NCS Board Notes - DECEMBER 2025

The Newton County Schools Board of Education conducted a combined Work Session/Business Meeting on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. 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 the Newton County Board of Education was honored at the Georgia School Boards Association Conference (GSBA) that was held recently in Atlanta. The board was collectively recognized as a Quality Board, and four board members were recognized for their years of service to Newton County Schools. Mr. Eddie Johnson received a service pin for seventeen years of service; Mrs. Abigail Coggin and Mrs. Shakila Henderson-Baker received service pins for fifteen years of service; and Mr. Trey Bailey received a service pin for ten years of service. Mr. Anderson Bailey was recognized with a five-year service pin.

Before he began his formal remarks, Superintendent Dr. Duke Bradley welcomed the Newton High School chorus to the meeting. Under the direction of Mr. Johnny Edwards, the students brought some holiday cheer with a musical selection.

Dr. Bradley reiterated that Newton County Schools’ leadership was on full display at the GSBA Conference. Newton Education Foundation Executive Director Ms. Gail Rothman, Mr. Trey Bailey, and Dr. Bradley delivered a presentation on the importance of education foundations. School Board Vice-chair Shakila-Henderson Baker was a conference leader in her role as a member of GSBA’s Executive Board, and Newton High School student Asia Lanham was there in her role as a member of GSBA’s Youth Advisory Council.

Dr. Bradley also highlighted the 10th Annual InspiHER Conference, which brought together over four hundred female students from across the school district to explore careers in computer science, information technology, and other technology-focused fields.

Finally, as the district is on the cusp of starting ESPLOST VI and completing projects in ESPLOST V, Dr. Bradley noted there is a lot of work currently underway in the district. A mid-year update on the various projects was given via a video presentation.

Watch our video for highlights and updates on our ESPLOST projects.

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is a proactive framework that helps schools establish positive school climates by teaching expectations, supporting student behavior, and using data to guide decision-making. Flint Hill Elementary School and Rocky Plains Elementary School were recognized during the school board meeting for being named 2024–25 PBIS Distinguished Schools, which is the highest level of recognition awarded by the Georgia Department of Education for this program. To earn this distinction, both schools implemented PBIS with fidelity and demonstrated strong, measurable outcomes for students.

Last spring, Newton County Schools and all of its schools earned re-accreditation from Cognia for an additional six years. Cognia accreditation reflects a comprehensive review of the school system and affirms a commitment to high standards, continuous improvement, and meeting the needs of every learner.

In recognition of this achievement, Dr. Bradley presented the framed Cognia re-accreditation certificate to the Board of Education, noting that during the Cognia re-accreditation process, reviewers recognized the critical role the Board of Education plays in providing leadership, oversight, and support that drives continuous improvement.

To view the presentation, please click on this link.

Mrs. Shakila Henderson-Baker commended Dr. Michael Barr on the narration of the ESPLOST video that was shown earlier in the meeting and for the district’s ESPLOST tracker. She said it is easy to direct people to the tracker. She also commended Sherri Partee and Derrick Barnes, saying the ESPLOST video’s cinematography was clear and phenomenal, and that the video was top-notch.

To view the presentation, please click on this link.

In a follow-up presentation to one that was given last May, Tracy Blackburn, Chief Learning and Leadership Officer, provided updates on key pieces of legislation that impact district operations for the 2025–26 school year and beyond. Over the past several months, the Learning and Leadership Team has been closely reviewing each new law, identifying the required actions for school districts, and assessing the implications for Newton County Schools’ policies, procedures, and day-to-day practices.

House Bill 268

HB 268 takes effect on July 1, 2026, and it requires school districts to develop a process for transferring student records within five school business days. The bill creates two new criminal offenses - terroristic threat of a school and a terroristic act upon a school. These provisions strengthen statewide expectations for school safety, reporting, and operational responsiveness. To date, the team has:

• conducted a comprehensive analysis of all HB 268 requirements to ensure full alignment; reviewed the district’s enrollment and student records processes; and continued to work with representatives from Infinite Campus to ensure that the district’s data workflows and timelines meet the five-day transfer requirement.
  
  
• coordinated the development of Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM) teams, which will play a critical role in responding to potential safety concerns.
  
  
• updated Memoranda of Understanding with our law enforcement partners and sent them to the district’s legal representatives for review to ensure that all agreements reflect the new expectations for collaboration, communication, and data-sharing established under HB 268.

House Bill 307

HB 307 outlines requirements that directly impact literacy instruction, instructional materials, and the support school districts provide to students in early grades. Specifically, the legislation requires districts to distribute information relevant to dyslexia and prohibits the use of instructional materials, practices, and interventions that utilize the three-cueing system. To date, the team has:

• shared the Dyslexia Informational Handbook with all staff, ensuring awareness of dyslexia characteristics, aligned procedures, and available resources.
  
  
• ensured that Newton County Schools’ adopted K–5 core literacy resource, “HMH Into Reading”, fully meets the requirements and expectations of the law.
  
  
• established structured literacy guidance to support teachers in implementing evidence-based practices across all K–5 classrooms.

House Bill 340

HB 340, known as the Distraction-Free Education Act, takes effect on July 1, 2026, and it seeks to reduce distractions during the school day and ensure that instructional time remains focused and uninterrupted. The law requires districts to remove student access to personal electronic devices during all school hours and school-sponsored events. To date, the team is:

• monitoring Distraction-Free Pilot Programs at Heard-Mixon Elementary School and Liberty Middle School.
  
  
• reviewing necessary policy revisions to ensure full alignment with the statutory language and expectations.
  
  
• aligning the Student Handbook so that procedures, consequences, and expectations for families and students clearly reflect the requirements of HB 340.
  
  
• developing a comprehensive implementation and communication strategy to support schools.

Senate Bill 1

SB 1, known as the Fair and Safe Athletic Opportunities Act, outlines expectations for how school districts manage facilities and grievance procedures related to gender-designated spaces and athletic participation.

Revisions to the relevant policy (policy IDFA) were made earlier in the school year, and the updated version was presented at the November 18, 2025, school board meeting. It was posted for public review and feedback and was approved at the December 16, 2025, school board meeting.

Mrs. Shakila Henderson-Baker asked that information regarding legally mandated dyslexia screenings be posted on the district's website.

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 2027 (FY27). The development of the district’s budget defines how resources are allocated to meet the needs of students, staff, and other stakeholders.

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.

Ms. Robinson pointed out the various fund types that make up the district’s budget – the General Fund; the Special Revenue Fund; the Capital Projects Fund; and the Debt Service Fund. She also highlighted the important role external and internal stakeholders play in the budget development process. Each of these stakeholders plays an interconnected role in the district’s budget development process, and their Input help ensure our financial planning aligns with the educational goals and priorities of the district.

Ms. Robinson spoke about emerging trends that will impact the revenue forecast as the district prepares its FY27 budget.

• There is a steady increase in Local Fair Share (LFS) contributions, which rose from approximately $16 million in FY22 to more than $23 million in FY26.
  
  
• Equalization funding has been decreasing significantly, from over $20 million in FY22 to just under $11 million in FY26.
  
  
• There is slower growth in the property tax digest. While the property tax digest grew rapidly in FY24 by over 25%, the growth rate has since slowed, with FY26 showing a more modest increase of just 8%. This slowing growth in property values limits the additional revenue the district can expect to generate from property taxes, putting more strain on the budget.
  
  
• The cost of employer health insurance is rising sharply. In FY22, the district's health insurance costs were just under $18 million. These costs are now projected to exceed $38 million in FY26.

Taken together, these factors create significant challenges when developing the FY27 budget, requiring the district to make thoughtful decisions and prioritize spending to maintain its commitment to high-quality education while managing limited resources.

To promote transparency and foster collaboration over the course of the FY27 budget development process, updates will be provided according to the following schedule:

• February 2026: A budget outlook will be shared, focusing on the anticipated financial landscape for the upcoming year.
  
  
• March 2026: A budget overview will be presented, giving a more detailed look at proposed allocations and priorities.
  
  
• April 2026: The FY 2027 tentative budget will be presented for adoption.
  
  
• May 2026: As required by law, two budget hearings will be held prior to the final adoption of the FY 2027 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.

To view the presentation, please click on this link.

As of December 1, 2025, there are 18,359 students enrolled in Newton County Schools.

A. Requested Board Action Relative to Policy IDFA

The Board approved suggested revisions to Board Policy IDFA-Equity in Sports.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote on December 16, 2025.

A. Requested Board Action Relative to National Summer School Initiative

The Board voted down the approval of a contract with National Summer School Initiative to develop a comprehensive summer academic program due to questions regarding the amount listed in the recommendation. Following the vote a new motion was made to table the discussion and bring the item back at the January 13, 2026 Board of Education Work Session meeting.

MOTION FAILED: BY 0-5 vote on December 16, 2025.

B. Requested Board Action Relative to Purchase of Professional Services

The Board approved the purchase of consulting services from Educating Jewels Consulting, LLC to provide professional learning designed to strengthen Tier I instruction at Indian Creek Middle School, Livingston Elementary, and Live Oak Elementary. Teachers will receive practical training to plan and deliver lessons that build student independence and deepen engagement. School leaders will receive targeted coaching on monitoring instruction, collaborative team effectiveness, delivering valuable feedback, and supporting teacher growth and development. The primary goal is to enhance instructional quality and student outcomes through strong collaborative systems and targeted instructional strategies. The total cost is $57,400.00 to be paid for with FY 2026 SDI Allocation Funds.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote on December 16, 2025.

C. Requested Board Action Relative to Facility Usage at Ficquett Facility and Sharp Stadium

The Board approved a facility use agreement for the Ficquett facility and Sharp Stadium with Kickin’ It, LLC. They will use the Ficquett facility, Sharp Stadium and the surrounding parking areas for the movie project, “21 Down.” The crew will begin setup in January 2026 and will finish filming at the end of February 2026. The total rental fee is $60,000.000.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote on December 16, 2025.

D. Requested Board Action Relative to Renewal of Contract for Fleet Inspection Services

The Board approved the renewal of an contract for fleet inspection services for the pupil transportation department with Morgan Fleet Services, Inc. of Monroe, Georgia. The solicitation prescribes a turnkey solution for comprehensive bus inspection services that meet all state requirements and regulations. The service provides documented, third-party attestation to the safety of buses used to transport students. It allows school system fleet technicians to dedicate 100% of their time to the ongoing maintenance and repair of school buses. This vendor has performed satisfactorily, met all contractual requirements, and has agreed to continue under the same terms and conditions of the original contract. The effective date will be December 17, 2025, and the expiration date will be December 16, 2026. The estimated contract value is $128,960.00 to be paid for with FY 2026 General Funds.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote on December 16, 2025.

E. Requested Board Action Relative to Surplus Property

The Board approved selected items to be declared surplus and disposed of per Board Policy DO.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote on December 16, 2025.

F. Requested Board Action Relative to Superintendent’s Recommendations In Executive Session

The Board approved recommendation presented by Superintendent Duke Bradley, III during executive session.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote on December 16, 2025.

At the December 16, 2025, school board meeting, Dr. Bradley announced that the district has not had to use any of the funds from the Tax Anticipation Note that was approved at a special called meeting on October 8, 2025. He pointed out that since no funds were used, there is not an interest payment that will be due. Dr. Bradley thanked the Newton County Tax Commissioner and his staff for being helpful and having an open line of communication with Newton County Schools’ business services staff during this time.

Dr. Bradley recognized Z’Nyia Boudrey, Zion Martin, Amilya Williams, and Donald Alicea, who each received REACH scholarships in the amount of $10,0000 at a program that was held before the school board meeting.

Dr. Bradley also celebrated the Newton High School Lady Rams flag football team for competing in the final four in state competition. This is the team’s first area championship and first final four appearance. In this same vain, Mrs. Shakila Henderson-Baker expressed her gratitude for Coach Steven Gunn and reported that several of the flag football players have been offered college scholarships.

Mr. Trey Bailey recognized the Eastside High School cheerleaders for having a standout season. Among other honors, the squad finished eighth out of twenty-six teams that competed in state competition.

Mrs. Shakila Henderson-Baker spoke about the Community Food Pantry at Live Oak Elementary School, and she thanked the school’s principal, Dr. Tiffany Richardson, for her compassion. She also highlighted the fine arts program at Newton High School, commenting on the arts showcase that was recently presented at the school.

Mr. Anderson Bailey announced that Newton County Schools will be providing holiday break meals (lunch and breakfast) to students at no cost. Pick-up for the week of December 22nd – 26th, will be held at select schools on Friday, December 19, 2025.

Mrs. Abigail Coggin announced that Mr. Johnny Edwards from Newton High School has written a piece of music that will be performed by his students at Carnegie Hall in New York City. She recognized guests from Leadership Newton who were present at the school board meeting, and she expressed her gratitude for the district’s School Resource Officers.

Mr. Eddie Johnson and Dr. Bradley noted the use of weapons detection systems at the schools’ basketball games.

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