Michelle Bonilla

The primary discussion focused on the district's status as a Strategic Waiver School System (SWSS), including reviewing the original contract terms established in 2015, performance requirements based on the CCRPI single score, and specific active flexibilities utilized. Key utilized waivers included those related to class size (allowing classes to exceed state requirements by up to four students), direct classroom expenditure reporting (to improve management of non-classroom instructional staff), categorical allotments (allowing flexibility in fund movement), salary schedule requirements (to attract industry personnel for CTAE courses like welding), and certification requirements (allowing hiring of qualified but not yet fully certified personnel). Academic flexibility waivers discussed included promotion/retention decisions for grades 3, 5, and 8 (moving beyond sole reliance on GMASS scores) and enrollment flexibility for students in schools not originally assigned. The discussion also covered the two amendments made to the original contract, one modifying performance indicators and the second extending the contract due to the pandemic's impact on GMASS scores. A significant topic was the uncertainty regarding future performance measures following the elimination of the CCRPI single score, and the administration's ongoing application process for a new six-year contract set to begin in the next school year, noting that the State Department of Education has proposed a vague accountability measure aligned to the Georgia ESSA plan and CCRPI, with the baseline year potentially set as the current year.

Key discussions and highlights from the meeting included the approval of the 2021-2022 academic school year calendar, which was structured around state testing windows and logical breaks, setting the start date for Wednesday, August 4th. An update was provided on the professional development school partnership between the district's Has K-8 and Georgia Southern University, with recommendations to expand this program to Hodge Elementary and Doron Middle in the future. The board recognized the Superintendent's Student of the Month for January, Dianna Mar Diego. The Savannah Arts Academy Cantabile Choir was recognized for recent performance invitations and competition wins. The Board of Education Police Department received a three-year recertification from the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police assessment team. National School Counseling Week was recognized, and several counselors were honored. The district was awarded a state safety school grant of $1,740,000, and the board approved allocating $30,000 per school to contract with NGS Films and Graphics for impact protection adhesive installation at 45 schools. A groundbreaking ceremony for the new Jenkins High School was also noted, with an expected opening for the 2021-2022 school year.

This document provides factual information regarding ESPLOST (Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) for the Savannah Chatham County Public School System. It clarifies that ESPLOST is a community-approved sales tax designated for specific educational uses, such as funding capital projects like new facility construction and eliminating bond debt. The document highlights the historical success of ESPLOST in making the school system debt-free, with each iteration of the tax lasting five years, representing a continuous funding approach for infrastructure and financial stability.

This document advocates for broad community involvement in shaping the future strategic direction of Savannah Chatham County Public Schools. It emphasizes that effective 'big plans' are collaboratively developed by all stakeholders, including families, educators, staff, and students. The initiative aims to gather diverse perspectives through a survey to identify challenges and cultivate an educational environment where every child can excel.

The STEM Academy aims to deliver a rigorous and relevant STEM curriculum to middle school students in Savannah, Georgia, focusing on developing critical thinking, problem-solving, creative, and collaborative skills. The academy's mission is to prepare students to be college and career ready for the 21st century by advancing their knowledge in science and technology. Its vision is to prepare all students for productive futures by fostering connections between their education and the global economy, empowering them to solve local and global problems.