Coffee County School District

The meeting featured student recognitions for academic and athletic achievements, including the accomplishments of Zel Miller scholars, spring sports region champions, and student athletes signing with colleges. Additionally, the Board recognized the Young Georgia Authors state honorable mention recipient and honored the Teachers of the Year from various schools across the district, highlighting their professional contributions and classroom excellence.

The Coffee County School System's District School Safety Plan is a comprehensive document designed to provide safe and secure learning environments and minimize the effects of serious violent incidents and emergencies. It outlines general planning guidelines, procedures for evaluating and refining school security measures, and protocols for responding to threats and acts of violence. The plan emphasizes robust communication with other agencies and details various prevention and intervention strategies, alongside a framework for post-incident recovery. Key focus areas include security measures, staff and student training, and collaboration with community partners to ensure district-wide emergency preparedness and student well-being.

The work session included a comprehensive presentation on Ambrose Elementary School's academic goals and community initiatives, including student demographics, achievement strategies for English Language Arts and math, the implementation of the Capturing Kids' Hearts initiative, student attendance rewards, and community engagement events. The Board also reviewed the monthly financial report and conducted the first public hearing for the upcoming fiscal year budget, covering revenue projections from state and local sources and proposed increases for certified and classified staff salaries, benefits, and special education stipends.

The board discussed several items, including an update from Indian Creek Elementary regarding its recent 25th anniversary, student intern programs, and school demographic data. The finance report for the new fiscal year was reviewed, noting current revenue and expenditure percentages against the budget, as well as the status of capital projects including the new board office and the West Green facility. Additional agenda items included the approval of funding for two new school buses and an update on the system-wide recovery efforts following a recent hurricane, specifically regarding the transition of ninth-grade students back to their campus through the use of portable units.

The work session included a presentation from West Side Elementary School regarding their academic theme, school improvement goals, and student support initiatives such as the mentor-mentee program, student data notebooks, and celebrations of student achievements. The Board reviewed the financial reports through April 30, 2023, and discussed the tentative budget for fiscal year 2024, including revenue and expenditure estimates for the general fund, federal funds, and SPLOST projects.