Gainesville BOE approves reduction in graduation requirements

GAINESVILLE - The Gainesville Board of Education voted Monday night to lower graduation requirements for city school students to 23 credits from 24.

The vote was 3-2 and brings the system in line with Hall County Schools and the state's minimum requirements. Brett Mercer and Sammy Smith voted against the change.

Also Monday night, according to Sup. Merrianne Dyer, the board approved personnel for the 2014-2015 school year and accepted retirement letters from twelve employees.

Dr. Elfreda Lakey, Assistant Superintendent, is among those who will retire at the end of the current school year. Dr. Lakey served for 26 years as a teacher-coordinator at Gainesville High School, principal at Enota and New Holland schools, and in the district office as Assistant Superintendent.

"Dr. Lakey's position will not be replaced. We will restructure existing staff to assume her roles," Dyer said.