Two Honored for Work With Special Needs Students
Jason Ayers accepts certificate from Dr. Ruth O’Dell Monday night.
Franklin County School Transporation Director Jason Ayers is the recent recipient of a state award for his efforts in helping special needs children get to school.
Ayers is the Franklin County recipient of this year’s Phillip Wright Award.
Philip Wright is the former director of the North Georgia Learning Resources System, an arm of the Pioneer RESA which works with students with disabilities.
Each school system served by Pioneer RESA selected someone who exemplifies service, respect and advocacy for children with special needs.
At this week’s Franklin County School board meeting, School Superintendent Dr. Ruth O’Dell praised Ayers for his efforts on behalf of special needs students.
“We’re very proud to announced that this year Jason Ayers, our Transportation Director, is the winner of that award,” O’Dell said.
In receiving the recognition Monday night, Ayers said the award really goes to members of his staff who drive the buses for special needs students.
“This is for special ed drivers,” Ayers said. “All I do is sit back and say, ‘Do this, do that’ so this is for them. They deserve it more than I do. If you see them out there, pat them on the back for the work that they do.”
Marsha Sahlman with Phillip Wright at awards luncheon
Ayers said currently about 140 special needs students ride the bus to school in Franklin County.
And in Hart County, the Hart County School Parent Mentor, Marsha Sahlman recently received that county’s Phillip Wright Award for her efforts in educating parents on the various state and federal resources available to them and their students.