Josh Fincher

The strategic plan for Wilkes County Schools outlines a roadmap for achieving 'Excellence Without Exception' and ensuring student success. It is structured around three main goal areas: Academic Excellence, Operational and Talent Excellence, and Climate, Culture, and Communication Excellence. The plan aims to align resources and actions to provide excellent educational opportunities, preparing every student for a successful future, grounded in the district's core beliefs and values.

The Wilkes County Board of Education has tentatively adopted a 2025 millage rate, which will require an increase in property tax. The public is invited to attend hearings regarding the tax increase. The tentative increase will result in a millage rate of 17.150 mills, an increase of .075 mills.

The 2023-2024 Wilkes County School System Professional Learning Plan focuses on continuous professional learning for educators to enhance skills and improve student outcomes. Key areas include closing achievement gaps, increasing stakeholder participation, and utilizing tiered support systems to improve school climate and student well-being. The plan emphasizes evidence-based instructional practices, improving outcomes for students with disabilities, Georgia Standards of Excellence, effective assessment and grading, leadership capacity building, implementation of MTSS, effective technology use, and the use of the TKES platform for goal setting and review. Professional learning activities are delivered through in-service days, approved professional learning days, before/during/after school opportunities, PLCs, summer learning, RESA offerings, and approved conferences. A mentor program supports induction teachers, and a professional learning request process governs external learning opportunities.

The meeting will include an electric bus update, reports on accreditation and a strategic waiver application, and financial considerations including fund transfers and budget approvals for school security, window film, and school nutrition. Personnel recommendations will also be addressed.

The meeting will cover the Superintendent's report, including GSBA Service Awards, accreditation updates, a strategic waiver application, and budget amendments. Discussions will also include contracts for staffing services, insurance bids, bus charging negotiations, and purchases of security-related items such as barrier arms, access control readers, cameras, and window security film. A financial report and personnel recommendations will also be addressed.