NCS Board Notes - JUNE 2026

The Newton County Schools Board of Education conducted a combined Work Session/Business Meeting on Tuesday, June 16, 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 Vice-chair Shakila Henderson-Baker opened the meeting by noting that Board Chair Abigail Coggin was participating virtually and that she would preside over the meeting in Mrs. Coggin’s absence. Mrs. Henderson-Baker continued by acknowledging the district’s successful graduation season and pointing out that June marks the end of the fiscal year. Looking towards the future, she said the evening’s school board meeting had a full agenda filled with significant items that would position the district for the year ahead.

Superintendent Dr. Duke Bradley began his remarks by acknowledging the virtual attendance of Board Chair Abigail Coggin. He noted that June marks the conclusion of the district’s business for the 2025-26 school year, while also providing an opportunity to reflect on the year’s accomplishments and successes. Finally, he expressed appreciation for the governance and leadership of the Board of Education; the hard work of the district’s teachers and staff; and the support of the community.

To see highlights from the 2025-26 school year, watch our video below.

Noah Williams, a 2026 graduate of Eastside High School, was recognized for being selected as a recipient of a Georgia Department of Education Award of Excellence. Presented by State School Superintendent Richard Woods, Noah was one of only twenty-one students from across the state to receive this prestigious award, which recognizes his academic success and involvement in extracurricular activities throughout his high school year.

Kaliyah Collier, a student at Alcovy High School and the NCCA STEM Institute, was lauded for her success as a first place winner in the Georgia Social Studies Fair. Competing in Class Four for students in grades ninth through twelfth, Kaliyah also received the Political Science Discipline Award for her project, “Dare to Be Dreamers: DACA Recipients and Immigration in America."

Janae Randall, a student at Alcovy High School and Newton College and Career Academy, was honored as the Georgia High School Association Class 5A state champion in shot put. Janae’s throw of over forty-seven feet set a new GHSA Class 5A record.

Sebastian Gizzi, a student at Eastside High School and Newton College and Career Academy, was recognized for being a double state champion in track. Sebastian won the Class 4A state championship in both the 100-meter dash and the 200-meter dash.

Executive Director of Communications Sherri Partee and Communications and Visual Media Coordinator Derrick Barnes were recognized for winning eighteen national awards from the National School Public Relations Association, bringing national distinction to Newton County Schools. The awards program recognizes excellence in video storytelling, stakeholder engagement, social media, newsletters, and strategic communications. Competing against school districts from across the nation, Mrs. Partee and Mr. Barnes’s work earned three Awards of Merit and fifteen Awards of Excellence, which is the highest possible recognition.

Newton County Schools was highlighted in the 2026 National Education Recovery Scorecard, a research initiative led by Harvard University and Stanford University that examines student learning trends in school districts across the nation. The report found that student achievement in Newton County Schools is improving at a faster rate than many comparable school districts. The findings indicate that Newton County Schools is gaining academic momentum and moving from recovery towards acceleration.

Oak Hill Elementary School was recognized for being named a 2025 Single Statewide Accountability System (SSAS) Greatest Gains Platinum Award winner by the Georgia Governor’s Office of Student Achievement (GOSA). Out of 2,314 public schools across Georgia, only thirty-one schools earned the Platinum designation for Greatest Gains in 2025, placing Oak Hill Elementary among the top one percent of schools statewide for academic growth. In addition to the SSAS Greatest Gains Platinum Award, Oak Hill Elementary School also was recognized as a “Beating the Odds” school by GOSA.

View Presentation

Benjamin Roundtree, Chief of Staff, presented the Quarter Three Quarterly Report. Quarterly Reports are designed to both monitor and communicate progress toward implementing the Board’s priorities for the year. They are an important tool that is used to ensure broad awareness about the district’s productivity, performance, and current organizational status.

Advancing Academics, School Improvement, and Student Supports

For 2025-26, the Board’s Organizational Priorities in the area of Advancing Academics, School Improvement, and Student Supports are

• Strengthen the district’s literacy foundation; clarify and document the district’s literacy improvement philosophy, strategy, and resources
• Strengthen the instructional core (implement research-based instructional practices, interventions, and support systems in service of ensuring rigorous, Tier 1 Instruction, districtwide)

The NCS Literacy Leaders Committee, along with principals, division leaders, teachers, and instructional coaches, provided feedback to shape and inform the NCS Literacy Blueprint. During Quarter Three, refinements to the Blueprint’s language were made based on this feedback and it was finalized. The NCS Literacy Blueprint now serves as the foundation for the district’s unified literacy plan.

Throughout the 2025-26 school year, primary grades teachers at East Newton, Flint Hill, Live Oak, Middle Ridge, Rocky Plains, and South Salem Elementary Schools received professional development in reading as part of the Reading is Essential for All People Program (REAP). During Quarter Three, these teachers completed their training and are now equipped with effective strategies to teach phonological awareness, particularly through the use of syllable types. The impact on instructional practice was significant.

The district-wide Excellence in Teaching Framework was completed and finalized during Quarter Three. The Teacher Advisory Council played a key role in establishing the desired state for implementation, and the members themselves piloted the framework during Quarter Three prior to its release to all staff in Fall 2026.

Advancing Operational Effectiveness

Under Advancing Operational Effectiveness, the Board’s Organizational Priorities are:

• Advancing school safety through a coordinated improvement strategy
• Ensuring the development of a multi-year Strategic Plan
• Identifying and implementing necessary operational efficiencies to streamline core systems and enhance organizational effectiveness
• Evaluating district-wide facilities to explore opportunities for future use, right sizing, efficiency, upgrades, and modernization

During Quarter Three, Phase One of the district's security camera modernization project was completed with the installation of camera system hardware at all elementary schools, the Newton County STEAM Academy, and the Newton College and Career Academy.

In compliance with Georgia House Bill 268, Newton County Schools began implementing the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System in all schools, which enables individuals to submit tips anonymously through a mobile app, website, text message, or hotline.

Also, during Quarter Three, the Division of Operations completed an update to the district’s EPIC emergency notification system to ensure alignment with the District Safety Plan and established emergency response protocols. As part of this effort, emergency notification terminology and response options were standardized to ensure the consistent use of emergency terms at all schools and facilities.

The Division of Operations also completed development of the district’s Local Facilities Plan, a state-required planning document that identifies current and future facility needs, enrollment projections, organizational patterns, instructional program requirements, and capital improvement priorities.

As part of the strategic planning process, in partnership with the Georgia School Boards Association, Newton County Schools hosted a Planning Team Meeting during Quarter Three. This meeting brought together internal and external school system stakeholders to consider the feedback gathered from the Community Engagement Meeting, the Community Engagement Survey, and the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis. After considering these pieces of feedback during a full-day session, draft themes and focus areas were developed that will serve as the foundation for the district’s initiatives and action plans over the next five years.

Finally, the district launched LEAN, a multi-year resource stabilization plan that represents efforts to stabilize the district’s resources by improving operational efficiency, aligning resources to our highest priorities, protecting the classroom, and implementing cost controls that support long-term sustainability.

Advancing Culture and Engagement

Under Advancing Culture and Engagement, the Board’s Organizational Priority is to deepen community and stakeholder engagement.

During Quarter Three, Superintendent Dr. Duke Bradley continued engaging with district stakeholders and the broader Newton County community. He met with members of civic organizations and government entities like the Kiwanis Club, the Rotary Club, the Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Newton, and the Newton County Board of Commissioners to discuss the district’s progress towards its 2025–26 Organizational Priorities, the transition to the Newton Forward Strategic Plan, student achievement data and the continued upward trend in student performance, as well as the district’s budget outlook and long-term financial horizon.

Advancing Innovation and Organizational Stability

Under Advancing Innovation and Organizational Stability, the Board’s Organizational Priorities are

• Strengthen pathways and programs for students that support workforce development, aligned with community needs and industry partnerships
• Evaluate and modernize policies to promote coherence and to correspond with the current state of the district
• Invest in the professional growth of current and aspiring leaders to strengthen executive capacity.

The Workforce Ready School designation shows that a school is systematically preparing students for future success by embedding workforce readiness across all grade levels through a tiered approach of exposure, exploration, and engagement. During Quarter Three, the Newton County Schools CTAE team developed the Workforce Ready Designation School guide to help schools obtain this symbol of excellence. Stakeholders from every school in the district, along with community business partners and the Industrial Development Authority, provided feedback to strengthen the guide and ensure it serves as an effective tool.

Progress was made in expanding professional development opportunities for Newton County Schools personnel, particularly for those aspiring to become leaders in the district. The members of the inaugural cohort of the THRIVE Aspiring Leaders Program completed a year-long journey of leadership development and professional growth during Quarter Three. Through workshops, site visits, mentorship, collaborative learning, and reflective practice, the twenty-seven participants demonstrated focused dedication to becoming assistant principals in the district.

View the presentation.

Superintendent Dr. Duke Bradley presented an update on the development of the district’s Strategic Plan. During his presentation, he formally introduced NewtonForward, the five-year strategic plan’s themes and focus areas that will guide Newton County Schools into its next era of performance and organizational excellence.

Through extensive stakeholder engagement, four themes emerged that now guide the strategic plan and represent the core performance areas of Newton County Schools.

• Student Achievement, Support, and Readiness
• Organizational and Operational Efficiency
• Culture, Engagement, and Communication
• High-Quality Workforce

NewtonForward is not the beginning of the district’s work. It is the next phase of a deliberate, multi-year effort to strengthen Newton County Schools and prepare for sustained improvement in both student outcomes and operational performance.

Over the past three years, the district set its sights and directed its practice toward organizational readiness - strengthening its foundation in pursuit of greater ambition. During that time, strategic work was done to strengthen core systems; train and develop administrators, faculty, and staff; modernize operational structures; improve internal alignment and expectations; and prepare for a higher level of accountability and performance. Through quarterly reports and structured updates, stakeholders were able to follow the district’s progress, including seeing its goals, performance, and work without delay or limitation in communication. This transparency was aimed at strengthening trust and accountability across the organization and within our community.

Over the past several months, the Board of Education, the community, staff, and other critical stakeholders engaged in a comprehensive review of Newton County Schools to evaluate opportunities for improvement. During this process, there were record levels of public engagement and stakeholder input regarding the future direction of the district.

Across this engagement, stakeholders provided clear and consistent direction for what they wanted to see embedded in each theme.

• Under Student Achievement, the community expects continuous improvement in student growth and proficiency across all subjects and student groups.
• Under Operational Efficiency, stakeholders called for modernized systems that improve effectiveness, financial stewardship, and performance.
• Under Culture and Communication, the community emphasized the need for welcoming and responsive environments, and
• Under Workforce, stakeholders expressed a clear expectation for intentional systems that recruit, support, develop, and retain high-performing staff.

NewtonForward will serve as the district’s guiding framework for alignment across departments, schools, and divisions. It will directly inform everything from budgeting priorities and staffing decisions to program investments and organizational expectations.

Clear metrics in the forms of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are being developed for each strategic area to measure progress, ensure accountability, and maintain transparency with the public. Progress will be monitored regularly, reported publicly, and reviewed with the Board throughout the life of the plan.

To support a smooth transition into implementation, a short-term action calendar has been developed to guide the district’s work through the first semester of the 2026–27 school year and prepare for the full launch of NewtonForward in January 2027. During this period, the district will finalize key performance indicators (KPIs), align systems and processes, and ensure that schools and departments are fully prepared to execute the strategic plan with fidelity.

At its core, NewtonForward establishes the district’s strategic framework for improving student achievement, strengthening organizational systems, developing a high-quality workforce, and building a culture of excellence across every school and department.

View Presentation.

View the presentation.

A. Requested Board Action Relative to Supplemental Retirement Plan Amendment

The Board failed to approve suggested amendments to the district’s supplemental retirement plan. Under the existing plan structure, employees contribute 0.5% of salary, while the District contributes 5.5% for TRS employees. The proposed amendment would have replaced the current fixed employer contribution structure for TRS employees with a matching contribution model in which the District would match employee contributions up to 5% of salary.

FAILED by 2-5 vote with Mr. Trey Bailey and Mrs. Abigail Coggin in favor and Mrs. Shakila Henderson-Baker, Mr. Anderson Bailey, and Mr. Eddie Johnson opposed.

Reflections and Comments from School Board Members

Board Member Henderson-Baker expressed concern regarding the potential impact of the proposed changes on employee retention and recruitment. Specifically, she questioned whether current employees might seek employment elsewhere if benefits were modified and whether prospective employees could view the changes as a departure from the compensation and benefits package that initially attracted them to the district.

Board Member Anderson Bailey expressed concerns regarding the proposed employee benefits refinements plan. Specifically, he questioned whether employees who could be affected by the proposed changes had been engaged in the discussion and decision-making process. Mr. Bailey indicated that additional employee input may have been beneficial to better understand staff perspectives and the potential impact of the proposed changes on the workforce. He indicated that he could not support that component of the budget proposal as presented.

View discussion of Item 13A by Newton County Board of Education members.

B. Requested Board Action Relative to the Adoption of the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget

The Board failed to approved the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget. It was announced that they will hold a special called meeting in the coming days on this matter.

FAILED by 1-4 vote with Mrs. Abigail Coggin in favor and Mrs. Shakila Henderson-Baker, Mr. Trey Bailey, Mr. Anderson Bailey, and Mr. Eddie Johnson opposed.

Reflections and Comments from School Board Members

Board Member Shakila Henderson-Baker expressed significant concerns regarding the proposed FY’27 budget, particularly the recommended refinements to employee benefits. Her comments focused primarily on the process and timeline through which the proposal was developed and presented for consideration. She indicated that additional time for review and stakeholder engagement may have been beneficial prior to the proposal being brought forward.

Board Member Trey Bailey also expressed opposition to the proposed FY’27 budget. Consistent with views he has articulated previously, Mr. Bailey reiterated his belief that the district cannot continue adopting budgets that rely on expenditures exceeding recurring revenues and that expenditure reductions are necessary to support long-term financial sustainability.

Additionally, Mr. Bailey emphasized the importance of providing tax relief to local residents and cautioned against actions that could further burden taxpayers. He stated that if the district's budgetary decisions result in the need for more significant corrective measures in future years due to a declining fund balance, the district should take the necessary steps now to align expenditures more closely with recurring revenues while continuing to prioritize the educational needs of students.

View discussion of Item 13B by Newton County Board of Education members.

C. Requested Board Action Relative to Contract for Professional Services

The Board approved a contract with Hoar Program Management, LLC (doing business as HPM) for the development of a long-range facilities plan. The proposed Long-Range Facilities Planning process will provide Newton County Schools with a comprehensive framework for evaluating current and future facility needs. The process will include analysis of enrollment trends, school capacity and utilization, facility conditions, educational programs, demographic data, and financial resources to support informed decision-making. The process will result in a long-range facilities plan that identifies potential strategies, priorities, timelines, and funding considerations to ensure district facilities effectively support student learning and align with the Board’s vision and available resources.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote.

D. Requested Board Action Relative to Easement

The Board approved a permanent easement to Georgia Transmission Corporation for the construction of utility services. This easement is located in Land Lots 329 and 330 of the 9th district of Newton County. The total easement is 3.386 acres.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote.

E. Requested Board Action Relative to Contract for Membership in Griffin RESA

The Board approved the district’s membership in the Griffin Regional Educational Service Agency. All school systems are assigned to one of the sixteen Regional Educational Service Agencies. Newton County Schools is assigned to the Griffin RESA. As part of the membership, Griffin RESA provides repair services for audio-visual, printer, and computer repair as needed. In addition, the RESA employs audiologists who can conduct student evaluations and assist in selecting and calibrating equipment for hearing-impaired students. They also provide consultation with teachers, administrators, and parents, and professional learning for system personnel. The RESA also employs a full-time orientation and mobility specialist who can provide direct services to students with visual impairment in the school system. The Griffin RESA also shares the cost for personnel required to deliver Teacher Keys Effectiveness System (TKES) and Leader Keys Effectiveness System (LKES) training. The total cost of the contract is $201,055.74 to be paid for with FY 2027 General Funds, upon approval.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote.

F. Requested Board Action Relative to Renewal of Talent Management Software

The Board approved the purchase of talent management software from Power School of Folsom, California. The Unified Talent (TalentED) system is a comprehensive talent management platform and includes an electronic application, job posting board, hiring, and onboarding platform. It is used as the central applicant tracking system. In addition, the TalentEd records software provides an electronic records database for storing employee hiring and personnel information and also includes a contracts module for issuing employment contracts. The national job board, School Spring, and the video interviewing platform—Spark Hire, are integrated with the applicant tracking system and allows for a more seamless application and hiring process. The total cost is $57,505.03 to be paid for with FY 2027 General Funds, upon approval.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote.

G. Requested Board Action Relative to the Renewal of Contracts for Instructional Services

The Board approved the renewal of contracts with the following vendors: Edu Infotech International Resources, Inc.; Knowledge Resources Group, Inc.; Future Promise Educational Services, Inc.; and Intalage, Inc.

• Edu Infotech International Resources, Inc.-The school system is responsible for recruiting and retaining qualified teachers. To fulfill this responsibility, the school system uses the services of Edu Infotech International Resources, Inc. to assist in providing fully certified, experienced teachers for critical teaching fields, such as math, science, special education, and foreign languages. The policy period will be July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. The estimated contract value is $352,573.00 to be paid for with FY 2027 General Funds, upon approval.
  
  
• Knowledge Resources Group, Inc.-The school system is responsible for recruiting and retaining qualified teachers. To fulfill this responsibility, the school system uses the services of Knowledge Resources Group, Inc. to assist in providing fully certified, experienced teachers for critical teaching fields, such as math, science, special education, and foreign languages. The policy period will be July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. The estimated contract value is $1,353,553 to be paid for with Fy 2027 General Funds, upon approval.
  
  
• Future Promise Educational Services, Inc.-The school system is responsible for recruiting and retaining qualified teachers. To fulfill this responsibility, the school system uses the services of Future Promise Educational Services, Inc. to assist in providing fully certified, experienced teachers for critical teaching fields, such as math, science, special education, and foreign language. The policy period will be July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. The estimated contract value is $257,457.00 to be paid for with FY 2027 General Funds, upon approval.
  
  
• Intalage, Inc.- The school system is responsible for recruiting and retaining qualified teachers. To fulfill this responsibility, the school system uses the services of Intalage to assist in providing fully certified, experienced teachers for critical teaching fields, such as math, science, special education, and foreign languages. The policy period will be July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. The estimated contract value is $3,009,051.00 to be paid for with FY 2027 General Funds, upon approval.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote.

H. Requested Board Action Relative to Excess Workers’ Compensation Insurance

The Board approved the renewal of contracts with two vendors, including Aegis, and the Georgia School Boards Association-Risk Management Fund.

• The Board approved the renewal of a contract with Aegis for excess workers’ compensation insurance coverage. Excess workers' compensation insurance is a policy written to indemnify the self-insured employer for workers’ compensation claims (and employers’ liability claims) exceeding a certain dollar amount. State law requires the school district, as a self-insured employer for workers’ compensation, to maintain excess workers’ compensation insurance coverage. This coverage protects the district from catastrophic workers’ compensation and employer liability claims that exceed the district’s self-insured retention of $650,000 per occurrence. The district’s insurance broker solicited competitive proposals from the marketplace, and Aegis submitted the lowest response. The recommended coverage will be provided through Midwest Employers Casualty Company, a nationally recognized excess workers’ compensation carrier with extensive experience serving self-insured organizations. The policy period will be July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. The estimated contract value is $104,254.00 to be paid for with FY 2027 General Funds, upon approval.
  
  
• Georgia School Boards Association-Risk Management Fund – The Board approved the renewal of a contract with GSBA for liability insurance coverage. The GSBA-RMF is a member-owned program and is managed by GSBA professional staff. Annual premiums are based on actuarially determined losses and operating expenses for the program coupled with risk transfer costs. If claims and operating expenses are less than the premium, the excess funds result in a surplus to the GSBA-RMS. Money held in reserve to pay claims earns investment income, which contributes to surplus. Unlike commercial insurance companies, excess funds and any investment income earned on the premium held by the GSBA-RMS accrues to the benefit of its membership. Surplus funds may be returned to the membership in the form of dividends or used to keep prices stable for the members in future years. The policy period will be July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. The estimated contract value is $1,884,587.00 to be paid for with FY 2027 General Funds.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote.

I. Requested Board Action Relative to System-Wide Beverage Agreement

The Board approved the renewal of a beverage agreement with Coca-Cola United of Atlanta, Georgia. The agreement includes marketing sponsorships and scholarships for high schools ($50,000.00 over the life of the agreement), the provision of plaques for Teacher of the Year Awards for every school, and free products and athletic equipment (approximately $100,000.00 in benefits per year). The agreement also provides rebates on concession sales and fundraisers and includes a volume incentive program that increases rebates on direct-delivery sales above the estimated base usage. In exchange, the school system grants Coca-Cola United exclusive marketing and sales rights for all beverages, as defined by the agreement, sold on school system property. Additionally, all concessionaires, teams, associations, boosters, etc. shall purchase the products covered by this agreement directly from Coca-Cola United. The effective date will be July 1, 2026, with an expiration date of June 30, 2027.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote.

J. Requested Board Action Relative to Purchase of Student Well-Being Learning Software

The Board approved the purchase of well-being learning software from Rethink Ed of New York, New York. Rethink Ed provides an evidence-based solution that is flexible, scalable and is designed to empower educators to meet the needs of children and their families. The Rethink platform provides students, teachers, administrators, counselors and parents/caregivers the tools to develop stronger emotional support systems. Educations and caregivers can use on-demand videos and resources to help them manage their own mental health and wellness. They can access instructional materials, lessons, and activities to implement with their students/children. School counselors will have the ability to assign lessons based on group and individual requirements, and have access to resources to assist students both in and out of the classroom. The Rethink platform helps to meet the needs of the whole child. The total cost is $76,050.00 to be paid for with Fy 2027 General Funds, upon approval.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote.

K. Requested Board Action Relative to Contract for Mental Health Clinicians

The Board approved a contract with Hazel Health of Irving, Texas, for mental health clinicians. Hazel Health will collaborate with the school system in serving children, adolescents, and their families who need such support. This support is identified as school-based behavior health services. Licensed therapists will help students achieve wellness through virtual therapy sessions. The total cost is $150,000.00 to be paid for with FY 2027 General Funds, upon approval.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote.

L. Requested Board Action Relative to Renewal of Learning Management System

The Board approved the purchase of a learning management system from Instructure of Salt Lake City, Utah. A learning management system is an enterprise software application that delivers documents, tracks, reports and manages instructional content, and enhances and supports classroom teaching and learning. Canvas simplifies teaching and learning by connecting all the digital tools teachers use in one platform. The school system will use a contract managed by Omnia, a national purchasing cooperative, to procure the software. The total cost is $109,915.00 to be paid for with FY 2027 General Funds, upon approval.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote.

M. Requested Board Action Relative to Contract for Technology Management Software

The Board approved the purchase of technology management software from Howard Technology Solutions. FileWave software will be used to manage, secure, track assets, and configure iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows clients. Its layered and institutional models and configurations provide seamless integration for app and profile deployment, resetting passwords, data protection, remote wipe, inventory reporting, and more. The software will be procured through its reseller, Howard Technology Solutions. The school system will use the Omnia Partners Contract to purchase the software. The total cost is $100,426.83 to be paid for with FY 2027 General Funds, upon approval.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote.

N. Requested Board Action Relative to Purchase of Audio Enhancement EPIC ViewPath System

The Board approved the purchase of EPIC ViewPath from Electrical Contractors, Inc. EPIC ViewPath is a fully integrated audio-video solution that combines Audio Enhancement’s audio systems, Security Alert for Education (SAFE) System, bells, paging, intercom, and classroom cameras. This purchase includes hardware, software upgrades, equipment, and programming, and fully upgrades the bells, paging, and intercom systems. This is the final part of an ongoing, comprehensive effort to enhance the safety and security of facilities throughout the school system. The district will use a contract managed by PEPPM technology cooperative. The total estimated cost is $242,478.69 to be paid for with FY 2027 Capital Funds and Erate 2026 Funds.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote.

O. Requested Board Action Relative to Renewal of Pupil Transportation Management Software

The Board approved the renewal of a contract pupil transportation management software with Tyler Technologies of Plano, Texas, for an additional contract period. Tyler Technologies provides a comprehensive integrated suite of products that includes Routing and Planning, Fleetvision, e-Link, Triptracker, Onscreen, My Stop, and Telematic GPS. The school system will use a contract managed by Sourcewell, a national purchasing cooperative, to purchase the software. The effective date will be July 1, 2026, and the expiration date will be June 30, 2027. The total contract value is $108,966.66 to be paid for with FY 2027 General Funds.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote.

P. Requested Board Action Relative to Renewal of Contracts for the Facilities Department

The Board approved contract renewals with Automated Logic Corporation and ARS Mechanical for an additional contract term.

• Automated Logic Corporation (Maintenance of Facility Automation System): The Automated Logic Corporation (ALC) provides a maintenance contract for all the components of the facility automation system used at the schools and facilities within the school system. They provide regular inspections, as well as service and maintenance on equipment as required. The equipment allows remote access to, and manipulation of, HVAC and boiler temperature controls within buildings, timer settings on outside lighting, as well as monitoring temperatures in walk-in coolers and freezers. The effective date will be July 1, 2026, and the expiration date will be June 30, 2027. The estimated contract value is $70,988.00 to be paid for with FY 2027 General Funds, upon approval.
  
  
• ARS Mechanical: ARS Mechanical prescribes a turnkey solution for comprehensive HVAC services including maintenance, repair, renovations, installation or alteration of HVAC systems including heating systems, cooling systems, air handling units (fans, motors, duct work, filters, coil units, etc.), associated equipment (valves, gauges, motor drives, belts, wiring, etc.), and other components as required. The effective date will be June 27, 2026, and the expiration date will be June 26, 2027. The estimated contract value is $500,000.00 to be paid for with FY 2027 General Funds, upon approval.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote.

Q. Requested Board Action Relative to Contract for Waste and Recycling

The Board approved a contract for waste disposal and recycling with Georgia Waste Systems, Inc., doing business as Waste Management. The district held an invitation for bids for waste disposal and cardboard recycling, including the provision of garbage and recycling containers at schools and facilities as well as regularly scheduled disposal of the contents therein. Bids were evaluated on the cost per receptacle per pickup for both garbage and cardboard recycling dumpsters. After review it was determined that the proposal submitted by Georgia Waste Systems, LLC, offered the lowest cost to the school system. The effective date will be July 1, 2026, and the expiration date will be June 30, 2027. The estimated contract value is $300,000.00 to be paid for with FY 2027 General Funds, upon approval.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote.

R. Requested Board Action Relative to the Renewal of Contracts for the School Nutrition Program

The Board approved multiple contracts for purchases with a list of vendors as follows:

• Royal Food Service: (Produce and Fresh Eggs) The district will utilize a Georgia Educational Cooperative (GEC) contract to purchase required items. The contract includes the produce, eggs, fresh fruits and vegetables and associated products needed by the school system, and reflects the nutritional requirements mandated by state and federal guidelines and legislation. Pricing is based on The Atlanta Terminal Report for Fruits and Vegetables weekly index provided by the Agricultural Marketing Service Market News. The effective date will be July 1, 2026, and the expiration date will be June 30, 2027. The estimated contract value is $800,000.00 to be paid for with FY 2027 School Nutrition Program Funds, upon approval.
  
  
• Gordon Food Service: (Food) The Board approved a renewal of a contract first approved on June 18, 2025. The specifications cover most of the food-related requirements needed for the upcoming school year. It includes approximately 456 food items, including meat, cereals, spices, sauces, frozen and packaged foods, as well as canned fruits and vegetables, for all school locations. The effective date will be July 1, 2026, and the expiration date will be June 30, 2027. The estimated contract value is $5,500,000.00 to be paid for with FY 2027 School Nutrition Program Funds.
  
  
• PET Dairy: (Milk) The Board approved the renewal of a contract with PET Dairy for milk. The school system will utilize a Georgia Educational Cooperative (GEC) contract to purchase the required items. The contract includes milk needed by the school system, and reflects the nutritional requirements mandated by state and federal guidelines and legislation. The effective date will be July 1, 2026, and the expiration date will be June 30, 2027. The estimated contract value is $850,000.00 to be paid for with FY 2027 School Nutrition Program Funds, upon approval.
  
  
• Southeastern Paper Group: (Paper and Cleaning Supplies) The Board approved posted an invitation to bid for a contract for paper and cleaning products. The solicitation included 77 paper and cleaning items needed for the upcoming school year. Nine vendors participated in the solicitation process; however, upon further 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 1, 2026, and the expiration date will be June 30, 2027. The estimated contract value is $450,000.00 to be paid for with FY 2027 School Nutrition Program Funds, upon approval.
  
  
• Coca-Cola Refreshments: (beverages) The Board approved the renewal of a contract first approved on June 18, 2024. The specifications cover beverages for the school nutrition program. The beverage items include assorted vegetable and fruit juice blends, zero calorie and regular sports drinks, plain and flavored waters, and numerous types of fruit juices. The items are sold to students on an a la carte basis. The effective date will be July 1, 2026, and the expiration date will be June 30, 2027. The estimated contract value is $60,000.00 to be paid for with FY 2027 School Nutrition Program Funds.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote.

S. Requested Board Action Relative to Facility Usage Agreement

The Board approved two facility usage agreements.

• Alcovy High School: The Board approved a facility use agreement for the auditorium at Alcovy High School by Legacy Church. The principal has consented to the arrangement. The church will pay a rental fee and utilities for a total of $19,875. The agreement is for June 21, 2026, to June 20, 2027.
  
  
• Newton County STEAM Academy: The Board approved a facility use agreement for the gym at Newton County STEAM Academy by Next Level Volleyball Club. The principal consented to the arrangement.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote.

T. Requested Board Action Relative to Surplus Property

The Board approved identified items as surplus property to be disposed of per Board Policy DO.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote.

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

The Board approved recommendations presented by Superintendent Dr. Duke Bradley in executive session.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote.

School Board Vice-Chair Shakila Henderson-Baker said the public will be notified regarding the date and time of the Special Called Meeting for action on the FY27 budget.

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