Khadijah Ali

The meeting included public comments regarding a proposed field trip for DHY County School System students to the Upland Wildlife Festival at Chihaw Park and Zoo, focusing on the learning opportunities provided on the special school day and the public day. Discussions also covered legislative updates, including the potential impact of bills related to early learning opportunities, adding poverty weight to the QBE formula (Senate Bill 381), and the status of supplemental funding for the state health benefit plan. A significant portion was dedicated to reviewing the amended Fiscal Year 2026 budget, particularly the projected $2.4 million local funding requirement for the onetime $2,000 employee supplement. Further legislative matters reviewed included House Resolution 1114 and House Bill 116 concerning property tax exemption via a proposed 2% sales tax, which would erode the school tax digest and alter school funding equalization formulas. Concerns were raised about revenue stability due to the shift from predictable property taxes to volatile sales tax revenue.

The board meeting began with a briefing and a review of the agenda items, necessitating an executive session to discuss personnel and student matters. Key discussion topics included a request for clarification regarding interior design contracts for the Westover High School, Daughter High School, and the new public safety complex projects, specifically concerning the architect's fee structure. A significant portion of the meeting involved a presentation on the progress of federally identified schools, focusing heavily on Alice Coachman School, which showed tremendous progress in content mastery, especially in ELA and science, despite facing significant community challenges. Updates were also provided regarding the performance of Martin King High School concerning its subgroup of students with disabilities. Other agenda items mentioned included Item 2, Item 3, Item 5, Item 6, Item 7, and Item 10 (finance report). The Superintendent also discussed the district's vision, mission, and ongoing support structures for these schools.

The regular board meeting included a review of the agenda, which covered an update on the strategic plan priorities (early literacy, academic rigor, student wellness, human capital investment, and community engagement), legislative priorities, an update on SPLOST bonds, an update on delayed property tax revenue, and a policy revision update. The board needed to convene an executive session to discuss personnel, property, and community collaboration matters. Discussions surrounding agenda items included tabling consideration of certain Building and Grounds committee recommendations (B and C) pending clarification on FF&D design services fees related to the public safety complex and daughter high school projects. The Superintendent's report highlighted key legislative advocacy points, including seeking expansion of prek classes and adding a weight for economically disadvantaged students in the QBE funding formula, as well as advocating for the continuation of the teacher return-to-work bill for retirees. Updates were provided on the SPLOST bond process timeline, projected delays in property tax revenue receipts (mid-March instead of mid-December), and ongoing policy revisions, with sections G and H anticipated for February review. Celebrations included recognizing the "Shoes from the Heart" initiative, the selection of Dr. Michelle Bgoza for the Georgia STEM program hub, and the achievements of several student athletes and a coach (Coach Dallas Smith reaching 500 career wins). Prekindergarten registration for the 2026-2027 school year was also announced as open.

The meeting commenced with student recognitions, including achievements in the Georgia Youth Assembly Competition and robotics tournaments at Lake Park Elementary School, as well as academic awards from Westover Comprehensive High School. Agenda discussions included consideration of employment and personnel release. Key financial and operational items involved the approval of the Gear Up 2032 grant contract with Spectrum Red and the purchase of network interface modules, which were clarified regarding grant funding sources. The Board also addressed the surplus of equipment and requests for fundraisers, with the Superintendent providing an update on compliance with fundraiser limits. The Superintendent's report detailed updates on the strategic plan refinement, legislative matters such as House Bill 1193 (literacy coaches) and House Bill 116 (property tax exemption/sales tax implications), and highlights concerning the amended FY26 budget and increases in employee benefits costs.

The meeting commenced with the recognition of several schools that achieved the distinguished level of PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) recognition, aligning with strategic priority number three concerning student wellness. Key agenda items reviewed included the adoption of the millage rate for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, noting the board's desire to roll the rate back for the eighth time in nine years. Discussion also covered the resolution to approve a quitclaim deed for one acre of property adjacent to the Morningside PreK Center for a joint city/county school system recreation complex. The Superintendent provided an update on the strategic plan, mentioning that measurable goals would be presented in January. A significant portion of the meeting addressed the preliminary financing schedule for SPLOST bonds, including timelines for credit ratings and bond closing anticipated for early February. Furthermore, the Superintendent detailed that due to delayed property tax revenue from the county (as late as end of January), the district liquidated a portion of its investments to cover cash flow needs, ensuring no delays in payroll or vendor payments. Finally, an update on policy revisions was presented, including a recommendation to increase the fund balance target range from 8-12% to 15-25% based on Government Finance Officers Association best practices, and the introduction of a new policy on financial reports and capital assets.