Jan Andrews

The regular monthly meeting of the Board of Education covered several key actions. Re-elected board members were sworn in. Old business included the approval of several new and revised policies covering nepotism, salary deductions, teacher evaluation appeals, gifted student programs, equity in sports, unsafe school options, and student transfers/withdrawals. New business involved the approval of ESPLOST and system financial reports, school quarterly reports, and the setting of tuition for the 2026/2027 school year, which exempted Town of Trion employees. The board also reviewed the first reading revision of policies on student records and parents' bill of rights. Information items included the current student enrollment report and financial reports from the Bulldog Athletic Club and the band booster club. Following a superintendent report on construction progress, the board entered an executive session for personnel discussions. Upon returning, the board named Dr. Howard Hughes as the Superintendent of Trion City Schools. Approved personnel actions included one certified hire recommendation, one classified resignation, and one substitute employee appointment.

Key discussion points included the approval of the ESPLOST and system financial reports. An information item detailed student enrollment figures as of October 12, 2025, totaling 1,253 students across TES, TMS, and THS. Financial reports from the Bulldog Athletic Club and the band booster club were also presented. The Superintendent reported on approved fundraisers scheduled through March 2026 and provided updates on construction projects, including adjustments needed for canopies, the installation of new Pre K/Kindergarten playground equipment, and renovations to elementary school K/1 bathrooms. Congratulations were noted for Trion Elementary School being named a National Blue Ribbon School. Personnel actions included the approval of one substitute employee.

The board meeting included executive session to discuss personnel matters, following which Dr. Howard Hughes was unanimously approved as the Interim Superintendent. Key actions in New Business included the approval of ESPLOST and system financial reports, approval of quarterly school reports, and the first reading of a new tentative Policy JCDAF regarding student use of electronic devices, along with a first reading revision of Policy GBRH concerning professional leaves and absences. The board also approved an FCCLA overnight field trip for November 2025. Other items discussed included the student enrollment report and financial reports from the Bulldog Athletic Club and the band booster club. The Superintendent reported on approved fundraising projects and provided updates on active construction projects, including waiting for adjustments on canopy projects, installation of a new fence, and planned bathroom renovations.

The key discussion topics included the approval of existing policies such as Policy JCDAF: Use of Electronic Devices by Students and the revision to Policy GBRH: Professional Leaves and Absences. Under new business, the board received and approved ESPLOST and system financial reports. The board also reviewed the first reading of several new and revised policies, including Nepotism, Salary Deductions, and Teacher Evaluation Appeals. Other business involved the submission of the Student Enrollment report, showing a total population of 1,248 as of December 4, 2025, and the acceptance of financial reports from the Bulldog Athletic Club and the band booster club. The board entered Executive Session to discuss personnel matters, approved substitute employees, and voted unanimously to name Dr. Howard Hughes as the finalist superintendent.

Key discussions during the regular monthly meeting included the approval of revised policies, specifically Policy JR: Student Records and Policy JRB: Parent's Bill of Rights. The board also approved the ESPLOST and system financial reports, re-elected the Chair and Vice Chair, and accepted the proposed system calendar for the 2026-2027 school year, which was tabled pending public input. A TSA overnight field trip to Athens, Georgia, was approved, and the FY26 Midterm Budget Amendment was reviewed and approved. Other items included receiving information on student enrollment figures, the Bulldog Athletic Club financial report, and updates from the Superintendent regarding active construction projects and approved fundraising activities. Personnel actions included the approval of certified retirements, one classified recommendation, two classified retirements, one certified resignation, and the appointment of a substitute employee.