Phenna Rene Petty

The meeting included a review of strategic waiver school system amendments for Walton County Schools and Herd County Schools, both of which were approved to move to the consent agenda. Additionally, charter system renewals were discussed for Baldwin County Schools and Calhoun City Schools, with representatives from both systems addressing questions regarding student achievement, instructional strategies, and fiduciary responsibility.

The meeting included the adoption of standards for new middle school CTAE leadership courses. It also covered the affirmation of charter school renewals for Atlanta Smart Academy, Liberty Tech Charter School, Northwest Classical Academy, and SLAM Academy. Financial items included the approval of an amended Georgia Department of Education budget for fiscal year 2026, which features salary supplements for state employees and classroom teachers, and the renewal of several contracts, including USDA food distribution services, Teach for America support for high-needs schools, and dropout prevention programs through Communities in Schools of Atlanta. Additionally, a contract for HVAC replacements at the Georgia Academy for the Blind was discussed.

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.