Kelly Edge

The work session included a school update from the principal of Broxton Mary Hayes Elementary School, detailing their theme "Destination Success," student demographics, focus areas (reading, writing, math), literacy initiatives (Bookworms, Saxoponics, HERD), use of the SEATS model, and various recognitions such as being a Title One Reward School and a John Hancock Cursive Handwriting Award recipient. The discussion also covered incentives for students and staff, including attendance challenges and staff benefits like the 'goose pass.' The board received financial reports for November 2025, noting revenues were below projections due to a delayed tax deposit. Other agenda items included the purchase of playground equipment for the new West Crown school (with a note about pending fire marshal final approval) and a technology purchase concerning a new firewall system.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the special recognition of Dr. Mark Lee, who received the Dr. Greg Armsdorf Servant Leadership Award from Cogna for his extraordinary devotion to students, educators, and the community. Testimonials highlighted his consistent, character-driven, and empowering leadership, as well as his success in restoring the district's accreditation status and raising graduation rates since 2011. The board adopted the agenda and approved the consent agenda, which included minutes from a previous work session, financial reports, passing through a custodian supplement from the state, approving furniture replacement for Satilla Elementary School (due to Hurricane Elaine storm damage), and introducing an employee tobacco use policy for a 30-day review period. The discussion touched upon proposed state-level teacher pay raises. Following procedural confusion, the board reconvened after prematurely adjourning to approve personnel recommendations.

The Coffee County Board of Education held a work session where they discussed several key items. They reviewed the minutes from the last monthly meeting and work session, along with financial reports. The board also discussed the regular meeting schedule and reviewed a document summarizing the last five years of cost expenditures. An update was given on the performance of federally identified schools, focusing on district support actions, school improvement actions, school data successes, and sustainability. Additionally, there was a family connections update.

The meeting included discussions on the graduation rate, recognition of school principals, and a review of the consent agenda. The board also discussed the financial reports, safeguards in place to ensure fiscal responsibility, and updates on recovery efforts from Helen. Additional topics included surplus property items, out-of-state travel for AP government and US history students, and a furniture purchase for West Green Elementary.

The board discussed the agenda and heard a school update from Coffee High School, which included information on graduation rates, community service hours, scholarships awarded, and data on the CTAE program, dual enrollment, and advanced placement. The board also reviewed minutes from previous meetings and the financial report for the month ending September 30, 2025. There were discussions about financial safeguards, storm damage repairs, and the greenhouse at the high school.