Joshua S. Bingham

The meeting commenced with welcome remarks, the Pledge of Allegiance, and an invocation. Key discussions centered around numerous recognitions, including an employee for technical expertise with game day equipment, the system receiving the Cognia System of Distinction Award for 2025 (a recognition earned by only 11 systems globally and the only one in Georgia), and the Board of Education receiving the GSBA's 2025 Distinguished Board recognition for the seventh consecutive year. Athletic achievements recognized included the Bowen Red Devils' state football championship and the Central High School football team's region championship. Other highlights included commendations for the U North College and Career Academy's culinary department, several student awards from the technology fair and individual sports, and the region championship wins for the Central High School one act play and competition cheerleading, and Bowen High School's flag football. The board also discussed registration for the upcoming GSBA summer conference and made a motion to change regular Thursday meeting times from 6:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Finally, the board appointed a representative to the CCA board and moved to executive session to discuss real estate acquisition, safety/security personnel, and pending litigation.

The working session included opening remarks, a moment of reflection and prayer for a board member's spouse undergoing surgery and the family of a student who passed away. Key agenda items involved student achievement recognition, specifically celebrating Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) Month by featuring the CTAE spotlight student, Christian Johnson, and showcasing a recruitment video about the CTAE pathways. Updates were provided on facility projects, including the progress at Mountain Zion Middle School and Temple Middle School, and a forthcoming five-year facility review by the Georgia Department of Education. The board also reviewed and planned to add fundraiser and field trip requests to the consent agenda. Financial updates covered the December financial report, noting high fund balances due to property tax receipts, and an update on the fiscal year 2027 budget timeline, projecting increases in state revenue and stable federal programs funding, though noting rising expenditure costs.

This strategic plan outlines Carroll County Schools' commitment to positively changing lives by empowering students to graduate prepared for enrollment, enlistment, or employment, and active community engagement. The vision is to be recognized as a premier school district, achieved through the '24STRONG' initiative, which unifies direction, culture, values, beliefs, processes, and practices to ensure a premier educational experience for all students.

The meeting commenced with the findings of an appeal hearing concerning student number 9171, where the Board upheld the original tribunal decision. Following the commencement of the regular meeting, the Board proceeded with the election of the board chair and vice chair for the year 2026. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a student achievement update, highlighting the 'Future Focus' initiative, with presentations from a high school principal and two students detailing the advisement program designed to prepare students for enrollment, enlistment, or employment after graduation. Subsequent to this, a detailed Fine Arts update for December was provided, noting record-breaking performances, significant community involvement, and successful implementation of new educator support systems. Specific achievements highlighted included 14 evening performance events at the Performing Arts Center hosting fine arts events on 14 of 15 nights, with an estimated attendance of over 7,000 patrons. The update also noted student performances at various district events and the positive impact of board support on fine arts programs. The Verica High School jazz band was also recognized for receiving an invitation to perform at the G8 in-service conference.

The Strategic Improvement Plan outlines a roadmap to be recognized as a premier school district, empowering students to be ready for enrollment, enlistment, or employment, and engaged in their community. It is structured around four core goal areas: Student Achievement, Stakeholder Engagement, Organizational Excellence, and Continuous Improvement. Key initiatives include enhancing academic performance, providing learning support, fostering future-focused mindsets, expanding opportunities, strengthening community connections, maximizing talent, optimizing operational practices, and ensuring good stewardship through data management and resource allocation. Specific priorities include elevating student literacy and middle school achievement, and developing a district data dashboard.