NCS Board Notes - FEBRUARY 2026

Welcome to Newton County Schools Board Notes

The Newton County Schools Board of Education conducted a combined Work Session/Business Meeting on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. All documents presented to the Board are available to the public and can be accessed on our website.

Please note that Newton County Schools Board Meetings may be viewed live on the district’s YouTube channel. Additionally, archived meetings are also available for public viewing.

Board Chair Abigail Coggin opened the meeting by acknowledging Black History Month, noting that this is a time to honor the achievements and contributions of African Americans. Mrs. Coggin recognized the Veterans Memorial Middle School choir for delivering a rendition of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" in commemoration of Black History Month prior to the beginning of the school board meeting.

Superintendent Dr. Bradley saluted Black History Month as well, pointing out there is an emphasis on acknowledging the many Black history firsts right here in Newton County Schools. “There are many to recognize, but we found it important to acknowledge the trailblazers among us, both past and present whose legacies of leadership are worthy to be recognized,” said Dr. Bradley. Throughout February, features of these Black history makers will be shared on each of the district’s social media platforms.

February also is Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) Month, and Dr. Bradley celebrated the CTAE teachers and students who are leading the way in innovation and career readiness. “It is no secret that our CTAE programming is impressive, and that participating students are able to develop hands-on skills, along with getting a head start into careers that can potentially transform their futures,” said Dr. Bradley.

Dr. Bradley recognized the district’s school counselors in honor of National School Counseling Week. He pointed out the important role counselors play in supporting the general growth of the district’s students.

Finally, Dr. Bradley recognized the district’s School Resource Officers (SROs) as the district celebrated National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day. He noted that SROs are more than security personnel. They are mentors and role models. Some of them are tutors, often found reading to students whenever the opportunity presents itself. More importantly, they are partners in helping the district create safe and supportive learning environments. You may watch the video at the link below:

Math Teams Winners Recognized

For the second consecutive year, students from the Newton County STEAM Academy and Cousins Middle School were recognized during the school board meeting for earning first and second place honors, respectively, in the Division I Regional Middle School Math Team Competition. Newton County’s students once again claimed the top two spots, besting middle school teams from Butts, Fayette, Henry, Lamar, Pike, Spalding, and Upson counties.

Audrey McGovern; Joshua Pugh; Walter Ringstaff; Nehemiah Thompson; and Mason Todd were honored for their first-place win representing the Newton County STEAM Academy. They were coached by Ms. Mindy Alexander.

Anson Gao; Ny’Rielle Jennings; Lincoln Might; Myla Mosley; and Tyler Register were honored for their second-place win representing Cousins Middle School. They were coached by Ms. Deborah Olabiyi.

Basketball Teams Lauded for Winning Championships

Basketball teams from Indian Creek Middle School were recognized for capturing both the boys and girls’ New Rock basketball championships. It is believed that this is the first time that one school in Newton County has won both basketball championships.

For the boys’ team, captains Landon Green, Zion Martin, and Andy Wagnac, along with coaches Worrell Clahar and Dairimid Williams, represented the team at the school board meeting.

For the girls’ team, captains Kennedy Lane, Serenity Martin, and Addison Seals, along with coaches Jurnee Smith, Jazmyn Harrison, and Tijuana Freeman, represented the team at the school board meeting.

Advancing Academics, School Improvement, and Student Services: Workforce Development Update – Dr. Tim Schmitt, Director of CTAE and Workforce Development and Dr. Shannon Buff, Executive Director of School Leadership

View the presentation.

Dr. Tim Schmitt and Dr. Shannon Buff gave an update on the district’s Workforce Development Framework. Workforce development has long been part of the work of Newton County Schools. The district’s schools, educators, and community partners have been supporting students through career pathways, technical education, and postsecondary opportunities for many years.

The Workforce Development Framework elevates and aligns what already exists into a cohesive, districtwide strategy. It brings shared purpose, common expectations, and coordinated outcomes to the district’s efforts to ensure that students graduate prepared not only for college, but for meaningful, high-skill, high-demand careers.

The work is also tightly aligned with statewide priorities. Georgia’s leaders have consistently emphasized the importance of developing local talent pipelines that meet workforce needs and strengthen regional economies. This framework positions Newton County Schools to contribute meaningfully to that vision while serving the specific needs of our students and community. In fact, the district is recognized as an emerging model for how K–12 systems can thoughtfully align education with workforce and economic priorities.

Under the Board’s Leadership, Newton County Schools is well positioned to advance a comprehensive workforce development strategy. Many of the essential building blocks already are in place, including a strong College and Career Academy, a growing base of engaged industry partners, regular engagement with local government and civic partners, and established postsecondary partners.

The district has dedicated leadership and staff who are focused on coordinating and sustaining this work across schools and departments. This combination of infrastructure, partnerships, and internal capacity allows the district to move forward with confidence and intentionality.

Workforce readiness is a K–12 responsibility, not a single program or a high school-only strategy.

When implemented with intention across grade levels, workforce development becomes part of the student experience from early exposure and exploration to skill development and career preparation. Newton County Schools’ Workforce Development Framework reflects this core belief and provides a structure to ensure continuity, coherence, and equity across all schools. When fully implemented, the framework will significantly enhance the student experience in Newton County Schools.

It is designed to expand access to career pathways, strengthen connections between instruction and real-world application, and better align education with workforce demands.
It is designed to produce clear, measurable outcomes across grade levels.
Students will demonstrate employability and soft skills, develop meaningful college and career plans, and engage in expanded career exposure opportunities.

With strong alignment to Board priorities, state direction, and knowledge of community needs, Newton County Schools is positioned to make workforce development a defining feature of the student experience.

Reflections and Comments from School Board Members

Mr. Trey Bailey thanked Dr. Tim Schmitt and Dr. Shannon Buff for their work on the Workforce Development Framework and providing an update.

Mrs. Abigail Coggin said she is glad to see the framework coming to fruition. She thanked Dr. Tim Schmitt and Dr. Shannon Buff for their work.

Advancing Operational Effectiveness: Construction and ESPLOST Report – Dr. Michael Barr, Chief Operations Officer

View the presentation.

Reflections and Comments from School Board Members and/or Superintendent

Superintendent Dr. Duke Bradley reminded stakeholders that the district’s ESPLOST tracker is fully operational and provides real-time updates.

Finance: Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Outlook – Ms. Erica Robinson, Chief Financial Officer

View the presentation.

Finance: Financial Report – Ms. Erica Robinson, Chief Financial Officer

View the presentation.

Erica Robinson, the district’s Chief Financial Officer, presented an overview of the FY27 budget outlook.

Ms. Robinson began by detailing Governor Brian Kemp’s proposed budget, which includes key allocations for school districts. The FY27 proposed budget demonstrates a continued commitment to investing in public education, with a particular focus on health insurance, retirement, equalization, and capital needs. At the same time, it also includes adjustments to funding formulas that will need to be incorporated into our district-level projections.

Statewide Revenue Indicators

Governor Kemp is proposing an increase of $9.3 million for enrollment growth and teacher experience; $36.4 million for an increase to the Teachers Retirement System (TRS) employer contribution from 21.91% to 22.32%; and an increase of $199.6 million to cover employer contributions to health insurance premiums for certified personnel. The state also is increasing its funding for the pupil transportation grant by $38.5 million, and it is proposing a $1.5 million increase in grants for social work services and a modest increase for the custodial supplement grant.

In terms of formula funding, there is $258.9 million added to QBE Equalization Grant funds, which supports districts with lower property wealth and helps maintain funding equity across the state. The state also is proposing $25 million in bonds to purchase school buses, $264 million for Capital Outlay Programs that support facilities and infrastructure, and $27.5 million for Dual Enrollment through the Georgia Student Finance Commission.

Ms. Robinson noted a few reductions in funding. There is a $50.1 million adjustment for the Local Five Mill Share, which affects how local systems contribute under the QBE formula. Governor Kemp is proposing an $86,000 reduction in school nurse formula funds, and a $457,000 reduction in differentiated pay for newly hired math and science teachers.

Projections Specific to Newton County Schools

The state has proposed a funding increase for FTE growth, training/experience earnings, and the TRS employer contribution, which will collectively bring in approximately $800,000 for Newton County Schools. Additionally, the increase in employer-paid health insurance premiums for certified positions is expected to provide $2.3 million to the district to cover the rising costs of health insurance benefits.

Offsetting these positive impacts, however, the proposed budget includes a projected increase of $5.0 million in the local Five Mill Share contribution, meaning Newton County Schools will need to contribute more local funding to the QBE formula, adding pressure to local financial resources.

Initial projections are still pending for two funding categories - transportation and equalization. For transportation, the district is anticipating an increase that will support fleet maintenance and ensure the continued delivery of safe, reliable service for its students.

The initial projection for equalization funding, which helps districts with lower property wealth like Newton County, also is still to be determined. Equalization is calculated based on a statewide assessment of property wealth across all districts. The governor’s proposed state budget includes an increase of approximately $258.9 million in equalization funding statewide, but it is not known at this time if Newton County Schools will receive any of this allocation or how much.

Initial Projections for Newton County Schools

Local Five Mil Share and Equalization

The Local Five Mil Share, which is the portion of local property taxes that the state requires the district to contribute to public education, has increased year over year – from $10.8 million in FY17 to $23.3 million in FY26, with a notable projected jump of about $5 million in FY27, reaching over $28 million. While this growth reflects a stronger local tax base, it also means a decrease in state funding, as state support is reduced when local revenue capacity increases.

The Equalization Grant provides additional state funding to districts with lower property wealth to ensure more equitable education funding across Georgia. The state compares every district’s property wealth per student and then distributes equalization funding accordingly. Historically, Newton County’s local digest has increased, the district’s equalization funding has decreased. That trend is reflected in the reductions seen in recent years – from $22.4 million in FY17 to $10.8 million in FY26. As property wealth rises locally, districts typically qualify for less equalization support.

District Budget Planning

As we move forward with budget planning, we are aligning our expenditure strategy with state legislative requirements and the district’s organizational priorities. Beginning with investments driven by state legislation, several mandated cost increases will impact Newton County Schools’ budget:

The employer health insurance premium for certified and classified staff is increasing by $143 per member per month, which will be covered by state funding for certified employees. The cost for classified employees must be absorbed locally, however.
The employer contribution rate for the Teachers Retirement System (TRS) is increasing from 21.91% to 22.32% of salary per eligible employee, requiring both state and local funding support.

In addition to addressing state mandates, the district is making strategic financial decisions to support district priorities:

A detailed budget analysis is underway to explore potential cost savings while maintaining high-quality services.
Staff also are conducting a thorough analysis of staffing guidelines, allocations, and enrollment trends to identify staffing needs across the district, ensuring that resources are aligned with current and future demands.

By balancing these state-mandated obligations with local investment priorities, we aim to make fiscally responsible decisions that best serve our students and staff.

To align with district priorities, budget updates will be provided in March, April, and May 2026, with a budget overview, presentation of the tentative budget, and hearings before final adoption.

Business Items and Informational Items: Enrollment Report – Mr. Benjamin Roundtree, Chief of Staff

As of February 2, 2026, there are 18,353 students enrolled in Newton County Schools.

A. Requested Board Action Relative to Adoption of Policy JCDAF

The Board approved the adoption of Policy JCDAF: Use of Electronic Devices by Students. In accordance with the Distraction-Free Education Act, this policy sets expectations and procedures for students in Pre-Kindergarten through eighth grade regarding the use of personal electronic devices during the school day and at school-sponsored events. Per the policy, students in grades Pre-kindergarten through eighth grade are prohibited from accessing or using personal electronic devices while on school premises during the entirety of the school day. All personal electronic devices must remain powered off and silenced and kept out of sight for the entire instructional day, including transitions, breaks, and assemblies. This includes all scheduled instructional time, breaks, transitions, assemblies, and other school-related activities occurring between the start and end of the school day. Students with a documented need for PED access as outlined in an active Individualized Education Program (IEP), Section 504 Plan, or medication plan shall be permitted to use the device only to the extent necessary to implement the plan and consistent with applicable laws and district procedures.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote on February 17, 2026

A. Requested Board Action Relative to Intergovernmental Agreement

The Board approved an intergovernmental agreement with Newton County (Board of Commissioners). The agreement is intended to continue the longstanding shared use of facilities between the two entities. The agreement allows both the County and the Board to use the other party’s designated recreational and athletic facilities at no cost to support public recreation programs and school extracurricular activities. The agreement maintains priority for educational uses and sponsored programs and outlines clear expectations for scheduling, supervision, staffing, and coordination.