Muscogee County School District Hosts Georgia STOMP
Georgia STOMP member Florene Dawkins facilitated a visit by Georgia STOMP leadership to learn how strong partnerships in Muscogee County assist the school district to ensure “Every Child…In School…Every Day…With Dignity.”
County leadership expressed appreciation to the state legislature, and directly to Rep. Debbie Buckner, for funding period products in the state budget, lauding Georgia STOMP for its efforts to make the funds a reality. Georgia STOMP Chair Claire Cox observed first hand that the school district’s goal is not just a motto, but something the district and many community partners work to achieve every day.
School Superintendent Dr. David Lewis spoke of the strong history in Muscogee County, on the part of the school system, but also amongst the broader Columbus community, to ensure resources are provided for every student to reach their full potential. School Board Leadership, including Patricia Hugley-Green, Cathy Williams and Kia Chambers, in a strong voice of unity, echoed the Board’s support in this effort.
Florene Dawkins, Director of Muscogee County School District’s (MCSD) extensive Hygiene Closet, helped Georgia STOMP understand ALL the resources the county assembles in order to meet student needs. In the county’s Hygiene Closet, donations received from the community enable period product provision beyond what the state monies purchase, and also supply hygiene items such as deodorant and soap.
The county’s partnership was further exemplified with Ward Odum, MCSD Director of Facilities and Plant Services, on hand to discuss the construction and recent expansion of the Hygiene Closet, as well as what is being done to retrofit many schools to enable onsite washers and dryers.
Substantive discussions were held between MCSD CFO Janice Bloodworth, Dir. of Purchasing Edwin Joseph, Rep. Debbie Buckner and Chair Claire Cox regarding the school system’s efforts to maximize — and optimize — the amount of period products purchased with the state’s money. MCSD buys all products at the county level and distributes to schools based on the allocation given to each of them by the state. The system is interactive such that schools can specify exactly WHAT products they need from the county — what size pads or panty liners, how many wipes and what sizes of underwear. Two specific concerns were expressed by school administrators, and were strongly reiterated by Supt. Lewis:
- The County would like funding for Dispensers to facilitate greater diversity in where products are placed.
- The County believes the funding should be available to all schools, not just those with high FRL populations. Dr. Lewis specifically advocated for the students present in EVERY school who need period products in order to stay in class.
Also present was coalition member Communities In Schools of Georgia (CIS) represented by Raven Hart who works in Muscogee County for CIS. She related compelling, personal experiences with students in need of period products. Finally, a new Georgia STOMP connection was made with Girls, Inc. of Columbus & Phenix-Russell Executive Director, Dr. Gail Burgos. The Hygiene Closet of MCSD is able to supply her organization with period products using donations from the community. Dr. Burgos expressed gratitude for the partnership and spoke of its importance in meeting the needs of the young women she serves.
Raven Hart & Claire Cox
Georgia STOMP appreciated this opportunity to learn from all those who were present. It was a great day of celebration, learning and visioning!