NCSS Board Notes - OCTOBER 2024

The Newton County Schools Board of Education conducted a combined work session/monthly meeting on Tuesday, October 22, 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 thanking students, parents, employees, and the larger community for their patience as the school district navigated through the challenges presented by Hurricane Helene and the BioLab fire. She noted the patience, understanding, and cooperation of everyone as decisions were made and carried out.

Mrs. Coggin also announced the 2024 Quality School Board designation the school board received from the Georgia School Boards Association. “This recognition is a testament to our commitment to sound governance and effective leadership, which directly supports student achievement and district progress,” said Mrs. Coggin.

During his welcome, Superintendent Dr. Duke Bradley acknowledged the commemoration of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Members of the Board of Education and the district’s Executive Team wore a pink ribbon as an expression of solidarity with those who have been affected by breast cancer.

He also recognized National Principals’ Month; Georgia Pre-K Week; Mental Health Awareness Week; Custodian Appreciation Day; National School Lunch Week; School Bus Driver Appreciation Day; National School Bus Safety Week; and White Cane Day.

Dr. Bradley saluted the district’s high schools for students’ performance on the Scholastic Aptitude Test, otherwise known as the SAT. Newton County Schools improved overall performance by six points and increased participation by 15%.

Additionally, he highlighted the district’s 2024 graduation rate of 91%, with each high school and the district exceeding the state’s average. Dr. Bradley announced Newton County Schools’ No Place for Hate® District Designation, which it received for the sixth consecutive year.

He also recognized the district’s Teacher of the Year, Ms. Taylor Moody, who teaches at the Newton College and Career Academy.

To see highlights from the district's Teacher of the Year Celebration, watch the video below.

Teachers of the Year Saluted

The district’s 2024-25 Teachers of the Year were recognized and celebrated during the school board meeting. These teachers were recently celebrated at the district’s Teacher of the Year celebration at the end of September; however, the Board of Education wanted to take a moment to again publicly commemorate the special accomplishments of this dynamic group of educators. During the meeting, each school-level teacher of the year received a $1,000 stipend from the Board of Education. The two runners-up for district teacher of the year, Mr. Brian Coates and Ms. Heather Wood, each received $1,500, and our district winner, Ms. Taylor Moody, received $2,000.

To view the presentation in its entirety, please click on this link: Academic Update

Chief Learning and Leadership Officer Tracy Blackburn presented an academic update highlighting some of the work the Division of Learning and Leadership has been focusing on. As she began, Mrs. Blackburn spent some time reviewing the district’s established academic goals, which ensure that students are equipped with the skills necessary to succeed academically.

She announced academic achievement gains from the schools in mathematics. Newton County Schools achieved significant gains in mathematics on the Georgia Milestones, with notable growth across four grade levels and in Algebra Concepts and Connections. In five areas, the district exceeded statewide growth, and twelve schools and grade levels achieved double-digit gains in student performance. The district’s graduation rate for 2024 is 91%, which outpaces the state’s rate of 85%.

In her presentation, Mrs. Blackburn re-iterated the district’s commitment to improving literacy among its students. She spoke about several initiatives that support this work, which includes implementing a K-12 literacy strategy that is rooted in the Science of Reading and in-depth professional learning for all K-5 teachers. Although everyone is deeply involved in this work, this is not an implementation year – it is a planning year. District leaders and teachers are working to enhance their understanding and application of evidence-based reading instructional methods. Working through ten comprehensive modules, most leaders and teachers have completed at least two of them at this juncture. Mrs. Blackburn pointed out all this work aligns to House Bill 538, which requires that certain training and organizational infrastructure are in place to ensure compliance and academic achievement.

Mrs. Blackburn spoke about the district’s use of universal screeners to assess the academic progress of students and how the screeners are used to glean specific information about individual student needs. Our screeners align with House Bill 538 requirements, ensuring that students in grades K-3 are assessed on foundational reading skills. This year, parents of K-3 students were notified about any reading deficiencies in compliance with the law.

She also discussed the district’s universally-applied instructional frameworks in each of the core content areas. An instructional framework is a structured approach that outlines the essential components and strategies for effective teaching and learning. It serves as a guide for teachers and provides a clear sequence of activities and instructional practices to ensure consistent, high-quality instruction across all classrooms. Each content area has a tailored framework that includes additional strategies specific to that subject.

In her presentation, Mrs. Blackburn also spoke about the work that is being done to increase access and opportunities in CTAE, Advanced Placement courses, and dual enrollment options, highlighting the district’s partnerships with Georgia Piedmont Technical College and Georgia State University.

To view the presentation in its entirety, please click on this link: Mental Health Supports Overview

Dr. Shelia Thomas, Chief Strategy and Support Services Officer, presented an overview of the mental health supports that are in place in the school district. Her report covered the goals of the district’s mental health program, current services, and what is being done to strengthen and enhance mental health support even further.

Newton County Schools utilizes a three-tiered system of support to address varying levels of mental health needs, with advancement through the tiers based on intensity of need.

• Tier I: Universal supports available to all students through classroom instruction, school-wide programs, and prevention activities.
• Tier II: Targeted interventions for identified students requiring more focused support, such as small group counseling or specialized social emotional learning (SEL) lessons.
• Tier III: Intensive, individualized support for students with chronic or severe mental health challenges, including one-on-one counseling or referrals to outside professionals.

Dr. Thomas pointed out that schools use the Rethink Ed SEL program across all three tiers based on the level of support needed for each student. This evidence-based curriculum is delivered through lessons and activities facilitated by teachers and counselors. It covers essential topics such as self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship building, and responsible decision-making, and relationship skills, all of which are aligned competencies set forth by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL).

In Tiers I and II, school counselors play a vital role. They conduct group sessions based on CASEL's Scope and Sequence, addressing specific areas of concern like anxiety, stress management, and coping strategies. In Tier II, school social workers are available to work with individual students to address specific areas of concern, and they often collaborate with school counselors to provide strategies and support to individual students.

Also, in Tier II and for students needing more clinical intervention beyond the services provided by our school counselors, the district partners with Hazel Health, who has licensed mental health professionals who are specially trained to work with children and adolescents. These therapists conduct virtual assessments via secure online platforms, ensuring students’ privacy and confidentiality.

• Hazel Health provides Virtual Mental Health Assessments by licensed therapists. Hazel Health referrals may be made by the counselor or self-referred from the parents. Students who are eighteen years old and older do not require parental consent.
• After completing an assessment, Hazel therapists develop individualized support plans tailored to each student's unique mental health needs.
• Hazel Health offers therapy sessions that may be scheduled before, during, or after school, as well as during school breaks. This flexibility ensures that students may receive continuous care, even when school is not in session.
• With parental consent, Hazel Health encourages active participation from families in their child’s care. This collaborative approach helps reinforce coping strategies and ensures the Individualized Support Plans tailored to each student’s mental health needs.

• Hazel Health services are provided at no cost to students and families, removing financial obstacles.
• Hazel Health therapists are trained to provide care that is sensitive to students’ diverse cultural backgrounds, ensuring that all students feel heard and understood.

In Tier III of the mental health structure, partnerships with View Point Mental Health Therapy and Crisis Intervention are available for students requiring intensive, specialized care.

• Through the Georgia APEX Program, the district collaborates with View Point Mental Health to bring licensed clinicians on-site, providing critical support to students in need of deeper intervention.
• Currently, six APEX clinicians who are trained and experienced in adolescent mental health provide in-person mental health services and support to students across the district, reducing barriers to access and minimizing stigma.
• For severe and crisis situations, the district relies on the Georgia Crisis and Access Line (GCAL) hotline and the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Both hotlines are available 24/7 and provide immediate assistance to students in crisis. These services are life-saving resources, offering confidential emotional support for students who may be dealing with suicidal thoughts or extreme emotional distress.

Seeking ways to strengthen and enhance mental health support, the district plans to conduct a review of its mental health services program throughout the school year. The review will consist of evaluating the effectiveness of mental health services provided to students; researching other mental health programs that may benefit the district’s students; and surveying other school districts to learn about the services they provide which may be beneficial for students in Newton County Schools.

To view the presentation in its entirety, please click on this link: Construction and ESPLOST Report

To view the presentation in its entirety, please click on this link: Schools Safety Framework

Dr. Michael Barr, Chief Operations Officer, presented a report about the school district’s safety framework. He explained that school safety measures must be comprehensive and layered, including the following four key elements:

• Prevention - which includes proactive strategies such as mental health support, security protocols, and awareness programs that work to stop potential threats before they arise.
• Mitigation – which includes steps taken to reduce the impact of potential safety incidents, including infrastructure improvements and safety drills.
• Response - which consists of well-coordinated actions taken during an emergency to protect students and staff, such as lockdown procedures, evacuation plans, and law enforcement involvement.
• Communication – which includes sharing effective and timely information with students, staff, parents, and emergency responders to ensure everyone knows how to act during a safety incident.
  
  

Newton County Schools’ safety measures are built around four key pillars. They are:

• People, Plans, and Procedures - Our safety efforts start with people. Staff and students form the first line of defense against potential threats. Plans are the backbone of our safety measures, ensuring everyone knows exactly what to do in various emergencies. Our safety procedures provide a structured approach to maintaining security at the district and school levels. These procedures establish clear guidelines for intervention, reporting, and transparent communication, ensuring all parties understand their roles in responding to potential threats. School-based safety plans incorporating these procedures are reviewed and updated annually to reflect the latest security measures and ensure consistency across all schools and facilities.
  
  
• Investments and Infrastructure - The Newton County Board of Education has allocated approximately $24 million over the past three fiscal years to enhance and support safety throughout the school system. These funds have been used to implement various safety initiatives, including upgrading security infrastructure, increasing the presence of law enforcement and school resource officers, and integrating advanced safety technologies. In his presentation, Dr. Barr noted that the district’s safety infrastructure will soon be enhanced by implementing a weapons detection system at Sharp Stadium, following approval from the Board of Education at its September 17, 2024, meeting. The limited number of entrances at the stadium provides an ideal setting for such a system, allowing for effective monitoring and enhanced security during events. Additionally, at the direction of the Board of Education, the district is actively assessing the viability of utilizing weapons detection systems within schools.
  
  
• Code of Conduct - The district's Code of Conduct is reviewed annually and updated as necessary. Revisions are informed by regulatory changes to ensure compliance with educational policies, behavioral trends, and feedback from our board of education, parents, and staff. This process helps maintain the Code's relevance and effectiveness for the school community.
  
  
• Mental Health Supports - Newton County Schools offers comprehensive mental health services to support students' academic, social, and emotional well-being. The goals of mental health support in Newton County Schools focus on ensuring that every student has access to high-quality support from licensed and certified professionals. This includes providing therapy options before, during, and after school hours, as well as during breaks, to meet students' needs effectively. Additionally, the district aims to equip students and staff with the training necessary to recognize signs of mental health crises in others. A critical aspect of this initiative is to remove the stigma surrounding mental health issues, fostering an environment where students feel comfortable seeking help. These goals collectively contribute to a supportive educational atmosphere that prioritizes the mental well-being of all students.
  
  

Each of these pillars is important, and they work together to create a solid approach to maintaining school safety.

To view the presentation, please click on this link: Financial Report

As of October 2, 2024, there were 18,732 students enrolled in Newton County Schools.

To view report, click on the following link: Enrollment Report

A. Requested Board Action Relative to Resolution for Georgia Retired Educators Day

The Board adopted a resolution proclaiming November 3rd as Retired Educators Day in Newton County Schools. You may read the resolution in its entirety by clicking the link below:

Retired Educators Day resolution

APPROVED by 5-0 vote on October 22, 2024

B. Requested Board Action Relative to the Adoption of a Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Calendar

The Board approved the adoption of the fiscal year 2026 tentative budget calendar.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote on October 22, 2024.

C. Requested Board Action Relative to Membership in the Cognia Network

The Board approved the district’s membership in the Cognia Network for membership and accreditation. The Cognia Network is a community of over 36,000 schools and school systems around the globe. It is the largest educational improvement organization in the world. All members receive exclusive access to the Cognia Continuous Improvement System, regardless of where institutions are in their improvement journey. The data-informed framework helps institutions plan and navigate a successful journey that is customized to their specific needs. Using Cognia, the school system can get a holistic view that links improvement, assessment and school quality to student and school performance. Newton County Schools will participate in the Cognia Accreditation Review in Spring 2025.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote on October 22, 2024.

D. Requested Board Action Relative to Strategic Waiver School System Contract Amendment

The Board approved amending the Newton County Strategic Waivers School System (SWSS) contract to include O.C.G.A. ~ 20-2-168 (c), which allows school systems flexibility to make decisions about the length of the school year. Due to the recent emergency school closures, Newton County Schools is requesting a waiver for O.C.G.A. ~ 20-2-168 ( c), which establishes the definition of a school year as no less than 180 days of instruction or the equivalent thereof and allows districts up to four days that are not required to be made up if the days our are related to disasters, acts of God, or other emergencies. A waiver of this code section gives a school district flexibility to make decisions about the length of the school year and the number of required make-up days at the local level according to the unique needs of the individual district.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote on October 22, 2024.

E. Requested Board Action Relative to the Purchase of Program Evaluation Services

The Board approved the purchase of program evaluation services needed for the 21st Century Community Learning Center from Prismatic Services, Inc. The Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) requires evaluation reports for the five 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) grants for after-school and summer programs. Prismatic Services has provided evaluation services for Newton County’s 21st CCLC programs since 2021. Their services will include attending an annual Evaluation Information Session with GaDOE; making onsite observations; providing technical expertise and recommendations, reviewing student progress every grading period; communicating with stakeholders regarding progress and program results; attending Advisory Committee meetings; attending parent and staff meetings as appropriate; completing formative assessments; completing the End-of-the-Year Summative Evaluation Report and Common Data Elements worksheet; and completing the Summer Evaluation Report. The estimated total cost is $34,300.00 to be paid for with Title IV Part B funds.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote on October 22, 2024.

F. Requested Board Action Relative to Rene4wal of Contract for Print Management Services

The Board approved the renewal of the contract for print management services with Ricoh USA, Inc., for an additional term. Over the last year, the school system’s copy center, located at Newton College & Career Academy, has averaged almost 750,000 copies per month, at a cost lower than possible at school or facilities, while maintaining its goal of a 2-to-3-day turnaround time. CopyNet, the online web-based submission software has been customized for the school system, and currently, schools and central office departments have been trained and are submitting jobs electronically. Since the program was initiated, the school system has realized an aggregate savings of approximately $89,382.48 from rightsizing the fleet (reduction of machines, lease payments, copy costs) at schools and facilities. The school system will use a contract managed by Omnia, a national purchasing cooperative, for the renewal of the print services. The estimated cost for the program is $250,000.00 to be paid for with FY 2025 General Funds and FY 2025 Capital Funds.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote on October 22, 2024.

G. Requested Board Action Relative to Purchase of Band Instruments and Accessories

The Board approved the purchase of band instruments and accessories needed for middle and high schools from Music & Arts of Frederick, Maryland. Each middle school and high school was allocated funds based on student enrollment and the need for the replacement of band instruments and accessories. The school system will use a contract managed by Omnia, a national purchasing cooperative, to purchase the band equipment. The total cost is $93,122.00 to be paid for with FY 2025 Capital Funds.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote on October 22, 2024.

H. Requested Board Action Relative to Purchase of Gym Floors

The Board approved the purchase of gym flooring needed at Fairview Elementary, Oak Hill Elementary, and West Newton Elementary from Covington Flooring Company of Birmingham, Alabama. The new gym flooring will replace the current tile flooring at select elementary schools in the district. The new flooring will be a long-lasting, seamless, non-porous surface that is easy to clean. This will improve the overall appearance of our elementary gymnasiums and create a more appealing learning environment for the students and teachers. The school system will use a contract managed by Sourcewell, a national purchasing cooperative, to purchase the new gym flooring. The total cost is $214,692.00 to be paid for with FY 2024 Capital Funds.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote on October 22, 2024.

I. Requested Board Action Relative to Purchase of Playground Equipment

The Board approved the purchase of playground equipment for select schools from Gametime. Playground equipment needs were determined based on the availability of equipment and the conditions of the equipment at each of the fifteen facilities in which elementary students are enrolled. Gametime conducted site visits, assessed the needs at each location, and then developed recommendations, including pricing, for each school. These proposals were reviewed by the facilities and procurement departments, as well as individual school administrators, before final selections were made. The pricing includes all site preparation, surfacing, borders, as well as equipment, including delivery, installation and cleanup. The school system will use a contract managed by Omnia, a national purchasing cooperative, to procure the services and equipment at the following schools: Livingston Elementary School, Middle Ridge Elementary School, Heard-Mixon Elementary School, and Rocky Plains Elementary School. The total cost is $449,947.96 to be paid for with FY 2024 Capital Funds.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote on October 22, 2024.

J. Requested Board Action Relative to Purchase and Installation of Carpet

The Board approved the purchase and installation of carpet at select schools from Carpets of America and DCO Commercial Floors. Carpet needs were evaluated at all facility locations. Carpet will be replaced at Alcovy High, Flint Hill Elementary, Liberty Middle, Live Oak Elementary, Middle Ridge Elementary, Newton High, Newton College & Career Academy, Oak Hill Elementary, Palmer-Stone Facility, South Salem Elementary, West Newton Elementary, Veterans Memorial Middle, and the Newton County Schools Administrative Offices Building. The school system will use a contract managed by Sourcewell, a national purchasing cooperative, to procure the services and equipment. Two vendors on the cooperative will be used to remove and install carpet at the selected locations over scheduled breaks. These include Carpets of America for a total cost of $415,312.00 and DCO Commercial Floors for a cost of $415,115.00. The funding source will be FY 2025 Capital Funds.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote on October 22, 2024.

K. Requested Board Action Relative to Purchase of Fire Alarm System

The Board approved the purchase of a replacement fire alarm system needed for Veterans Memorial Middle School from EMC Security of Suwanee, Georgia. The contract with EMC Security prescribes a turnkey solution for comprehensive third-party monitoring, periodic testing, maintenance/repair and installation/construction services for low voltage electronic equipment for intrusion detection, fire alarms and closed-circuit television surveillance and recording device systems for all school facilities. According to the contract, EMC Security will install the fire alarm system, complete the programming, and provide training. The total cost is $146,700.00 to be paid for with FY 2024 Capital Funds.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote on October 22, 2024.

L. Requested Board Action Relative to Renewal for Fuel Card

The Board approved the renewal of the contract awarded to McPherson Companies, Inc. of Atlanta, Georgia for the use of a fuel card system for the pupil transportation department for an additional term. Fuel cards allow drivers to refuel at the Service Center, and /or designated and pre-approved sites located along the driver’s route within their district. Each vehicle has a card assigned to it while each driver has an individual pin number. This allows for data tracking based on the amount of fuel purchased per vehicle, and who purchased it. The data are reported in an online format in real time and is viewed by administrators overseeing the accounts. Those buses for which it is more cost effective to fuel offsite are identified and designated to do so. Transportation administrators conduct weekly and monthly reviews of data gathered and adjust, if necessary, to maximize the utility and savings opportunities available from the use of the fleet card. The fuel card system provides numerous benefits to the school system, including a more efficient fueling system, a reduction in extended drive time and overtime costs for drivers related to refueling, a reduction in the number of gallons used and thus, fuel costs, real time data generated instantly and viewable online for both drier and vehicle, and better fueling options for buses used on extended field trips.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote on October 22, 2024.

M. Requested Board Action Relative to Purchase of School Buses

The Board approved the purchase of twenty-three school buses from Peach State Freightliner of Jefferson, Georgia. The school system will purchase twenty-one (21) seventy-two passenger buses, one (1) seventy-two passenger bus with a lift, and one (1) fifty-four passenger bus with a lift. Peach State Freightliner provided the lowest available cost based on the current State of Georgia purchasing contract for school buses. In addition to being the lower cost option, the Thomas buses from Peach State Freightliner were selected after previous evaluation by a group of pupil transportation personnel, composed of bus drivers, mechanics, and administrators. The evaluation process included bus manufacturer’s presentations and test drives of their vehicles. The buses were subsequently evaluated on their cost of ownership, available safety features, level of dealer support and overall value. The total cost of the purchase is $3,204,564.00 to be paid for with FY 2025 Capital Funds.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote on October 22, 2024.

N. Requested Board Action Relative to Purchase of Service Vehicles

The Board approved the purchase of service vehicles for the facilities, procurement, and transportation departments. These vehicles include two service trucks for transportation from Covington Ford at $42,981.000 each; one cargo van for procurement from Covington Ford at a cost of $51,895.00; and one service truck for facilities from Ginn Motor Company at a cost of $51,810.00. The district will use FY 2025 capital funds to pay for the vehicles.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote on October 22, 2024.

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

The Board approved the renewal of contracts and purchases with the following vendors: Sanitech Systems, Inc.; Mayfield Dairy Farms, LLC; and Royal Food Service. Sanitech Systems, Inc. offers a safety and sanitation program that includes all necessary chemicals and supplies as well as a detailed training on OSHA compliant work practices, safe food handling following HACCP guidelines, and regular compliance site-monitoring at all school nutrition program locations. The estimated contract value is $63,704.76.

Mayfield Dairy Farms, LLC provides ice cream needed for the a la carte sales in the school cafeterias. The ice cream will be purchased using a contract by the Georgia Education Cooperative from Mayfield Dair Farms, LLC. The estimated contract value is $50,000.00.

The school system will utilize a Georgia Educational Cooperative (GEC) contract to purchase food items including produce, eggs, fresh fruits and vegetables and associated products needed by the school system from Royal Food Service. The purchased items will reflect the nutritional requirements mandated by state and federal guidelines and legislation. Pricing is based on The Atlanta Terminal Report for Fruits & Vegetables weekly index provided by the Agricultural Marketing Service Market News. The effective date will be July 1, 2024, and the expiration date will be June 30, 2025. The estimated contract value is $170,000.00.

All purchases will be paid for with FY 2025 School Nutrition Program Funds.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote on October 22, 2024.

P. Requested Board Action Relative to Facility Usage

The Board approved a facility use agreement with the YMCA to use the gyms at Ficquett and Flint Hill Elementary for basketball, adaptive programming, afterschool care, and summer day camp. In addition, the Board approved the lease of the gym and five classrooms at Flint Hill Elementary School on Sundays for The Church at Haynes Creek. The agreement will be until September 2025. The principal of the school has consented to the arrangement. Finally, the Board approved a lease agreement between Providence Classical Christian School to use the gymnasium at Palmer Stone/Mainstay Academy for basketball practice. The requested dates are from October 2024 to February 2025 for a charge of $3,660.00.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote on October 22, 2024.

Q. Requested Board Action Relative to Surplus Property

The Board approved selected items as surplus property 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 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 items in an environmentally friendly manner as practical.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote on October 22, 2024.

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

The Board approved Superintendent Dr. Duke Bradley’s recommendations as presented in executive session.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote on October 22, 2024.

With personnel action taken by the Board of Education at the Combined Work Session/Regular Meeting, all elementary schools have a School Resource Officer that is stationed at each school all day.

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