESE MATTERS. BETTER LATE THAN NEVER.

2 YEARS + OVER CLOSING IN A CAGE-REALLY!!!!

Superintendent did not follow the BOE’s policy of response to above questions, by calling my house at approximately 8:30 during breakfast with my wife on March 13 – very confrontation-al about questions presented March 11.

Please support your KIDS and our Kids in checking the violations of the Superintendent’s ac-tions of POWER abuse. BOE in the past has not used SPLOST monies in a timely manner or always on specific projects listed NO NAME ON MOST PROJECTS. This BOE seems to be doing a better job of catching up on needs. The only problem we see is who’s running the show – Superintendent or elected BOE members BY Taxpaying SPLOST VOTERS.

Now beyond simply closing in a cage…REALLY!!!

Coach Hank Aldridge

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Dear Editor,

Emanuel County Schools (ECS) is committed to transparency and accuracy in all communica-tions regarding school policies, facilities, operations, and financial matters. Below are factual clarifications addressing the points raised by Hank Aldridge during the March 11, 2025, Board of Education (BOE) meeting and his Letter to the Editor.

ESPLOST Clarification (Question 1)

A Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) is a one-cent sales tax levied by the coun-ty for city and county projects. However, Hank Aldridge appears to have been referring to the Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (ESPLOST), which is levied by the county on behalf of the Board of Education.

Over the past 28 years, ESPLOST referendums have enabled Emanuel County Schools (ECS) to complete numerous projects, including the recent renovation of all six campuses.

While the initial ESPLOST referendums listed individual projects specifically, later referen-dums did not. All projects that received sufficient ESPLOST funding have been completed, including the Swainsboro High School tennis courts.

All ESPLOST funds are audited, and there have been no exceptions to expenditures.

Cook Shelter Structure and Hitting Facility (Question 2)

The cook shelter structure referenced during Public Participation was formally requested by the administration on behalf of the school and baseball program. It was approved in accord-ance with ECS guidelines and authorization procedures.

As explained to Hank Aldridge during an October 21, 2024, meeting, neither the Swainsboro High School (SHS) principal nor the SHS head baseball coach requested the enclosure of the outdoor hitting facility. To date, they have not made such a request and have confirmed that this is not a priority. However, the windscreen they requested has been installed.

Any structural modifications to school facilities must go through the district’s formal approv-al process to ensure compliance with safety regulations, building codes, liability policies, and school governance procedures. Unauthorized changes could create safety risks, legal complica-tions, and operational challenges.

Clarification on Facility Project Communication (Question 3)

In response to Hank Aldridge’s account of my February 11, 2025, communication regarding SHS facility projects, I refer to the officially posted December 10, 2024, BOE meeting agenda and minutes. These documents are publicly available on the ECS website: https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/SB_Meetings/SB_MeetingListing.aspx?S=4064

It is important that accurate information be shared with the public.

Weight Training Class Participation (Question 4)

The claim that non-football athletes are excluded from SHS weight training classes is incorrect.

According to the SHS principal, 29% of students in male weight training classes are non-football participants. The school has confirmed students from baseball, basketball, golf, soccer, tennis, and track participate in these classes.

Students would only be excluded if their academic and elective schedules did not allow for enrollment or if they chose not to follow classroom expectations.

Concerns Regarding Misrepresentation (Question 5)

Hank Aldridge does not hold an official or unofficial role in the SHS baseball program. The SHS principal, athletic director, and head baseball coach have confirmed that he does not rep-resent the school or its programs.

He stepped down from coaching baseball at SHS 24 years ago, resigned from ECS in 2007, and later retired from a neighboring district.

He has no authority to request projects or speak on behalf of the SHS baseball program, SHS athletics, SHS, or ECS.

Misrepresenting one’s position, undermining school leadership, and spreading misinformation create unnecessary disruption and will not be tolerated.

ECS is committed to ensuring that all school programs operate under the appropriate leader-ship and policies.

Financial Responsibility and Funding Donations (Question 6)

The Emanuel County BOE remains committed to the responsible, efficient and transparent use of resources.

While ECS considers various funding opportunities, all financial decisions must follow estab-lished procedures.

If Hank Aldridge wishes to contribute financially to ECS, he may do so only through proper channels in accordance with district policies to ensure accountability.

Disruptive Communications and Facility Usage Policies

ECS prioritizes a productive and respectful school environment that supports students, facul-ty, and staff.

Since October 19, 2024, Hank Aldridge has repeatedly sent messages—via text and social me-dia—at all hours to school and district officials, as well as to both current and former commu-nity members.

Additionally, failure to comply with ECS facility usage policies has also raised concerns. The official Board Policy KG: Use of School Facilities is available here: https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/Policy/ViewPolicy.aspx?S=4064&revid=slsh5l1YbuaT8v1fl71s3ojzg==&ptid=amIgTZiB9plushNjl6WXhfiOQ==&secid=1QSfUuz8WRJ5slsh0xnyVwukQ==&PG=6&IRP=0&isPndg=false

ECS has sought legal counsel regarding this matter and formally requests that Hank Aldridge cease the following actions:

Implying he holds an official or unofficial role within ECS.

Misrepresenting himself as a spokesperson for SHS.

Disseminating false or misleading information.

Undermining the authority of school and district officials.

Despite multiple clarifications, Hank Aldridge’s persistent focus on this issue is concerning. Additionally, he was informed on March 11 and 12, 2025 that his book of pictures and com-mentary would be returned after consultation with legal counsel. The book was made available within 48 hours, and an appropriate formal written response to his public participation was provided when he retrieved it on March 14, 2025.

As per ECS’s Public Participation Policy, speakers shall not engage in personal attacks. There-fore, no further response will be provided regarding those comments.

ECS remains steadfast in upholding professionalism, transparency, and adherence to policy to ensure the best outcomes for our students, staff, and community.

Sincerely,

Denise B. Warnock, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Emanuel County Schools