NCSS Board Notes - DECEMBER 2024

Welcome to Newton County Schools Board Notes

The Newton County Schools Board of Education conducted a combined Work Session/Business Meeting on Tuesday, December 17, 2024. All documents presented to the Board are available to the public and may 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.

Welcome

Board Chair Abigail Coggin opened the meeting by expressing her gratitude to Superintendent Dr. Duke Bradley, her fellow school board members, and the entire Newton County Schools team. “Your hard work and dedication have made this semester a success, and I am continually inspired by your commitment to serving our students and families,” said Mrs. Coggin. She closed her comments by wishing all students, staff, families, and the larger community a joyful and peaceful holiday season.

Superintendent Duke Bradley reflected on a productive semester during the final Board meeting of the year, highlighting key achievements including strengthened academic infrastructure, enhanced safety measures, expanded programming, and new team members. He commended the Board's clear priorities and efforts to improve communication with the community, celebrated student achievements, and praised the dedication of the district’s nearly 2,500 employees. He concluded by inviting the community to the 2025 State of the District event on February 11, promising a showcase of the excellence of Newton County Schools.

Board Recognitions

Newton High School Competition Cheerleaders Celebrated

The Newton High School Competition Cheerleading Squad recently competed in the Region 4-6A Georgia High School Association’s Region Cheer Competition, and the team’s incredible performance earned them the region championship trophy. Team captains Imani Hagans, Patience Wallace, and A’dyn Waters and coaches Kia Waters, Akaylah Sailsman, Courtney Smith, and Tadreca Hill were on hand to accept honors on the team’s behalf.

Football Teams Honored

Sports teams from several of the district’s schools were recognized during the meeting, and coaches and player representatives from each team were on hand to accept honors on the teams’ behalf.

The Newton High School Rams varsity football team had an impressive run this season, advancing to the second round of the state playoffs. Representing the Rams at the school board meeting were team captains Zion Johnson, Zach Harden, Myles Dixon, and Christian Ingram and head coach Joshua Skelton.

The Eastside High School Eagles varsity football team had an incredible season, advancing to the third round of the state playoffs. Along the way, the Eastside Eagles even defeated the reigning state champions, the Perry Panthers. Representing the Eagles at the school board meeting were team captains Carlton Belgrave, Tagen Brown, and Xavier Joseph and head coach Jay Cawthon.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Recognized

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Chi Tau Omega Chapter, which is celebrating twenty years in the Covington-Newton County community, was recognized for being a remarkable and enduring partner with Newton County Schools. The Chi Tau Omega Chapter has provided over $150,000 in scholarships to Newton County Schools’ high school students; donated books to the media centers at Fairview and Porterdale Elementary Schools; regularly engaged with students by reading to them at Fairview Elementary School; and hosted voter registration drives at Newton High School every year since the chapter’s founding.

Superintendent's Reports

Informational Item: Legislative Priorities – Mr. Trey Bailey, Board Member and Board Legislative Liaison

To view the presentation in its entirety, please click on this link.

Trey Bailey, board member and the board’s legislative liaison, presented the Board of Education’s legislative priorities for the upcoming General Assembly session. In keeping with established practice, the 2025 legislative priorities represent the consensus view of the district’s governance team and reflect their shared commitment to the mission of Newton County Schools – providing an excellent education for every student. Advocacy efforts will be led by Superintendent Dr. Duke Bradley, as the board seeks to be vocal and active participants in the legislative process.

In preparation for this year’s session, overarching themes of focus have been identified, which are Funding and Resources, Teaching and Learning, Mental Health and Well-being, Safety and Security, and the Fortification of Public Education.

Funding and Resources - Newton County Schools supports legislation and advocacy efforts that promote and protect teachers’ needs while also fairly evaluating student performance.

Prioritize an equitable funding formula that ensures resource distribution consistent with school district’s unique needs.
Modernize the QBE formula to account for safety and security funding; poverty; and updated funding weights for classified employees and mental health support personnel (i.e. school psychologists, social workers, and school counselors).

Teaching and Learning - Newton County Schools supports legislation and advocacy efforts that promote and protect teachers’ needs while also fairly evaluating student performance.

Advance legislation that enables a balanced accountability system and prioritizes a growth/progress model for student achievement using multiple measures for student and teacher performance.
Advocate for legislation that advances digital equity; providing resources that guarantee high-speed internet access for all students. This includes funding for infrastructure improvements in underserved areas.

Mental Heath and Well-being - Newton County Schools supports legislation that better positions schools and school districts to respond to the full-range of students’ mental and emotional needs.

Advocate for measures that expand access to mental healthcare, including training for teachers and other education professionals to better support student needs.

Safety and Security - Newton County Schools supports legislative efforts that result in safety improvements that protect the learning environment.

Introduce and/or advocate for legislation that strengthens penalties for threatening conduct directed towards students and/or school-based personnel and for conduct that may otherwise result in substantial disruption to normal school related operations.
Advocate for the allocation of resources to school districts to assist with identifying and thwarting cyber threats.

Fortify Public Education - Newton County Schools supports legislation that strengthens the ability to provide quality public education.

Prioritize legislation that empowers local school districts to make decisions that best meet the needs of their local communities.
Implement comprehensive accountability systems for voucher programming.

These legislative priorities reflect Newton County Schools’ commitment to its organizational mission. By advocating for equitable funding, supporting mental health services, ensuring safety, and bolstering local decision-making, the governance team will continue to drive improvements in the school district and provide the resources necessary for student and system success. The Newton County Board of Education is grateful to the legislative delegation for their support in these efforts and looks forward to working together to advance our shared interests.

Culture and Engagement: 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 School Calendar Options – Dr. Shelia Thomas, Chief Strategy and Support Services Officer

To view the presentation in its entirety, please click on this link.

Dr. Shelia Thomas, Chief Strategy and Support Services Officer, presented the 2025-26 and 2026-27 School Survey Preference Status Report. Dr. Thomas pointed out that the district has engaged in a collaborative and inclusive process to gather input from multiple stakeholder groups. This process ensured the consideration of input from those directly impacted by the district’s decisions, promoting academic success and well-being. Calendar planners remained focused on the district’s organizational priority to enhance district communication efforts—both internal and external—to achieve clarity and transparency throughout the process.

Over the past few months, an Input Survey was administered to gather ideas from students, parents, teachers, and community members. Additional insights were provided by principals on behalf of their schools; members of the Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Council shared their perspectives, focusing on instructional needs and work-life balance; members of the Executive Cabinet provided feedback from their respective departments and divisions; and school board members provided input during their agenda review sessions.

In her presentation, Dr. Thomas pointed out that all school district stakeholders had the opportunity to complete the Calendar Preference Survey, which allowed people to select a preferred calendar option for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years.

Dr. Thomas summarized the key components of each option.

For Option A, the 2025-26 school calendar proposes the first day of school be Friday, August 1, 2025, and the last day of school on Thursday, May 28, 2026.
The 2026-27 school calendar proposes the first day of school be Friday, July 31, 2026, and the last day of school be Wednesday, May 26, 2027.
The calendars for both years offer a full week off for Fall, Thanksgiving, Mid-Winter and Spring Breaks.

For Option B, the 2025-26 school calendar proposes the first day of school be Monday, August 4, 2025, and the last day of school be Friday, May 29, 2026.
The 2026-27 school calendar proposes the first day of school be Monday, August 3, 2026, and the last day of school be Thursday, May 27, 2027.
The calendars for both years offer a full week off for Fall, Thanksgiving, Mid-Winter and Spring Breaks.

For Option C, the 2025-26 school calendar proposes the first day of school be Monday, August 4, 2025, and the last day of school be Friday, May 22, 2026.
The 2026-27 school calendar proposes the first day of school be Monday, August 3, 2026, and the last day of school be Friday, May 21, 2027.
The calendars for both years offer a full week off for Fall, Thanksgiving, and Spring Breaks. The Mid-winter break will consist of one day off for teachers and two days off for students.

In all instances, the mid-winter break is reserved for inclement weather make-up days.

Results of the Calendar Preference Survey showed the following:

Option A - 17% of the respondents selected Option A.
Option B – 33% of the respondents selected Option B.
Option C – 50% of the respondents selected Option C.

During the school board meeting, a recommendation was made for the selection of the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school calendars.

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

To view the presentation, please click on this link.

Finance: Financial Report and House Bill 581 Overview – Ms. Erica Robinson, Chief Financial Officer

To view the presentation, please click on this link: Financial Report & House Bill 581 Overview

In addition to the financial report Chief Financial Officer Erica Robinson covered the key components and objectives of House Bill 581 and discussed its impact on Newton County Schools. To view the Board of Education’s discussion regarding House Bill 581, please click on this link: https://youtu.be/SAXquKSo0zk?si=ZvoD5U2sUkEKIkV1

In the November 2024 general election, Georgia’s voters approved a constitutional amendment that provides a state-wide homestead exemption limiting increases in the assessed value of a homestead. Taking effect on January 1, 2025, House Bill 581 includes several key components, such as changes to ad valorem tax procedures, revisions to sales tax policies, and the introduction of a floating homestead exemption, which is expected to have the greatest impact on school districts.

Key updates and changes to ad valorem tax procedures include:

Creation of an Estimated Roll-Back Rate

This rate must now be included on property assessment notices, giving taxpayers clearer insight into potential tax changes.

Disclaimer Requirement

If the adopted millage rate exceeds the estimated rollback rate, a disclaimer must be included on the tax bill to ensure taxpayers are aware of the deviation.

Removal of Sales Price Limitation

The provision that limited the sales price as the maximum allowable fair market value has been eliminated, providing more flexibility in property valuation.

Appeals Process Update

The three-year value lock following a property value appeal has been modified. Taxpayers are now only eligible for this lock if their appeal results in a value reduction.

Regular Appraisal Requirement

Counties must appraise all parcels at least once every three years, ensuring property values remain accurate and up-to-date.

These updates seek to increase transparency and fairness in property tax administration.

House Bill 581 also includes key updates to Georgia’s sales tax policies. Changes include:

Revising the Two Percent Local Sales Tax Cap

The existing cap on local sales taxes has been adjusted, providing counties with greater capacity to manage local revenue needs.

Establishing a Local Sales Tax for Property Tax Relief

A new sales tax option is created specifically to fund property tax relief, helping to ease the tax burden on homeowners. To implement this local sales tax, the county and all cities within it must adopt a floating homestead exemption, ensuring homeowners benefit from stable and predictable tax assessments. School districts, however, are ineligible to share in the proceeds of this new sales tax unless authorized by a separate constitutional amendment.

These updates seek to improve consistency and address local tax concerns.

One of the key features of House Bill 581 is the floating homestead exemption, which is a provision designed to limit increases in the assessed value of homesteads. Under the constitutional amendment passed back in November 2024, a floating homestead exemption limits the annual increase in the taxable value of a primary residence by capping it at the rate of inflation, which will be determined by the State Revenue Commissioner. Starting in 2025, the 2024 assessed value of a taxpayer’s home will serve as the base year for the exemption. This exemption is in addition to existing non-floating homestead exemptions, such as the senior exemption and the disabled veteran exemption.

Ms. Robinson provided a summary of the estimated impact the floating homestead exemption will have on Newton County Schools’ revenue, pointing out there would be a notable reduction in anticipated revenue.

In 2026, the first year of implementation, the district anticipates a loss in revenue of approximately $3.91 million.
In 2027, the loss increases to an estimated $6.22 million.
In 2028, the loss increases to approximately $8.8 million.
In 2029, the annual loss is projected to reach approximately $11.68 million.

The cumulative impact of this loss is revenue loss through fiscal year 2029 could amount to approximately $30.61 million. These figures highlight the long-term financial implications of this legislation.

Finance: Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Development Process – Ms. Erica Robinson, Chief Financial Officer

To view the presentation, please click on this link.

Erica Robinson, the district’s Chief Financial Officer, presented an overview of the budget development process for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26). The development of the district’s budget defines how resources are allocated to meet the needs of students, staff, and other stakeholders.

The budget is the cornerstone of the district’s operations, ensuring that we are able to deliver on our mission to provide educational excellence for all students. It represents not just numbers, but the values and organizational priorities that guide our district.

Board Policy DC - Annual Operating Budget mandates that the Superintendent annually prepares and submits to the Board of Education an estimated budget of revenue from all sources and its proposed expenditures for the next fiscal year. Georgia’s State Board of Education, ensuring transparency and accountability in a district’s financial planning, establishes this process.

Newton County Schools’ budget is made up of various fund types, each having a specific purpose to meet the diverse needs of the district.

The General Fund is the district’s primary operating fund, covering day-to-day expenses such as salaries, benefits, supplies, and utilities.
The Special Revenue Fund accounts for revenues that are legally restricted for specific purposes, such as federal and state grants.
The Capital Projects Fund is dedicated to funding major construction or renovation projects within the district, including infrastructure improvements and facility upgrades.
The Debt Service Fund manages the repayment of long-term debt obligations incurred by the district, such as bonds issued for capital projects.

Developing the budget is a collaborative process that seeks input from various external and internal stakeholders. The external stakeholders involved in the budget development process include Georgia’s governor, the General Assembly, state and local agencies, parents, and community members.

The governor is instrumental in establishing the foundation for the budget process at the state level. The governor’s contributions include presenting state-wide budget recommendations to the General Assembly and approving or vetoing educational policies and funding levels
The General Assembly, as the legislative branch, takes the governor’s recommendations and puts them in actionable financial plans. One of the key responsibilities of the General Assembly is to determine educational policies and funding levels to ensure that districts receive the necessary resources to support student learning.
State and local agencies such as the Georgia Department of Education and the Newton County Tax Assessor’s Office also play a pivotal role in the budget development process. The Georgia Department of Education bridges state-level decisions and local implementation. Its role includes preparing budget allocations based on state appropriations and ensuring funds are distributed equitably to school districts. At the local level, the Newton County Tax Assessors Office assesses property values within the county to prepare the tax digest, which is a critical component the district’s local revenue stream.
The district’s parents and other community members contribute by providing essential feedback. They participate in surveys and public forums to share their perspectives on budget priorities, helping to ensure our financial decisions reflect community needs and values.

Each of these stakeholders plays an interconnected role in the district’s budget development process. The input from external stakeholders help ensure financial planning aligns with the educational goals and priorities of the district.

Internally, district staff engage with various departments, school administrators, and staff members. Through regular meetings, surveys, and feedback sessions, valuable insight is gathered from those who are directly involved in the day-to-day operations of district schools and offices. Input from these stakeholders helps to identify areas where resources are most needed and ensures alignment with the district’s organizational priorities and goals.

The internal stakeholders’ activities are guided by the board-approved budget calendar, ensuring comprehensive preparation and collaboration. The Superintendent begins the process with one-on-one meetings with school board members to define key budget priorities. Throughout January 2025, several critical activities will take place, including initial budget meetings with Chief Officers,

Directors, and school administrators to outline budget priorities and initiate the budgeting process. Listening sessions will be held to gather insight from all employees. The review and compilation of various financial data and priorities will commence in February and continue through March, and in April, the Board of Education will review and adopt the tentative budget. After adoption, the tentative budget will be published in the county's legal organ and on the district’s website. Additionally, budget hearings will be held before the final adoption of the budget. These actions promote transparency by giving stakeholders access to essential budget information and opportunities to provide feedback.

To align with the district’s organizational priorities of enhancing communication efforts for greater transparency and developing a robust reporting structure for Board of Education meetings to ensure greater community transparency regarding organizational objectives, status, and plans, budget development updates will be provided according to the following schedule:

February 2025: A budget outlook will be shared, focusing on initial developments from the General Assembly.
March 2025: A budget overview will be presented, highlighting revenue projections and strategic investments for the district.
April 2025: The FY 2026 tentative budget will be presented for adoption.
May 2025: As required by law, two budget hearings will be held prior to the final adoption of the FY 2026 budget.

The budget development process reflects the district’s commitment to transparency, collaboration, and strategic investment in students, staff, and the larger community. Each step is designed to ensure fiscal responsibility while aligning resources with the district’s goals and priorities. Newton County Schools is on a relentless pursuit to become the fastest improving school district in the state of Georgia—organized and led by a highly skilled teacher and leader workforce working tirelessly on behalf of children, for the benefit of the community, and producing breakthrough results.

Business Items: Enrollment Report – Dr. Michael Barr, Chief Operations Officer

As of December 2, 2024, there are 18,342 students enrolled in Newton County Schools.

New Business

A. Requested Board Action Relative to the Adoption of the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 School Calendars

The Board approved the adoption of the proposed school calendars for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 academic years. All employees, parents, and community members in the district were given an opportunity to participate in an online survey regarding three options for the next two calendar years. The Option C Calendars were the overwhelming preference for stakeholders and as such were presented by the superintendent for adoption. The calendars may be viewed on our website at the following link: https://www.newtoncountyschools.org/departments/public_relations/news/b_o_e_adopts_f_y26_f_y_27_calendars