Jon Cooper

The meeting included a public hearing on state board rule 160-4-2-.49 regarding high school graduation requirements for students enrolling in 9th grade for the first time in the 2023-2024 school year. The board addressed committee reports including budget items, rules, and district flexibility and charter schools. Additional discussions focused on personnel reports, legal case appeals, the recognition of the state teacher of the year, and an inspirational message regarding leadership and the importance of public education.

The board conducted a hearing regarding whether to recommend to the Governor the suspension of members of the Dublin City Schools Board of Education following the district being placed on a level of accreditation under conditions by Cognia's Global Commission. The board discussed and approved a motion for a continuance of the hearing, setting a firm date for the proceedings. Additionally, the board discussed the district's ongoing process of hiring a permanent superintendent.

The committee meeting addressed a wide range of fiscal and programmatic items, including the approval of numerous grants for agricultural education, construction-related equipment, and student support programs. Key discussion topics included contract renewals with Lexia Learning Systems and the Georgia Learning Resource System, as well as the implementation of various federal formula grants for career and technical education. The committee reviewed and approved funding for homeless children and youth support, after-school and summer enrichment programs, and the Georgia Registered Teacher Apprenticeship program. Additionally, the committee discussed the 5-year local facilities plans, bond authorizations for capital outlay projects, and furniture and equipment needs for the Georgia Academy for the Blind.

The meeting included a review of strategic waiver school system amendments for Walton County Schools and Herd County Schools, both of which were approved to move to the consent agenda. Additionally, charter system renewals were discussed for Baldwin County Schools and Calhoun City Schools, with representatives from both systems addressing questions regarding student achievement, instructional strategies, and fiduciary responsibility.

The meeting included the adoption of standards for new middle school CTAE leadership courses. It also covered the affirmation of charter school renewals for Atlanta Smart Academy, Liberty Tech Charter School, Northwest Classical Academy, and SLAM Academy. Financial items included the approval of an amended Georgia Department of Education budget for fiscal year 2026, which features salary supplements for state employees and classroom teachers, and the renewal of several contracts, including USDA food distribution services, Teach for America support for high-needs schools, and dropout prevention programs through Communities in Schools of Atlanta. Additionally, a contract for HVAC replacements at the Georgia Academy for the Blind was discussed.