Lakisha Bryant-Bruce

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.

The meeting included presentations, student recognitions, and a superintendent report. The superintendent's report included updates on delayed property tax revenue, an overview of the 2026 legislative priorities, a review of policy updates, and celebrations and announcements. The legislative priorities discussed were the expansion of early learning opportunities, QBE adding a weight for economically disadvantaged students, the state health benefit plan for non-certified staff, and the teacher pipeline.

The meeting included a presentation on breast cancer awareness by a representative from the city of Albany. The Chief Information Officer and team presented on cyber security efforts, highlighting the importance of cyber security, the vision of the IT department, and new and future measures to keep data safe. Adjustments to fishing and training campaigns, the implementation of an AI-driven email solution, and firewall enhancements were discussed. The importance of strong, secure passwords was emphasized. Data on blocked foreign login attempts, email traffic analysis, and security awareness training results were shared.

The meeting included discussions on various topics, such as a review of the agenda items, a strategic plan update, GMASS scores from spring 2025, policy revision process, federal funding, and the Promise Scholar Scholarship Act. The board also touched on the importance of data usage, early literacy, and the need for continued investment in professional learning and instructional resources.

The board reviewed agenda items, including recommendations for employment and release of personnel, adoption of the fiscal year 2026 operation budget, approval of an Apple lease agreement, and approval of a contract with Specialized Education Service to operate the South Georgia Regional Achievement Center. A strategic plan update was presented, with discussions around focus group meetings, stakeholder engagement, and the revision of the strategic plan. Stakeholder feedback highlighted the need for coherent implementation, clear communication, and greater alignment across all levels of the system.