Steve Barnette

The board meeting featured recognitions of a district partner and board members. Presentations included a monthly financial update, results of an annual financial audit, and an overview of the upcoming budget. Additionally, the board discussed programs for the Paulding College and Career Academy, approved the level of exemplary status for the Georgia School Boards Association recognition program, selected representatives for an upcoming conference, and renewed a custodial services contract.

The meeting included the recognition of the Hyram Lodge as the January partner in education for their support of school programs, including the food pantry and Alcohol Drug Awareness Days. The Chief Financial Officer presented the monthly financial update for November, detailing variances in year-to-date revenue and expenditures compared to budget, and provided information on the unassigned fund balance. The board was also updated on staff receiving two gold awards from the Georgia School Public Relations Association for videography and the annual communications report. A significant portion of the discussion focused on the boundary realignment presentation, reviewing the process of assessing capacity concerns, community engagement efforts, and data gathering regarding three proposed realignment plans (Blue, Yellow, Green). Plan Blue was presented as the favored option, addressing capacity concerns at Dallas, Shelton, and Abney Elementary Schools by utilizing capacity created by the opening of Crossroads Elementary and recent additions at Roberts and Northside Elementary Schools. The next steps involve a final board vote on Plan Blue, opening the 'request to remain' window for rising fifth graders, and subsequently opening the school choice window for other grade levels.

The board meeting included recognitions of various staff members and schools for their achievements, as well as an overview of recent district initiatives and upcoming events. Key actions taken included the approval of project closeout resolutions, the awarding of a contract for network equipment and maintenance, and the renewal of a lawn care maintenance proposal. Additionally, the board reviewed and approved a comprehensive personnel report involving various resignations, retirements, and new hires across the district.

This document provides comprehensive information for parents and students in the Paulding County School District regarding high school graduation requirements, academic advisement opportunities, and post-secondary planning. Key areas covered include the BRIDGE Act advisement tasks for each grade level (8th-12th), details on the HOPE Scholarship, credit requirements for graduation, and information on programs such as Dual Enrollment, Advanced Placement, and Work-Based Learning.

The meeting commenced with the adoption of the agenda, followed by an adjournment to executive session to discuss personnel, safety, land, and legal matters, with the minutes from February 10th being the only vote taken therein. Upon reconvening, the invocation was led by Pastor Bill Seismore, and the colors and pledge of allegiance were presented by the Hyram High School JOTC. The Superintendent's report highlighted that State Superintendent Richard Woods would visit the district to present John Hancock Literacy and Math Leader Banners to 23 schools, an increase from three the previous year. The Superintendent also recognized the communications team's efforts on Government Communicators Day and reported on the recent Star Staff recognition reception, detailing the criteria and winners for eight award categories, including Derek Crosby as the Golden Apple recipient. Information was also provided regarding the upcoming teacher transfer and career fairs, the closing window for school choice applications, and kindergarten registration. Following the Superintendent's report, the consent agenda was approved, which included certifications that accounts for capital projects at North Pauling High School, Crossroads Middle School, and Bagot Elementary were paid in full, the award of a bid for Network Equipment and Maintenance, and the renewal of the Lawncare Maintenance contract. A public comment was heard from an 11th-grade student requesting the board reconsider its policy on converting dual enrollment letter grades to fixed numerical values for GPA calculation, arguing that the current policy unfairly caps grades compared to AP courses and honors courses.