Kathryn Backus

The board received updates on various construction projects at Washington Park Elementary and Jasper County High School, including the approval of a change order for road construction. Presentations were given regarding FTE enrollment trends, the virtual academy's academic year progress, and the alternative learning program. The board approved the Head Start budget application, the closeout of a bond account, and funding for state-approved employee bonuses. Additionally, the board reviewed financial reports, approved fundraiser and facility use requests, and acted on various personnel recommendations including new hires, resignations, and a retirement.

The meeting addressed concerns about tardies at the High School and suggestions for livestreaming board meetings. The board recognized Tam Benton for her nomination for the Georgia Leadership Institute for Improvement (GLISI) "Hidden Heroes" Award and Jasper County Middle School for the High School Achievement Math Award. The board received a presentation regarding Full Time Equivalency Enrollment (FTE) and Attendance, as well as a presentation regarding the accreditation timeline for COGNIA. Presentations were also given regarding the Career and Technical Instruction (CTI) program for students with disabilities and Work Based Learning (WBL). The Charter System Annual Report was presented, highlighting performance in workforce and postsecondary readiness. Approvals were granted for the February 2026-January 2027 Board Meeting Calendar, the 2026-2027 student and 190-day staff calendar, the electronic device policy for students PK-12, and the 2025-2026 JCCS dress code with modifications. The board approved second readings on various policies with recommendations of changes from GSBA and new policies as presented by GSBA. Additionally, the board approved the schedule of approved local option sales tax projects, a modification to the payroll calendar, minutes from previous meetings, overnight field trip requests, fundraiser requests, and facilites use request. The board then entered and exited executive session, approving personnel recommendations from the Superintendent. The December 2, 2025 Board Work Session was cancelled.

The meeting included a presentation on safety, support, and partnership in schools by School Resource Officers. An update was provided regarding the Program of Exceptional Children, including enrollment numbers and post-school outcome data. The new enrollment criteria and expectations for students at Jasper County Virtual Academy were discussed. Information was presented regarding the transportation department, including the number of routes and students transported daily. The board approved the purchase of a bond bus, the FY 26 appropriation for the Jasper County Public Library, and the appointment of a trustee to the Jasper County Library Board. They also approved an increase to the School Resource Officer budget and a donation of football girdles. Policy changes and recommendations from the Georgia School Board Association were reviewed and approved. The board reviewed financial and expenditure reports, including a rate increase for the Teacher Retirement System. They approved several overnight field trip and fundraiser requests. Personnel recommendations from the Superintendent were approved, including new hires, resignations, a transfer, and a release from contract.

The meeting included a review of the JCCS instructional vision, highlighting college and career readiness, and a presentation of the 2024-2025 Advanced Placement Exam results. There was a discussion regarding the increase in breakfast and lunch participation across the schools. Construction updates were provided, including the PreK addition, Washington Park addition, and the JCHS CTAE addition. The board approved the GSBA Risk Management Fund renewal and the Workers Compensation Fund renewal, as well as the FY 26 Georgia Department of Education training plan and the FY 26 Foothills Collaborative Operating Agreement. Several policy revisions and new policies were presented and approved. The board also approved overnight field trips and items for surplus, along with personnel actions.

The board meeting covered various topics, including student recognitions for academic and athletic achievements, approvals for overnight field trips and numerous fundraisers across different schools. The implementation of the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) for free school meals was announced, along with the approval of significant technology purchases (Chromebooks, desktop computers, and staff laptops). The board also approved budget amendments, reviewed financial reports, amended the student transportation code of conduct, and approved an instructional vision for student success. Finally, the meeting included personnel actions such as new hires, resignations, transfers, and releases from contracts.