Rhonda W. Mathis

The board meeting served as the first public hearing for the fiscal year 2027 budget. Key discussion topics included the fiscal year 2027 budget presentation, encompassing teacher and classified employee compensation, step increases, literacy coach funding, and structural changes to pay scales. Additionally, the meeting addressed operational budget adjustments for property insurance, maintenance, utilities, school allocations, and new initiatives such as classroom supply stipends for teachers. The board also reviewed changes to staffing and funding sources for bus drivers, bus attendants, and school resource officers, alongside adjustments to the work calendars for paraprofessionals, assistant principals, and registrars.

The board meeting focused on student and staff achievements for the 2025-2026 school year. The agenda included the presentation of Peach State Federal Credit Union scholarship winners, recognition of the professional learning department, celebration of high school valedictorians and salutatorians, acknowledgment of students selected for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Scholarship, recognition of REACH scholars, and an introduction to the Georgia Governor's Honors Program participants.

The committee meeting covered the presentation of the fiscal year 2027 budget. Key discussion topics included contributions to the Teachers Retirement System, increases in certified and classified health insurance costs, and a step increase for eligible employees. The presentation also detailed the addition of literacy coaches, a new competitive pay scale for non-teaching staff, alignment of various certified staff pay scales, and schedule adjustments for paraprofessionals, assistant principals, and registrars. Additional items addressed include bus driver recruitment and compensation, the funding of school resource officers, the addition of a nurse for the early learning center, student advocacy specialist grants, and adjustments to operating expenses for property insurance, maintenance, utilities, and classroom supplies.

This document outlines the vision, mission, and beliefs for the "Teach Richmond" student teaching initiative program. Its core vision is to prepare every student to thrive, adapt, and lead in an ever-changing world by empowering every learner daily. Key priorities include refining comprehensive recruitment and retention strategies for students and staff, providing a supportive New Teacher Induction program, fostering a robust teacher network for collaboration, and developing top talent, particularly through compensated student teaching options.

The board meeting included a review of active projects under the building committee for phases six and seven. The finance committee presented financial reports including income, expenditures, cash and investment reports, sales tax, and title ad valorem reports. Budget amendments were approved concerning the proceeds from the sale of Southside Elementary School, title one school improvement funds, and adjustments for various grants. Additionally, the committee approved revised organizational charts for the communications department, policy and legal compliance, and the special education department, which included the addition of a preschool facilitator and a grant-funded parent mentor liaison.