NCS Board Notes - APRIL 2026

The Newton County Schools Board of Education conducted a combined Work Session/Business Meeting on Tuesday, April 21, 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 Chair Abigail Coggin opened the meeting by acknowledging April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. She spoke about the shared responsibility of everyone to ensure the safety of children. Mrs. Coggin pointed out that board members and district staff were wearing baby blue during the meeting in support of National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Superintendent Dr. Duke Bradley began his remarks by highlighting some of the things school district staff are focusing on at this juncture in the year, including end-of-year preparations, graduation, testing, and the budget development process. He took a moment “to send a personal word of thanks to our people – every single employee for all that they continue to do to push our school system to higher levels of performance”.

Dr. Bradley celebrated the district’s administrative professionals in honor of Administrative Professionals Day, which was April 22, 2026. He thanked administrative professionals across the district, who often are the first people with whom stakeholders interact when they visit the district’s schools, call an office, or need direct assistance. He called upon everyone to thank the district’s administrative professionals for their tireless dedication to supporting schools, administrative offices, students, and families.

The district’s paraprofessionals were recognized in honor of Paraprofessionals Day, which was April 3, 2026. Dr. Bradley pointed out that paraprofessionals work alongside the district’s teachers each day and provide direct support to students and so much more. “Their contributions are so vital to our school system, and we are grateful for the passionate care and commitment they bring to their work,” said Dr. Bradley.

April also is School Library Month, and Dr. Bradley celebrated the school district’s media center specialists and support staff for the incredible work they do, acknowledging that “media centers are hubs for learning – not just places to check out books”.

Finally, Dr. Bradley highlighted the district’s second annual HERO Awards Program, which was held in late March to recognize the district’s classified professionals who serve students, families, and staff. From bus drivers and nutrition staff to clerks and paraprofessionals, these dedicated employees make everything happen behind the scenes. Andrea Cummings, a kindergarten paraprofessional at Rocky Plains Elementary School, was named the district’s HERO of the Year.

To see highlights from the HERO Awards Program, watch our video below:

Students were honored during the school board meeting for their outstanding achievements at the Griffin RESA Regional Science and Engineering Fair. These students competed against some of the region’s brightest young minds from Butts, Fayette, Henry, Lamar, Pike, Spalding, and Upson counties.

Recognized as third-place winners at the regional science fair were Arysa Killingbeck, Eratoristefe Yomere , Carynn Jefferson, Kyndall Arrington, Bryson Clay, Naomi Neal, David Parrales, Emerson Fray, Nikolai Garibay, Izzy Braswell, Christopher Camba, Cayden Dejournett, Solange Jones, Jax Matias, Marc Goring, Jr., and Aiden Usiak.

Students from the Newton County STEAM Academy were recognized during the school board meeting for earning first place honors in the Griffin RESA Regional Elementary School Math Competition. Participants in this competition demonstrated their mathematical knowledge and problem-solving skills through individual assessments and a fast-paced team ciphering round. In the ciphering round, students had just three minutes to work together to solve complex problems, requiring not only strong math skills, but also teamwork and quick thinking.

Rudra Talati, Evan Lee, Ollie Bauman, Mason Bryant, and Chase Patrick were honored for their win. They were coached by Ms. Jessica Baxter and Ms. Amy Parker.

View the presentation.

Tracy Blackburn, the district’s Chief Learning and Leadership Officer, presented a summary report on the Division of Learning and Leadership’s work for the 2025-26 school year. The report highlighted significant efforts to align with the district’s Organizational Priorities. Key actions during the school year included working to strengthen instructional delivery, responding thoughtfully to legislative expectations, and building the systems and supports needed for sustainable progress.

Over the past three years, the Division of Learning & Leadership has focused on strengthening the instructional core across the district, with a singular focus on improving student outcomes consistent with the Newton County Schools’ mission to provide educational excellence for every child. At the same time, the district has had to navigate new state mandates, evolving standards, and increased expectations.

Mrs. Blackburn noted three things that helped the Learning and Leadership team strengthen the district’s instructional core.

• The team visited every school to better understand instructional practices and leadership actions and to gain clarity on what was working and where growth was needed.
• They conducted deep data reviews and evaluated the instructional resources being used, not only for alignment to standards, but for their actual impact and usage in classrooms.
• Structures were created to capture the voices of the district’s educators. Through refined Principal and Assistant Principal Network meetings, the Instructional Coaches Academy, and the Teacher Advisory Council, the team ensured that work on the district’s instructional core was informed by those closest to the classroom.

From this work, several clear actions emerged to guide the team’s efforts. These actions were grounded in research-based best practices for school improvement and in the belief that an aligned system of curriculum, assessment, and instruction is essential to improving student achievement. Other work emerged from the district’s Organizational Priorities.

• The focus on CTAE was strengthened by expanding pathways and increasing equitable access for students. This led to the development of the district’s Framework for Advancing Workforce Development.
• The focus on literacy was intensified, both from a district perspective and in alignment with the state’s mandate that all school districts do so. This resulted in expanded partnerships and the development of a comprehensive Literacy Blueprint grounded in research and shaped by a diverse team of educators.
• As a result of working with the district’s Teacher Advisory Council, the development of the Excellence in Teaching Framework established a clear and shared definition of high-quality instruction.

Mrs. Blackburn spent some time sharing information about the Excellence in Teaching Framework.

• It was co-created by teachers.
• It is a clear articulation of instructional best practices that teachers and leaders can use to gauge the quality of instruction in their schools.
• It supports the rapid improvement of novice, developing, and struggling teachers.
• It clarifies how instructional coaches can better support teachers.

All these efforts clearly are making an impact.

• Reading proficiency has improved across five of six tested grade levels.
• Math proficiency has improved across every grade level, including 9th grade Algebra.
• Under the state’s measure for school performance and improvement, twenty-one of the district’s twenty-four schools have improved their CCRPI ratings in the last three years, and six of these schools improved by double digits.

Progress is reflected not only in the data, but also in the voices of the district’s teachers and leaders. Their insights point to stronger instructional practices, increased clarity, and an enhanced ability to meet the needs of all learners. From strengthening instructional delivery to meeting legislative expectations, our collective efforts have positioned Newton County Schools to move forward with focus, consistency, and confidence.

Mr. Trey Bailey expressed his gratitude to Chief Learning and Leadership Officer Tracy Blackburn and her team for the work they do. He noted that the team is two or three years into this work, and he sees the amount of work they do, while also acknowledging the improvement he is witnessing.

School Board Vice-Chair Shakila Henderson-Baker praised the district’s teachers, who she said are having to endure a lot of the work. She thanked the Learning and Leadership team for scaling back in instances where they could.

View the presentation.

Dr. Andrea Kinney, Executive Director of Student Services, presented updates to the district’s Parent Information Guide and Student Code of Conduct. The handbook serves three primary purposes:

• to provide clear and accessible information on district processes, expectations, and resources;
• to equip families to effectively support their child’s educational experience; and
• to promote a safe, structured learning environment for all students

Each year, in preparation for the upcoming school year, there is a comprehensive review of the Parent Information Guide and Student Code of Conduct to ensure alignment with current legislation, district priorities, and everyone’s commitment to fostering positive behavior and accountability across all grade levels.

The review process began in January 2026 with feedback from the Board, Executive Cabinet, district leaders, and school administrators. Principals then expanded engagement at the school level, gathering input from teachers, School Council members, and PTO representatives to ensure a broad range of perspectives.

Chronic Absenteeism and Attendance Supports

This update ensures alignment with Senate Bill 123, which addresses chronic absenteeism and attendance supports. Chronic absenteeism is now defined as missing 10% or more of enrolled school days, whether the absences are excused or unexcused.

In alignment with Board Policy JCDAF and the Distraction-Free Education Act, for students in grades Pre-K through 8, personal electronic devices are not permitted and must remain off and out of sight during the instructional school day.

Personal electronic devices include smart phones, smart watches, smart glasses, tablets, headphone, and any device capable of wireless communication, internet access, messaging, video recording, gaming, social media access, or data transmission.

Devices must be powered off or silenced and kept out of sight for the entire instructional day to include instructional time, breaks, transitions, assemblies, and other school related activities. Exceptions will be made for documented student needs in an active IEP, 504 plan, or medical plan.

Another key update focuses on academic integrity and the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI).

As AI becomes more accessible, it is important that students understand expectations for using these tools appropriately in their learning.

• Students must own their work. Assignments should reflect their own thinking and understanding. While AI can support learning and creativity, submitting AI-generated work as their own is not permitted.
• Students are expected to evaluate and cite all sources, including AI tools. Students should critically assess the accuracy and credibility of information and properly cite any tools or platforms used.
• Students must be transparent. They should clearly communicate how AI was used in their work, whether for brainstorming, editing, or content support.
• Students must use AI ethically. AI should not be used to bypass learning or gain an unfair advantage. When in doubt, students are encouraged to consult their teacher.

Revisions to the Student Code of Conduct address evolving needs and ensure clarity and consistency in enforcement. These updates focus specifically on the rules regarding Drugs and Electronic and Other Communication Devices.

Drugs

The core language of the rule regarding drugs remains unchanged—students are prohibited from the sale, purchase, distribution, possession, use, or being under the influence of drugs or any mind-altering substances on school property or at school functions.

The primary update expands and clarifies definitions of prohibited substances. The revised language now explicitly includes hemp products, CBD oil, Delta variants, THC variants, synthetic substances, and substances represented as drugs. This ensures alignment with evolving products and student access trends.

Disciplinary consequences remain unchanged, including a minimum ten-day suspension and referral to a formal hearing, along with mandatory law enforcement notification in accordance with Georgia law.

Electronic and Other Communication Devices

To reflect alignment with Board Policy JCDAF and the Distraction-Free Education Act, updates were added to the Electronic and Other Communication Devices rule making it clear that students in grades Pre-K through 8 may not use personal electronic devices during the school day. The revised language expands the expectation beyond classroom instruction by clarifying that devices must remain off and out of sight for the entire school day, including instructional time, transitions, breaks, and other school-related activities. A distinction was added for students in grades nine through twelve, indicating that personal electronic devices may be used for educational purposes at the discretion of and under the supervision of a classroom teacher, while still prohibiting unauthorized use, which was previously in place.

Disposition

As part of the update to the disposition for electronic and other communication devices, an important change was made to ensure alignment with the district’s commitment to a distraction-free learning environment.

Previously, elementary and middle schools had separate discipline structures. The revised language now combines both into one unified, tiered system, ensuring consistency across grade levels and reinforcing clear expectations for students.

The update includes a progressive approach, beginning with administrative discretion and supportive interventions such as conferences, detention, or ISS, along with device confiscation and parent communication. With repeated offenses, responses may increase to include parent involvement, potential loss of device possession, and additional consequences as determined by administration.

These updates reflect a collaborative effort to create a safe, supportive, and respectful environment, guided by the Board of Education's commitment to student success. The Parent Information Guide and Student Code of Conduct will be posted to the district’s website for review and public comment.

To view the presentation, please click on this link.

View the presentation.

View the presentation.

A. Requested Board Action Relative to Amending the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Calendar

The motion to amend the fiscal year Budget failed. Board vice-chair Shakila Henderson-Baker made a subsequent motion to table the item so that the Superintendent’s Executive Cabinet could devise a new calendar no later than April 27, 2026. This second motion was approved by a 5-0 vote.

B. Requested Board Action Relative to Approval of Local Facilities Plan and Adoption of Resolution 2026-1

The Board approved the local facilities plan and the adoption of a corresponding resolution. The facilities plan to be submitted to the State Board of Education identifies facility needs. The plan includes an inventory of all existing facilities; both historical student FTE data and future FTE projections; present and projected system organizational patterns; minimum and maximum limits on the FTE student enrollment in all elementary, middle, and high schools; instructional service and support programs for each school in the system; facility needs, including cost for renovations, modifications, additions, or new schools; school facilities to be closed, phased out, and/or abandoned; and a system-wide list of construction projects in priority order. The following were listed as priorities included in the capital improvement plan and local facilities plan: security vestibules at select schools; renovation and modifications at select schools to include HVAC replacement and building automation systems; flooring replacement, ceiling and lighting improvements; roof renovations and replacement; door hardware improvements; and painting. The total physical improvement needs eligible for earning entitlement funding is $37,609,894.00.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote on April 21, 2026.

C. Requested Board Action Relative to Renewal of Software Agreements

The Board approved the renewal of licenses for Microsoft from Dell Marketing L.P. of Round Rock, Texas. The total cost is $179,332.63 to be paid for with FY 2027 General Funds, upon approval. The Board also approved the renewal of an Email security System from Surelock Technology of Lawrenceville, Georgia, at a cost of $90,632.00 as well as the purchase of asset management software from Incident IQ at a cost of $53,375.30. These purchases will be paid for with FY2027 General Funds upon approval.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote on April 21, 2026.

D. Requested Board Action Relative to E-rate Funded Infrastructure and Technology

The Board approved the proposals for equipment and internal connections needed for the school system. Annually, the technology department issues solicitations for internet access and internal connections as part of the E-Rate process. E-Rate is the federal government program designed to fund affordable access to advanced telecommunications services in libraries and schools, including classrooms. E-Rate funds are calculated as a percentage discount off of the pricing received from vendors through the solicitation process. The level of discount is based on the percentage of students eligible for the national school lunch program, or other specified alternative methods for determining poverty levels within a school system. E-Rate funds are then dispersed to applicants based on need, ranked from highest to lowest, and funded accordingly. The district will purchase switches, cabling, management information base, and firewall. The total cost of all the system-wide expenses and projects would be $1,358,186.79, of which $1,154,458.78 would be reimbursed by E-Rate. This leaves a remaining cost of $203,728.01. The funding source would be FY 2027 Capital Funds upon approval.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote on April 21, 2026.

E. Requested Board Action Relative to Renewal of Contract and Purchase for Student Services

The Board approved the renewal of a contract and purchase from K-12 Solutions Group for the Student Information System and USHA Software for funding analysis software. Four entities within Griffin RESA (Butts County School System, Fayette County School System, Griffin-Spalding County School System, and Newton County School System) collaborated to develop and issue a request for proposals for a student information system. Infinite Campus by K-12 Solutions was selected as offering the best value. Infinite Campus provides the integrated tools needed to streamline student administration, enable stakeholder collaboration, and individualize instruction. The entire system is web-based, so teachers, administrators, parents, and students can access information from anywhere, at any time. The total cost is $270,958.40 to be paid for with FY 2027 general funds, upon approval. The effective date will be July 1, 2026, and the expiration date will be June 30, 2027.

The Board also approved the purchase of funding analysis software from USHA Software of Alpharetta, Georgia. This company creates software programs geared specifically to Georgia K-12 schools that help school systems maximize state funding. The funding analysis software provides administrators with real-time visibility into their funding data and streamlines the reporting process. The FTE Track component helps identify, correct, and validate unfunded students and segments and eliminates nearly 75% of the time needed to process FTEs. The SPED Track scans numerous special education categories for data discrepancies that can lead to loss of, or lesser funding, than the school system is in fact eligible to receive. The software integrates with our current student information system solution, and because it is designed for Georgia schools, changes made at the state level are integrated into the software as soon as the Department of Education publishes them. The total cost is $52,516.68 to be paid for with FY 2027 General Funds upon approval. The effective date will be July 1, 2026, and the expiration date will be June 30, 2027.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote on April 21, 2026.

F. Requested Board Action Relative to Contracts for Special Education

The Board approved contracts for special education services from multiple agencies including: Allied Instructional Services, LLC; AMN Education Healthcare; Deaft Educational Solutions; Dynamic Therapy Solutions; Speak, Play, Learn Therapy, LLC; Speech Talks LLC; Sunburst Workforce Advisors, LLC; and Wise Iceberg Speech, LLC. The combined estimated contract value is $6,000,000.00 to be paid for with FY 2026 and FY 2027 IDEA Funds and FY 2027 General Funds upon approval. The Board also approved the purchase of online special education curriculum from Everway, LLC of Huron, Ohio. Everway, LLC, formerly N2Y, is a developer of special education curriculum and materials. Their products serve teachers, speech pathologists, and other professionals as a resource to assist students with significant special needs as required by their individual education program (IEP). Students requiring an alternative curriculum and assessment will receive a standards-based curriculum specifically designed so that students with significant special needs can access the general education curriculum. The total cost is $135,006.19 to be paid for with FY 2026 and FY 2027 IDEA Funds, upon approval.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote on April 21, 2026.

G. Requested Board Action Relative to Renewal of Contract for Integrated Business Solution

The Board approved the renewal of a contract with Genuine Parts Company, doing business as NAPA Auto Parts, of Atlanta, Georgia, for an additional contract period. The NAPA Integrated Business Solution provides the school system with complete, turn-key management for all parts needs, related supplies, and services. The in-house store, which currently has an inventory valued at approximately $156,000.00, was custom-tailored for the vehicles that comprise the school system’s fleet. Parts are purchased only on a just-in-time, as needed basis. Formerly, they would have been purchased by the school system, held in inventory, and thus subject to carrying costs, shrinkage, and obsolescence. The vendor-managed model provides responsive service, reduces administrative burden, and avoids significant upfront inventory investment. Cost analysis shows the current outsourced program operates at approximately $84,000 annually, compared to an estimated $110,000 - $125,000 for an in-house model plus $155,000 - $300,000 in startup inventory. The estimated contract value is $1,100,000.00 to be paid for with FY 2026 and FY 2027 General Funds, upon approval. The effective date will be April 26,2026, and the expiration date will be April 25, 2027.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote on April 21, 2026.

H. Requested Board Action Relative to Contract for HVAC Services

The Board approved the purchase of HVAC services from ARS Mechanical, Inc. of Lithonia, Georgia. 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, associated equipment, and other components as required. The vendor has performed satisfactorily, met all contractual requirements, and has agreed to continue under the same terms and conditions of the original contract. The estimated contract value is $300,000.00 to be paid for with FY 2026 and FY 2027 General Funds, upon approval.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote on April 21, 2026.

I. Requested Board Action Relative to the Renewal of License Plate Recognition Cameras

The Board approved the renewal of license plate recognition cameras from Flock Group Inc. of Atlanta, Georgia. Flock Safety’s License Plate Recognition system provides an essential enhancement to school safety by establishing a virtual perimeter around our schools and facilities. Using automated cameras, the system captures and analyzes images of vehicles entering school sites, offering real-time alerts and actionable data to school resource officers and local law enforcement. This technology strengthens threat detection, enables rapid response to potential risks, and acts as a deterrent to criminal activity through its visible presence and integrations with law enforcement databases. The system strengthens overall school safety while fostering a safe and secure environment for students and staff. The school system will use a contract managed by Omnia to purchase the license plate recognition cameras. The total cost is $151,200.00 to be paid for with FY 2026 Capital Funds.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote on April 21,2026.

J. Requested Board Action Relative to Facility Usage Agreement

The Board approved a facility use agreement for the Indian Creek Middle School facility by the Newton County Sheriff’s Office for a summer youth program. The agreement is for June 1, 2026, to June 30, 2026, for select areas of the school.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote on April 21, 2026.

K. Requested Board Action Relative to Surplus Property

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

APPROVED by 5-0 vote on April 21, 2026.

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

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

APPROVED on April 21, 2026, by 5-0 vote with Mrs. Shakila Henderson-Baker recusing herself from item #80 due to a conflict of interest.

During the meeting, school board members and Superintendent Dr. Duke Bradley made several announcements.

• Mr. Trey Bailey acknowledged the district’s assistant principals in honor of Assistant Principals Week, which was April 6 – 10, 2026.

• School Board Vice-Chair Shakila Henderson-Baker recognized Dr. Jennifer Williams, Director of Instructional Technology, who was named one of the community’s Unsung Heroes at the Covington News Visions Banquet. Dr. Williams was lauded for her innovation, leadership, and impact across the school district and the larger community.

• Mrs. Henderson-Baker also saluted Matthew Lynn, a senior at Eastside High School, who was named the 2026 Youth of the Year at the Covington News Visions Banquet.

• Mr. Anderson Bailey announced that for the third consecutive year, Newton County Schools’ Audit Report has no findings. Mr. Bailey thanked the Business Services Team, led by Chief Financial Officer Erica Robinson, for its professional stewardship of the district’s finances.

• Superintendent Dr. Duke Bradley congratulated School Board Vice-Chair Shakila Henderson-Baker, who was recently honored by the Georgia State Senate through a special resolution recognizing her outstanding service to public education and her leadership within both the Newton County Board of Education and the Georgia School Boards Association.

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