The hall of fame isn't just for athletes any more.

Any outstanding former student could be inducted into a proposed Richmond County school system hall of fame.

Thursday night, the school board approved moving forward with discussions to establish a hall of fame, expanding on a proposal from a day earlier to establish a hall specifically for sports.

"My concern is that we are taking one segment of our students and we are going to recognize them," board member Helen Minchew said.

She said the board shouldn't take an action to exclude any students, especially with the proposal that the hall of fame be housed within the board's central offices in downtown Augusta.

On Wednesday, board member Barbara Pulliam expressed a similar concern.

Addressing those concerns, the board directed Richmond County Athletic Director George Bailey to continue drafting the bylaws for the hall of fame, but to include procedures for inducting any exemplary student, such as one who excels academically.

TECHNOLOGY EQUITY

The board also took action to undo what some considered to be unfair.

A special oversight committee established to make recommendations on how to spend what is called "pay as you go" sales tax revenue departed from its practices last month and recommended that the board spend $90,000 to purchase technology for A.R. Johnson Health Science and Engineering Magnet High School.

Committee President William Lockett argued that the school's technology is in "deplorable" condition, especially considering it is one of the top schools in the state. The committee voted 7-1 in October to recommend the expenditure.

But Zelwyn Davis, the committee member who cast the only vote in opposition, later lobbied board members and Superintendent Dana Bedden arguing that it is inequitable to spend the money on A.R. Johnson when other schools are in more need. The move upset Mr. Lockett, who knew nothing about Mr. Davis' actions.

To remedy the situation, Dr. Bedden's staff decided not to use the committee's funds and instead found $90,000 in contingency money from the magnet school's recent renovations.

IN OTHER BUSINESS, THE BOARD:

- Expanded A.R. Johnson to include seventh- and eighth-grades next school year.

- Adopted an energy conservation plan that rewards schools based on their savings.

Reach Greg Gelpi at (706) 828-3851 or greg.gelpi@augustachronicle.com.