Margaret E. D. Baker

This Annual Performance Report presents Georgia's assessment results for the 2024-2025 school year, focusing on Indicator 3 (Assessment) of the State Performance Plan. It details progress on participation rates (3A), proficiency rates against grade-level standards (3B), proficiency rates against alternate academic achievement standards (3C), and the proficiency rate gap (3D) in reading and math for grades 4, 8, and high school. The report highlights successful participation rates but notes significant shortfalls in meeting proficiency targets, aiming to identify areas for improvement and guide interventions.

The meeting commenced with the Committee of the Whole entering into executive session to discuss personnel appeals and legal matters. Following the executive session, discussions covered several agenda items, including grant amendments for FY25 and FY26 federal formula grants, with specific attention to adjustments for ESSA formula grants and Title One allocations for charter schools. A contract renewal for Individualized Education Program (IEP) training was also reviewed. Under the Rules Committee, the body addressed the repeal and adoption of a new state board rule regarding student enrollment and withdrawal, necessitated by House Bill 268, and the amendment of the rule governing the transfer of student records. The committee also sought approval to post new Career Technical and Agricultural Education standards for junior leadership core courses. Finally, the District Flexibility and Charter Schools Committee discussed a charter system contract amendment for Atlanta Public Schools regarding the Georgia Fair Dismissal Act and the renewal of the charter for Atlanta Neighborhood Charter School for a five-year term.

The meeting included an introduction segment featuring special guests, including representatives from CTSO Directors, a teacher, and a student, Blake Berquette, who shared his positive experience with CTI and how it influenced his decision not to drop out of school. The proceedings addressed a public hearing on proposed state board rules concerning student enrollment/withdrawal and transfer of student records, though no public speakers signed up. Committee reports followed, with recommendations for moving several items, including executive session minutes, personnel reports, and budget items, to the consent agenda. Subsequent discussions involved recognizing winners of the Cybersecurity poster contest across K-5, 6-8, and 9-12 categories, highlighting the significant workforce gap in cybersecurity in Georgia. The Superintendent also provided remarks, emphasizing the impact of CTI/CTSO programs on graduation rates and encouraging the student speaker.

The meeting began with the Chair calling the session to order and immediately entertaining a motion to enter executive session for discussion regarding student disciplinary appeals, personnel matters, and pending litigation. After confirming a quorum was established, the board recessed into executive session. Upon returning to the public session, the meeting proceeded with committee work, starting with the District Flexibility and Charter Committee. This segment included the annual report from the Chairman of the State Charter Schools Commission, who highlighted strategic goals focused on expanding charter schools outside the Atlanta metro area, including new schools in Northwest Georgia and Gwinnett County, and addressing the high demand for the classical school model. The Commission also reported on consolidating compliance offices for efficiency and absorbing a $38 million USDOE grant for charter expansion previously administered by a private foundation. Key challenges discussed included facilities/bonding for new charters and budget implications related to state supplements for local charter schools. The board later moved to the Budget Committee, where the first item addressed was a grant amendment for the FY26 federal high school program grant (Perkins 5), involving the redistribution of unused FY25 carryover funds to improve Career, Technical, and Education (CTE) programs.

The meeting began with acknowledgments of visitors and a performance by special guest Ayanna Bilbury, a student singer, instrumentalist, and songwriter. Following the musical performance, the board held a public hearing, which concluded as no individuals signed up to speak. Committee reports were presented, with recommendations to move several items to the consent agenda for the Budget Committee and the Rules Committee. The Rules Committee had three items pulled for a separate vote: State Board Rule 160-4-8-.09 regarding student advisement adoption, State Board Rule 160-4-9-.05 concerning the charter schools petition process adoption, and State Board Rule 160-4-9-.06 addressing charter authorizers financing management and governance training. The motion to approve the first two pulled items passed, while the third also passed. The meeting concluded after a brief discussion regarding a board member's new role as secretary treasurer for a national organization and an announcement regarding the upcoming State of the State address.