Vince Hamm

The Echols County Board of Education is considering the tentative budget for all funds for the period of July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. The budget includes revenues from state sources, federal sources, local taxes, SPLOST, other local revenue, interest on investments, and transfers from other funds. Expenditures are allocated for instruction, pupil services, improvement of instruction, educational media services, general administration, school administration, business support services, maintenance & operations, student transportation, central support services, school food service, capital outlay, payment on note and transfers to other funds. The budget will be considered for final adoption at the board meeting on May 13, 2025.

This document outlines Echols County Schools' plan for utilizing American Rescue Plan (ARP) ESSER III funds to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The plan prioritizes addressing learning opportunity loss through evidence-based interventions, ensuring continuity of services with additional staff, and maintaining safe facilities. Key focus areas include implementing interventions such as class-size reduction, extended learning opportunities (school day/year, summer programming, high-frequency tutoring, virtual learning), and leveraging technology. The overarching goal is to mitigate academic, social, emotional, and mental health impacts on all students, particularly those disproportionately affected, by providing targeted support, enhancing educational resources, and ensuring a safe environment for in-person instruction.