NCSS Board Notes - AUGUST 2024

The Newton County Schools Board of Education conducted its regularly scheduled Work Session on Tuesday, August 13, 2024 and their Business Meeting on Tuesday, August 20, 2024. 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 sharing that beginning with the August 13 Work Session, Board Reports will be presented by members of the Executive team. She indicated that reports will specifically address the Board’s priorities for the year, categorized under Academics, Operations, and Culture and Engagement. While additional topics may be covered in future Work Sessions, public reporting will concentrate on the most critical areas identified. Each Work Session will also include high-level financial summaries, along with a monthly E-SPLOST and Construction Report.

Mrs. Coggin concluded her remarks by stating that one of the Board’s organizational priorities for the 2024-2025 school year is to enhance transparency between the Board and the community and that these adjustments represent an initial step towards achieving that goal.

Superintendent Dr. Duke Bradley began his remarks following Chair Coggin's welcome by highlighting that the 2024-2025 school year has started off exceptionally well. He noted that during his visits to schools and in conversations held with teachers and leaders, he has observed a clear excitement and enthusiasm for the new academic year. To showcase these positive early impressions, a video was presented, featuring highlights from recent observations.

Advanced Placement Scholars

Board recognition for the month of August included students who were named 2024 AP Scholars with Distinction and AP Scholars with Honor. Dr. Bradley shared that last year, over 160 students from our district’s high schools were named AP Scholars for their performance on AP exams during the last school year. While many of these scholars were members of the recently graduated Class of 2024, the district also saw a record number of sophomores and juniors achieve this distinction.

Transportation Director Keisa Caslin Recognized for Exemplary Performance

Mrs. Keisa Caslin, Director of Transportation for Newton County Schools, was also recognized during the Work Session. Mrs. Caslin received the Director of the Year Award from the Georgia Department of Education for the Griffin RESA area. The Director of the Year Award recognizes dedication, innovation, and a strong commitment to student safety. Her commitment to excellence in school transportation is evidenced in her work with the Newton County Schools’ transportation team. During the first two weeks of school this year, over 95% of our buses arrived on time, and despite the challenges other districts face in hiring and retaining drivers, 95% of our school bus driver positions are currently filled. We appreciate Ms. Caslin’s ongoing commitment to safe and effective transportation services in Newton County and Georgia.

(Visit our website to view the presentation in its entirety)

In a report provided by Mrs. Lauren LaMont, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, the district’s 2024-2025 Milestones results were shared. Mrs. LaMont stressed that there are several areas of improved performance that are worthy of note. More specifically, it was reported that Newton County Schools produced increases in nine out of thirteen subject areas – reflecting the hard work that teachers and leaders have done to improve student outcomes. There were several other highlights mentioned as well. Among those include the following:

· 100% of elementary schools saw an increase in at least three tested metrics (3rd-5th ELA, 3rd-5th graders reading on or above grade level, and/or 5th grade Science).

· 100% of middle schools saw an increase in at least three tested metrics (6th-8th grade ELA, 6th-8th graders reading on or above grade level, 8th grade Social Studies, 8th grade Science, and/or 8th grade Physical Science).

· 100% of high schools maintained or saw an increase in at least one tested metric (American Literature, Biology, and/or US History).

Mrs. LaMont also shared that there were several school-specific bright spots, all of whom demonstrated “breakthrough” academic results, which are indicated by double-digit performance increases.

Each of Newton County’s twenty-four schools also demonstrated ongoing progress in the 2023-2024 Georgia Milestones assessment results.

The following schools earned achievement levels that outperformed statewide averages:

· Mansfield Elementary: 3rd graders reading at or above grade level (76%), 3rd grade ELA (50%), 4th graders reading at or above grade level(59%), 4th grade ELA (46%), 5th graders reading at or above grade level (81%), 5th grade ELA (57%), 5th grade Science (59%)

· East Newton Elementary: 5th graders reading at or above grade level (83%), 5th grade ELA (64%), and 5th grade Science (47%)

· Newton County STEAM Academy: 3rd graders reading at or above grade level (80%), 3rd grade ELA (61%), 4th graders reading at or above grade level (79%), 4th grade ELA (65%), 5th graders reading at or above grade level (87%), 5th grade ELA (69%), 5th grade Science (55%), 6th graders reading at or above grade level (76%), 6th grade ELA (62%), 7th graders reading at or above grade level (93%), 7th grade ELA (71%), 8th graders reading at or above grade level (93%), 8th grade ELA (73%), 8th grade Social Studies, 8th grade Science (43%), 8th Physical Science (94%)

· Cousins Middle School: 8th grade Physical Science (52%)

· Liberty Middle School: 8th grade Physical Science (72%)

· Veterans Memorial Middle School: 8th grade Physical Science (71%)

· Eastside High School: American Literature readers at or above grade level (68%), American Literature ELA (44%)

Mrs. LaMont concluded her report by sharing that although impressive gains were achieved on last year’s Milestones Assessment, overall, there is much more work to be done. Proficiency in each of the core content areas remain below state averages, and significant work must be done to further develop the district’s instructional core e.g. curriculum, instructional framework, intervention, assessment, and professional development.

Fortunately, the Board’s organizational priorities address many of these identified areas of improvement, and work on each of them has already begun.

A. Requested Board Action Relative to Policy GARHB

The Board approved recommended revisions to Policy GARHB-Paid Parental Leave. These recommendations were on the table for 30 days and open for public review and comment prior to the Board’s approval.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote on August 20, 2024.

A. Requested Board Action Relative to Purchase of Instructional Materials

The Board approved the purchase of physical education instructional resources needed for the school system from QuaverED. These educational programs for Health/PE are designed to enhance student engagement and learning through innovative digital resources. The programs focus on promoting healthy lifestyles and physical fitness with engaging activities, lessons, and assessments that align with national standards. The total cost is $25,200.00 to be paid for with FY 2025 General Funds.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote on August 20, 2024.

B. Requested Board Action Relative to Purchase of Virtual Instructional Services

The Board approved the purchase of virtual instructional services from Proximity Learning of Austin, Texas. Proximity Learning provides live-streamed teachers into K-12 classrooms across the nation. Using just a computer, students can interact with teachers, work in groups, or ask questions in real-time. Proximity Learning teachers are background checked, certified and experienced. They also hold certifications from the National Virtual Teacher Association, ensuring their instruction will be effective. The instructors are not attempting to take positions away from the district’s existing teaching pool. Rather, they can form a valuable supplement to school systems where there is a lack of certified teachers in unique or specialized fields, or who suffer from the current teacher shortage. The total cost is $57,899.97 to be paid for with FY 2025 General Funds.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote on August 20, 2024.

C. Requested Board Action Relative to Purchase of Education Support Resources/Books

The Board approved the purchase of educational support resources/books from Scholastic Inc. Scholastic Education is a division of Scholastic Inc., dedicated to providing comprehensive educational resources, programs, and services to schools, teachers, and students. It offers a wide range of products designed to enhance literacy and learning, including books, digital resources, instructional materials, and professional development for educators. They focus on creating high-quality content that supports classroom instruction, promotes reading and writing skills, and fosters a love of learning. Through the purchase of books, parents and families will have access to reading materials to support their students with continuing the learning process at home, thus engaging students, parents, and families. The total cost is $180,000.00 to be paid for with ESSER III Funds.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote on August 20, 2024.

D. Requested Board Action Relative to Purchase of Chromebooks and Services

The Board approved the purchase of Chromebooks and services needed for the school system from Vivacity Tech. The technology department, as a part of its ongoing technology plan, regularly refreshes computer technology throughout the district. A part of that process is a transition to mobile devices. Accordingly, the school system is purchasing Chromebooks as well as necessary services. Vivacity services include asset tagging, color etching, accidental damage and repair. The school system will use a contract managed by TIPS, a national purchasing cooperative, to purchase the computers. The total cost is $1,999,846.00 to be paid for with FY 2025 Capital Funds.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote on August 20, 2024.

E. Requested Board Action Relative to Contract for Construction Manager at Risk

The Board approved a contract for Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) for East Newton Elementary School, to be awarded to Charles Black Construction Company, Inc., of Cleveland, Georgia. Construction management is a project delivery approach in which the owner hires a CMAR to supervise the project from its design phase through construction close-out. The CMAR method ensures that the project is delivered with a Guaranteed Maximum Price. The CMAR must be selected early in the design process to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the project. This will help mitigate potential issues. Six vendors participated in the solicitation process. Upon evaluation, it was determined to be in the best interest of the school system to award the contract to Charles Black Construction Company, Inc. The total cost is $1,116,380.00 to be paid for with Capital Projects Funds.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote on August 20, 2024.

F. Requested Board Action Relative to Surplus Property

The Board approved selected items to be declared as surplus and 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 long 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 the items in as environmentally friendly manner as practical.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote on August 20, 2024.

G. Requested Board Action Relative to Renewal of Contract for Facility Usage

The Board approved the use of select area of Newton High School for Chi Tau Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. The sorority has requested to lease the gym at Newton High School on selected Saturdays to meet and discuss community events prior to awarding annual scholarships. The building will be used beginning September 21, 2024, and ending June 21, 2025. The principal has consented to the arrangement.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote on August 20, 2024.

H. Requested Board Action Relative to Authorizing Superintendent to Employ and Transfer Staff

The Board approved and authorized the Superintendent to employ and transfer staff during the first month of school as enrollment and class size equity within the district demands. Daily review of the enrollment numbers occurs in order to add or collapse classes early in the school year. Based on those reviews, the Superintendent has historically been granted the authority to employ or transfer staff as needed in order to effect the change prior to Board approval. These additions or transfers will be included in personnel recommendations for ratification at a subsequent meeting. The FY 2025 budget contains $200,000 in contingency funds to offset any additions to personnel. The costs for salaries and benefits of additional personnel needed will also be reported in the midterm adjustment. We may receive additional funds from the state at midterm to help offset the costs incurred if the system experiences an increase in student enrollment.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote on August 20, 2024.

I. Requested Board Action Relative to 2024-2025 Local Board Governance Training Plan

The Board approved the schedule for local board training for individual board member training and whole board training resulting from an assessment identifying areas of board governance improvement. Veteran board members are required to take nine hours of annual training with three hours of whole board governance training included. All training sessions must be conducted by a State Board of Education approved “training provider.”

APPROVED by 5-0 vote on August 20, 2024.

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

The Board approved Superintendent Bradley’s personnel recommendations in executive session by a 4-1 vote on August 13 with Mrs. Shakila Henderson-Baker opposing. The Board approved the

personnel recommendations by a 5-0 vote on August 20, 2024. Of particular note, Mr. Carl Green was approved by the Board as District Athletic Director. Additionally, Mrs. Johane St. Aime was approved during the August 13 meeting as Executive Director of Elementary Education.

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
Twitter: @NewtonCoSchools