NCS Board Notes - JULY 2025

The Newton County Schools Board of Education conducted a combined Work Session/Business Meeting on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. School board member Mr. Anderson Bailey was unable to attend the meeting. 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 welcoming everyone back to Newton County Schools for the 2025-26 school year.

Likewise, Superintendent Dr. Duke Bradley began his remarks by extending a warm welcome back to all the district’s students and families as we prepare to open the school year.

He acknowledged the work of teachers, coordinators, and other education support personnel who worked with students during the district’s various summer programs, and he expressed gratitude to community partners like the library, Washington Street Community Center, and local churches that served as food distribution sites for the summer feeding program.

Dr. Bradley also spoke about the new teachers that were recently welcomed to Newton County Schools as they began the New Teacher Orientation Program. “The energy in the room was high, but even more impressive was the passion the teachers shared for making a difference in the lives of students,” said Dr. Bradley.

He concluded by expressing his gratitude to the school district’s community – families, staff, and partners.

Winner of Braille Challenge Competition

Kennedy Carlock was recognized for winning the 2025 Braille Challenge. After earning first place honors in the regional Braille Challenge Competition, Kennedy represented Newton County Schools, the state of Georgia, and the United States in the 2025 Braille Challenge Finals. Held at the University of Southern California, this prestigious event brought together the top blind and visually impaired students in grades 1–12 from across the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Australia. Competing in the apprentice division, Kennedy excelled in reading comprehension, spelling, proofreading, speed and accuracy, and interpreting tactile charts and graphs, ultimately earning the highest honor in her division.

Schools Receive Statewide Recognition

Livingston Elementary School, Clements Middle School, and Indian Creek Middle School were recognized during the meeting for being named 2025 CSI Progress Schools, a designation that honors schools making notable improvements under Georgia’s Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) framework. To qualify, schools had to show at least a 5% increase in their CCRPI Content Mastery component score from 2023 to 2024 and earn a score of eighty or higher in one of the additional components: Progress, Closing Gaps, or Readiness.

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

Benjamin Roundtree, Special Assistant to the Superintendent, presented Newton County Schools’ Organizational Priorities for the 2025-2026 school year. He began by pointing out that at every level last year, there was a focus on centering the district’s efforts on improving student outcomes and strengthening the overall function of the organization. As a result, the Organizational Priorities for 2025-2026 are an expansion and enhancement of last year’s priorities, and they reflect where we stand as a district, paired with work that we believe is most urgent and necessary.

A 4-part test was applied to determine whether a priority is even worthy of pursuit included considerations of -- is this the right work, is it necessary for the current moment, is it urgent, and do we have the capacity to execute it.

PRIORITY I: Advancing Academics, School Improvement, and Student Supports

1. Strengthen the district’s literacy foundation; clarify and document the district’s literacy improvement philosophy, strategy, and resources.

2. Strengthen the instructional core (implement research-based instructional practices, interventions, and support systems in service of ensuring rigorous, Tier 1 Instruction, districtwide.

PRIORITY II: Advancing Operational Effectiveness

1. Advance school safety through coordinated improvement strategy.
2. Ensure the development of a multi-year Strategic Plan.
3. Identify and implement necessary operational efficiencies to streamline core systems and enhance organizational effectiveness.
4. Evaluate district-wide facilities to explore opportunities for future use, right sizing, efficiency, upgrades, and modernization.

PRIORITY III: Advancing Culture and Engagement

1. Develop a commonly applied, Tier I behavior support and intervention framework
2. Deepen community and stakeholder engagement

PRIORITY IV: Advancing Innovation and Organizational Stability

1. Strengthen pathways and programs for students that support workforce development, aligned with community needs and industry partnerships.
   
2. Evaluate and modernize policies to promote coherence and to correspond with the current state of the district.
3. Invest in the professional growth of current and aspiring leaders to strengthen executive capacity, develop a sustainable leadership pipeline, and ensure high-impact leadership at all levels.

The 2025-2026 Organizational Priorities reflect Newton County Schools’ strong commitment to improving the organization, serving students better, and honoring the expressed desires of the Board of Education and the larger community.

Shakila Henderson- Baker

Mrs. Henderson-Baker referenced the district’s strategic plan during her comments. She specifically spoke about ensuring that every voice informs the work we do, which speaks to the importance of stakeholder involvement in the development of the strategic plan. She said she has expressed her thoughts about the need and urge for a strategic plan numerous times, highlighting that it was one of her critical questions during the superintendent’s search. She pointed out that if the community goes on the district’s website, it says the strategic plan was developed in 2018 and that a lot has changed about public education and the district since that time. She ended her comments by saying she looks forward to the conversations and work on the strategic plan.

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

Tracy Blackburn, Chief Learning and Leadership Officer, gave a presentation highlighting preparations for the beginning of the 2025-26 school year.

As the district prepares for the first day of school on August 4, 2025, the Ready. Set. Go! Initiative ensures all students, families, and staff are fully prepared for a successful start. Across the district, there is a shared sense of energy and anticipation, and we are eager to begin the work of supporting our students' growth and development.

Professional Development for Educators

The district’s commitment to educator excellence is reflected through our comprehensive efforts. A full-day event was held for district and school leaders to align on instructional priorities, share operational updates, and build strong collaborative networks. This gathering reinforced our mission of educational excellence and empowered our teams to lead with confidence, purpose, and a unified vision. In a similar fashion, nearly 250 new teachers are participating in the district’s New Teacher Orientation program, which features hands-on sessions on curriculum planning, classroom management, and innovative instructional strategies to ensure they are equipped with the foundational support needed for a confident start and a thriving year ahead. During pre-planning, new teachers and veteran teachers alike will engage in two focused days of district level professional development, ensuring they have the training and resources needed for a successful school year. The focus will be on leveraging data to enhance teaching, fostering collaborative planning, and promoting personal wellness to support their growth and effectiveness in the classroom.

Communications

With an emphasis on keeping our families informed and engaged, the district's Communications Department has launched media campaigns to amplify parent engagement and ensure everyone has the tools for success.

Mrs. Blackburn also announced the transition from Remind to ParentSquare as the district’s primary school and classroom communication system. ParentSquare allows parents and guardians to receive updates, share feedback, and engage directly with educators through a user-friendly interface. To ensure you stay connected, all parents and guardians are required to sign up for new ParentSquare accounts this year.

Other communication and reporting tools in the district include:

• Infinite Campus Parent Portal – Parents can be actively involved in their children’s education by receiving schedules, checking grades, monitoring attendance, and receiving important notifications including any safety messages.
• Getting Started videos and guides via the district’s website
• Parent Connect Podcast – Families can look forward to a fantastic line-up of episodes during the 2025-26 school year. Each month, parents will get the information and resources they need for their child’s success. The season kicks off on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, and podcasts are available on all major platforms.
• Parent Information Guide via the district’s website
• Student Code of Conduct via the district’s website

Enrollment and Registration

For families new to the district, enrollment is a breeze. Online registration via Infinite Campus opened on June 23, 2025. Registration services are flexible and accessible with both online (Infinite Campus) and in-person registration at school sites. In-person sessions are available July 24, 2025, through August 1, 2025, to assist families in need of additional support.

Transportation

Once enrolled, families may access transportation details through the Infinite Campus platform. School bus route information is readily available through the Infinite Campus/Parent Portal, where parents may log in, click the navigation menu (three lines at the top left), select "more," and then access the "School Bus Info" section to view their child's specific bus assignment, stops, and times. For added convenience, the My Stop app enables real-time tracking of a student’s bus from a smartphone, showing the current location of the bus with automatic updates every five seconds that adjust for any traffic delays or issues. More details on the app are available on the district's Transportation Department’s webpage.

School Meals

All schools will participate in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) for the 2025-2026 school year, which means all students will receive free breakfast and lunch without the need for applications. Our Web Menu App enhances transparency by offering easy access to meal offerings and detailed nutritional information.

New Location for the Special Education Department

The Special Education Department has relocated from the district office to Palmer Stone/Mainstay Academy, centralizing all special education staff in one convenient location to streamline support for families. This move eliminates the need for families to travel between multiple sites, ensuring easier access to resources and personalized assistance for students with special needs. The address is 1110 N. Emory Street in Oxford.

Open House is an opportunity for parents and students to acquire all of the relevant information that they need to be prepared for the first days of school.

Through intentional preparation and thoughtful planning Newton County Schools is ready to welcome all students and families back to school. The Ready. Set. Go! Initiative reflects our collective commitment to ensuring a safe and smooth start to 2025-26 for every learner.

To view the presentation, please click on this link.

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

Benjamin Roundtree, Special Assistant to the Superintendent, presented the Board of Education’s Norms and Protocols for the 2025-26 school year. Functioning as a unified governance team, the Board committed to specified norms and protocols , which were drafted using Georgia School Boards Association-endorsed models as a baseline for development and were prepared after months of discussion. Having norms and protocols align with the Standards for Effective Governance as prescribed by the Georgia School Boards Association, and their establishment is an expectation of exemplary school boards in the state of Georgia.

Among other things, the norms function as operating guidelines while also outlining the basic roles and responsibilities of the school board. The Board’s commitment to norms also helps to ensure organizational effectiveness, transparency, and continuous improvement.

During the meeting, the Newton County Board of Education approved the norms as a working agreement which can be amended, revised, or updated at any time. To view the FY26 Board Norms and Protocols on the district’s website, please click on this link.

Shakila Henderson- Baker

Mrs. Henderson-Baker reiterated that the Board’s norms and protocols can and should be amended, revised, or updated. She said she would like for the Board to have continuous discussion about the norms and protocols so they can tailor them specifically to the Newton County Board of Education.

Trey Bailey

Mr. Bailey echoed the sentiments of Mrs. Henderson-Baker. He expressed his happiness about adopting board norms and protocols, while acknowledging that he would like for the board to go through them to make sure they are right for Newton County’s Board of Education. He said he would like for the board to have some time at a retreat to have more discussion to make sure the norms and protocols “fit who we are and how we operate”.

A. Requested Board Action Relative to Policy DJE

After a public review of proposed changes to Board Policy DJE, the board approved Policy DJE-Purchasing.

APPROVED: 4-0 vote on July 22, 2025

A. Requested Board Action Relative to Membership in Georgia School Boards Association

The Board approved the renewal of membership in the Georgia School Boards Association (GSBA). The term will run from July 2, 2025, to June 30, 2026. GSBA exists to promote excellence in the governance of local school systems and currently, 100% of the 180 public school boards throughout the State of Georgia are members of the association. GSBA provides leadership training, financial, policy, strategic planning and risk management services to its members, and advocates for public education in local communities and throughout various levels of government. The total cost is $25,325.00 to be paid for with FY’26 General Funds.

APPROVED by 4-0 vote on July 22, 2025.

B. Requested Board Action Relative to Purchase for the Curriculum Department

The Board approved the purchase of instructional resources from Imagine Learning, a leading provider of online and blended learning solutions, offering a comprehensive suite of Cognia accredited K-12 digital curriculum. Imagine Learning presents engaging, state-standards-aligned content that can be customized to meet the unique needs of a diverse student population. The content is delivered through a combination of teacher-led videos, interactive media, and text to promote a varied approach to learning that addresses multiple learning modalities. The comprehensive package includes site licenses for RISE students, all secondary schools and our self-paced virtual program. Imagine Learning positions Newton County Schools to provide continuity in institutional rigor to all students regardless of the instructional model-Traditional, Self-Paced Virtual Academy, and Alternative Programming. Imagine Learning also provides concept coaching for students who need clarification on a particular area of focus. The total cost is $464,612.81 to be paid for with FY’26 General Funds.

APPROVED by 4-0 vote on July 22, 2025.

C. Requested Board Action Relative to Teach For America Partnership

The Board approved a partnership with Teach For America (TFA) and funding to support the hiring of corps members to serve as teachers in our school district for the 2025-2026 school year. The partnership will involve the identification of pre-service teaching candidates by Teach For America staff who are responsible for recruiting, selecting, training, and providing ongoing professional development to individuals committed to serving as effective classroom teachers. Any Teach For America teacher hired by the district will be hired as the classroom teacher of record. In exchange for these services, the district will pay Teach For America an annual amount of $4,000 for each year in which such teacher is employed, up to two years from the date such employment is to commence. This contract will be in effect beginning July of 2025 and ending on June 30, 2026. The total cost is $32,000.00 to be paid for with FY’26 General Funds.

APPROVED by 4-0 vote on July 22, 2025.

D. Requested Board Action Relative to Georgia State University Partnership

The Board approved a partnership between Newton County Schools and Georgia State University and will provide funding to support the Teacher Pathways Program. This project allows multiple stakeholders, including the district, to combine resources and fully fund tuition and fees for graduate degrees (select MATs or M.Eds) at Georgia State University for current educators or aspiring teachers in the district. MATs offer initial teacher certification and a master’s degree for those who need Georgia certification. M.Eds. offer advanced learning and a certificate upgrade. An endorsement is included in most GSU M.Ed. programs. Eligible employees may be approved to earn their graduate degree in one of multiple selection areas. The program will allow up to a total of ten employees to receive their MAT for initial teaching certification and/or current certified teachers to receive an M.ED from Georgia State University, at no cost. The total contract value is $36,500 to be paid for with FY’25 Title II Funds.

APPROVED by 4-0 vote on July 22, 2025.

E. Requested Board Action Relative to Mercer University Partnership

The Board approved a partnership between Newton County Schools and Mercer University and will provide funding to support the GENERATE Program. This project allows multiple stakeholders, including Newton County Schools, to combine resources and fully fund tuition and fees for undergraduate and graduate degrees (ELAD and MATs) at Mercer University through the GENERATE Program for current paraprofessionals and teachers in the district. The ELAD program offers initial certification for paraprofessionals looking to obtain a Birth-Kindergarten certification. The MAT Program offers initial teacher certification for those who need Georgia certification. The total contract value is $50,000.00 to be paid for with FY’25 Title II Funds.

APPROVED by 4-0 vote on July 22, 2025.

F. Requested Board Action Relative to the Purchase of Absence and Substitute Management Software

The Board approved the purchase of absence and substitute management software from Frontline Education. Absence and Substitute Management is a web-based absence management platform that allows districts to manage and secure substitutes, monitor absences, and ensure accurate payroll. The school system will use Omnia, a national cooperative purchasing program, to purchase the software. The total cost is $35,915.51 to be paid for with FY’26 General Funds.

APPROVED by 4-0 vote on July 22, 2025.

G. Requested Board Action Relative to Contracts for Special Education

The Board approved the renewal of contracts and purchases with EDU Healthcare, LLC and eLuma LLC.

• EDU Healthcare, LLC
  The Board approved the renewal of a contract for special education services with EDU Healthcare, LLC. The school system is responsible for obtaining, providing or arranging for the provision of special education services as determined by the student’s Individual Education Program (IEP). The work can include speech services, occupational therapy, physical therapy, vision services, deaf/hard of hearing services, and nursing to students with disabilities. The school system provides these services through contractual arrangements with outside agencies when the needs cannot be met through school system employees. The estimated contract value is $300,000.00 to be paid with FY’26 IDEA 611 Funds and FY’26 General Funds.

• eLuma LLC
  The Board approved the renewal of a contract with eLuma LLC. The school system is responsible for obtaining, providing or arranging for the provision of special education services as determined by the student’s Individual Education Program (IEP). The work can include speech services, occupational therapy, physical therapy, vision services, deaf/hard of hearing services, and nursing to students with disabilities. The school system provides these services through contractual arrangements with outside agencies when the needs cannot be met through school system employees. The estimated contract value is $100,000.00 to be paid with FY’26 IDEA 611 Funds.

APPROVED by 4-0 vote on July 22, 2205.

H. Requested Board Action Relative to Purchase of Headphones

The Board approved the purchase of headphones from Virtucom. The Georgia Department of Education has updated the Georgia Milestones ELA assessments to include technology-enhanced items and embedded audio passages. To fully access the assessments, students must be able to clearly hear recorded passages, instructions, and questions. Therefore, it is essential for them to have headphones without microphones. The school system will purchase the headphones through a contract managed by TIPS, a national purchasing cooperative. The total cost is $165,200.00 to be paid with FY’26 General Funds.

APPROVED by 4-0 vote on July 22, 2025.

I. Requested Board Action Relative to Purchase of CTAE Computers and Associated Peripherals

The Board approved the purchase of CTAE computer and peripheral equipment upgrades from two vendors: ByteSpeed LLC and Dell. The Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) Program provides both innovative and traditional programs of study via career pathways in middle schools, high schools, as well as the Newton College & Career Academy. Computers and peripherals are replaced on a five-year cycle to ensure students have access to industry-standard technology within our labs. While student Chromebooks can be used in some CTAE programs, others require more computing power and hardware to meet industry-standard instruction. CTAE labs that fall within the that category will continue to be renewed on a five-year cycle. Included in the purchase are desktop computers and peripherals from ByteSpeed LLC for both the Newton High School and Newton College & Career Academy engineering programs and laptop computers from Dell for engineering programs at Clements Middle, Cousins Middle, Indian Creek Middle, Liberty Middle, Veterans Memorial Middle, and Newton High School. The total cost is $66,990.00 for ByteSpeed LLC and $43,164.00 for Dell. The school system will use a State of Georgia contract and PEPPM, a national technology purchasing program, to purchase the computers and peripherals. The total cost of $110,154.00 will be paid with FY’26 Local CTAE Budgeted Funds.

APPROVED by 4-0 vote on July 22, 2025.

J. Requested Board Action Relative to Renewal of Contract for Electrical Services

The Board approved the renewal of a contract for electrical services with Ozburn Electrical Services, of Covington, Georgia. The vendor has performed satisfactorily, met all contractual requirements, and has agreed to continue under the same terms and conditions of the original contract. The contract includes all necessary electrical services including repairs, improvements and new work needed by the school system. The effective date will be July 28, 2025 with an expiration date of July 27, 2026. The estimated contract value is $100,000.00 to be paid with FY’26 General Funds.

APPROVED by 4-0 vote on July 22, 2025.

K. Requested Board Action Relative to Renewal of Contract for School Resource Officers

The Board approved the renewal of the contract with the Newton County Sheriff’s Office in Covington, Georgia, for school resources officers for an additional contract term. School Resource Officers (SROs) are members of law enforcement who teach, counsel and protect the school community. When integrated into the school system, their value extends beyond reducing violence in schools to providing safe, secure learning environments for students. Their services will be complemented by a Canine (K-9) School Resource Officer Unit. The dog is trained to detect illegal drugs. A trained, certified law enforcement officer will accompany the dog throughout the inspections. These inspections will focus on middle and high schools. The effective date will be July 1, 2025, with an expiration date of June 30, 2026. The total cost is $1,474,469.38 to be paid with FY’26 General Funds.

APPROVED by 4-0 vote on July 22, 2025.

L. Requested Board Action Relative to the Renewal of Contracts for Ice Cream

The Board approved an annual renewable contract for ice cream with Davis Ice Cream Georgia, LLC. The ice cream needed for the a la carte sales in the cafeterias will be purchased using a contract by the Georgia Education Cooperative. The estimated contract value is $50,000.00 to be paid with FY’25 School Nutrition Program Funds.

APPROVED by 4-0 vote on July 22, 2025.

M. Requested Board Action Relative to Contract for Maintenance and Repair of Kitchen Equipment

The Board approved an annual renewable contract for the maintenance and repair of kitchen equipment with Wilson Bryant Air Conditioning. The contract covers repair services as well as routine maintenance on a variety of types of kitchen equipment including refrigerators, walk-in freezers, warmers, ovens, fryers, milk boxes and ice makers. Two bids were evaluated and upon review it was determined the solicitation submitted by Wilson Bryant Air Conditioning offered the lowest cost to the school system. The effective date will be July 23, 2025, with an expiration date of July 22, 2026. The estimated contract value is $250,000.00 to be paid with FY’26 School Nutrition Program Funds.

APPROVED by 4-0 vote on July 22, 2025.

N. Requested Board Action Relative to Contract for Paper and Cleaning Supplies for the School Nutrition Program

The Board approved an annual renewable contract for paper and cleaning products with Southeastern Paper Group. The solicitation for bid included 77 paper and cleaning items needed for the upcoming school year. Nine vendors participated in the solicitation process; however, upon review, only four vendors provided pricing for all items as specified in the solicitation. Southeastern Paper Group offered the lowest overall cost to the school system. The effective date will be July 23, 2025, with an expiration date of July 22, 2026. The estimated contract value is $575,00.00 to be paid with FY’26 School Nutrition Program Funds.

APPROVED by 4-0 vote on July 22, 2025.

O. Requested Board Action Relative to Facility Usage Agreement

The Board approved a facility use agreement for Alcovy High School. The Next Level Volleyball Club LLC requested to use the Alcovy High School gym for volleyball practice. The agreement is for October 2025 to April 2026. The principal consented to the arrangement.

APPROVED by 4-0 vote on July 22, 2025.

P. Requested Board Action Relative to Surplus Property

The Board approved designated items as surplus to be disposed of per Board Policy DO. The school system makes every effort to redistribute and reuse its equipment and property throughout the component’s useful life, or as practical. Items are only designated as surplus when they are deemed no longer necessary for school purposes. They are then aggregated and disposed of utilizing one or more of the approved methodologies outlined in Board Policy DO. Care is taken to discard items in as environmentally friendly manner as practical.

APPROVED by 4-0 vote on July 22, 2025.

Q. Requested Board Action Relative to Completion of Local Board Governance Annual Report

The Board approved the completion of the Local Board Governance Annual Report required by the Georgia Department of Education. The Georgia Department of Education sets yearly training requirements for local school board members and superintendents. Approved training sessions by approved trainers are offered during the school year and also at the Georgia School Boards Association Conferences. A record of the completed training has to be recorded with the Georgia Department of Education at the end of the school year.

APPROVED by 4-0 vote on July 22, 2025.

R. Requested Board Action Relative to Board of Education Norms and Protocols

The Board adopted norms and protocols that reflect shared agreements and guidelines. These agreed-upon norms supplement the Board’s policies, which provide a code of ethics, structure, operating guidelines, meeting parameters, and outline the basic roles and responsibilities of the School Board. They also align with the Standards for Effective Governance of Georgia School Systems, approved by the State Board of Education. The Board agreed to adhere to the norms and protocols and regard them as a working document that can be amended, revised, or updated, as necessary.

APPROVED by 4-0 vote on July 22, 2025.

S. Requested Board Action Relative to Superintendent’s Recommendations in Executive Session

The Board approved the recommendations presented by Superintendent Bradley during Executive Session.

APPROVED by 4-0 vote on July 22, 2025.

T. Requested Board Action Relative to Superintendent’s Contract and Evaluation

The Board approved the extension of Superintendent Bradley’s contract for an additional year.

APPROVED by 4-0 vote on July 22, 2025.

Mrs. Abigail Coggin

Mrs. Coggin announced that the Board approved a one-year contract extension for Superintendent Bradley that also includes a 3.5% salary adjustment along with other minor changes.

She also added that there are several back-to-school supply events taking place this weekend in addition to a Back-to-School community prayer this Sunday, July 27, at Sharp Stadium parking lot at 6:00 PM.

Mrs. Shakila Henderson-Baker

Mrs. Henderson-Baker announced that Board member Anderson Bailey sent his regrets as he was unable to attend the meeting; however, she did note that he was watching the meeting online via our live stream

In addition, Mrs. Henderson-Baker congratulated Newton High School student, Asia Lanham, who is one of only nine students in the state of Georgia who were selected to serve on the Georgia School Board Association's Youth Advisory Council. She noted it has been quite some time since a Newton County Schools' student has been selected to serve on the Youth Advisory Council.

Dr. Duke Bradley
Superintendent Bradley thanked the Board for their support through the contract extension. He also mentioned the phenomenal New Teacher Orientation. He noted that the energy was palpable and an incredible experience.

At its July 22, 2025, meeting, the Board of Education extended the contract for Dr. Duke Bradley.

Email: info@newton.k12.ga.us
Website: www.newtoncountyschools.org
Location: 2109 Newton Drive NE, Covington, GA 30014, USA
Phone: 770-787-1330
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewtonCountySchools
X: @NewtonCoSchools