NCS Board Notes - JANUARY 2026

The Newton County Schools Board of Education conducted its regularly scheduled Work Session on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, and its Business Meeting on Tuesday, January 20, 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 Work Session by thanking the community for joining the first meeting of the new year. She said everyone is excited about the months ahead. “The first semester was busy and productive, and we expect the second semester to be equally productive leading up to the year’s end,” she remarked.

Superintendent Dr. Duke Bradley began his remarks during the Work Session by wishing everyone a happy New Year. He reported that as the district moves into the second half of the school year, employee stakeholders will continue to execute across core priorities, advance important initiatives, and continue to build momentum in areas central to its mission. Dr. Bradley noted that the new year also provides opportunities for the community to remain engaged and provide feedback.

The first graduates of the THRIVE Executive Leadership Program were recognized during the Work Session. This leadership development pathway is designed specifically for current leaders who aspire to fill executive roles - principals, district directors, and beyond. Throughout the program, participants engaged in rigorous learning experiences focused on leadership identity, team dynamics, strategic planning, school culture, and crisis management.

The following THRIVE Program graduates were lauded during the meeting: Dr. Hope Barr; Ms. Desherra Bonner; Mr. Bart Buff; Dr. Karen Dozier; Ms. Keisa Gatewood; Dr. Ember Lumpkin; Ms. Monique Mitchell; Dr. Ebony Smith; Ms. Andrea Smith-Ward; and Dr. Katrina Stanfield.

The district’s high schools all recently competed in the region one act play competition. Several members of each school’s cast won awards, and two schools’ productions won awards recognizing their excellence. The schools and their award-winning students were recognized during the Business Meeting.

From Alcovy High School, both Gabriel Henderson and Elijah Rodriguez won the All-Star Performance Awards.

Eastside High School’s performance of “The Fantasticks” won third place honors in their competition. Matthew Lynn won the Best Actor Award at the regional competition, and Fernando Portillo and Trippe Turner won All-Star Cast Awards

Newton High School’s performance of “Double Double” won the overall fourth place award at the regional competition. Morgan Roach and Laila Smith both received All-Star Cast Awards.

VEX Robotics team 8682A from Newton College and Career Academy is ranked first in Georgia; 157th in the world for Skills Score; and 22nd globally in Real Skills rankings. Their current season record stands at ninety-five wins, ten losses, and no ties. The team has received multiple invitations to compete in the World VEX Robotics Championships in St. Louis in April. Recognized during the Business Meeting were Logan Knight; Ian Carter; Derek Gawlinski; Nathanial Igarashi; and Chloee Yaple. The team is coached by Zachary Pitts.

View the presentation.

Dr. Ashante Everett, Newton County Schools’ Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, presented a report that provided an update on the development of the district’s Literacy Blueprint.

Dr. Everett began by pointing out that the Georgia Department of Education and the Georgia General Assembly have declared literacy as a state-wide priority, creating legislation that cements literacy as a policy issue as well as an academic one. House Bill 307 provides clear guidance and mandates for districts regarding evidence-based reading instruction and the use of high-quality instructional materials.

In alignment with its literacy pledge and organizational priority to strengthen the district’s literacy foundation, Newton County Schools is working to clarify and document our literacy improvement philosophy, strategy, and supportive resources. This commitment has led to the development of a literacy blueprint that will provide a systematic approach to literacy instruction in Newton County Schools.

The Newton County Schools Literacy Blueprint will serve as a comprehensive guide for improving student literacy outcomes, and it prioritizes four key action areas:

• Empowering Educators
• Establishing a Strong Foundation for Literacy
• Engaging Families and the Community
• Measuring Our Progress and Holding Ourselves Accountable

These action areas are grounded in research, supported by state legislation, and are aligned to best practices emerging from the Georgia Council on Literacy.

The Literacy Blueprint is being developed through a collaborative effort that includes the voices of key stakeholders across our district and community, including district leaders, school leaders, instructional coaches, teachers, and community stakeholders. This approach ensures that our blueprint reflects both state expectations and the unique needs of our district.

By its completion later in Spring 2026, the Newton County Schools Literacy Blueprint ultimately will align curriculum, instruction, and professional development; will create a shared vision for student success; and will serve as a foundational pillar for district-wide academic improvement.

Mrs. Shakila Henderson-Baker made comments regarding the timeline for completing the district’s instructional framework and the Literacy Blueprint. She asked about the professional learning K-3 teachers are receiving on phonemic awareness, decoding, and fluency, specifically regarding re-delivery in the “train the trainer” model that is being used.

Mr. Trey Bailey asked if board members will get a chance to see the feedback that is being collected from teachers.

View the presentation.

Benjamin Roundtree, Chief of Staff, presented an update on the development of the district’s multi-year Strategic Plan. He began by noting last fall’s Strategic Plan Community Engagement Meeting gave stakeholders a chance to share the aspirations, challenges, and opportunities they feel should inform the district’s direction for the next five years. The Community Engagement Meeting was complemented by a community engagement survey that was designed to capture similar insights. Collectively, these efforts reinforce the district’s commitment to stakeholder voice and inclusive planning.

Stakeholder voice and inclusive planning are important because stakeholders should see themselves and their interests embedded in the work of the school district. This principle is important to the Newton County Board of Education and was recently reiterated in an editorial written by Superintendent Dr. Duke Bradley, which framed this planning effort as an opportunity to “dream big,” while remaining grounded in the belief that all voices must be solicited and heard.

Newton County Schools is progressing through the Georgia School Boards Association’s strategic planning framework and is currently working under Domain II, which focuses on the development of a clear blueprint that communicates what the community values relative to educating students and advancing organizational effectiveness. Specifically, the district is simultaneously engaging with the Planning Team and integrating earlier work that included Board training and SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats), community engagement SWOT activities, and a community survey. Upcoming work will include action team meetings; goal-area work; potential refinement of mission, vision, and belief statements; and eventual submission to the board of education for consideration and approval.

Between January and May, the district will synthesize all stakeholder insights and categorize them into themes, initiatives, and ultimately, into clear district goals. During this time, the focus will be to ensure that the district is organizationally prepared to pursue each identified initiative, which includes defining necessary actions, clarifying ownership, aligning resources, and confirming that the internal conditions exist to support successful implementation. The district does not intend to introduce new academic initiatives for the fall of 2026 but will focus on strengthening and mastering initiatives that are already in place. Once there is shared confidence in our readiness, the district will begin full implementation of the strategic plan.

There is a clear through-line between the work the district is currently engaged in and the development of the Strategic Plan itself. The Strategic Plan is an opportunity to clearly articulate our collective work and commitments over the next five years, to define not only what we intend to do, but why it matters, how success will be measured, and how the district will remain accountable to the community we serve.

Mr. Trey Bailey noted that he sees the connection between the Literacy Blueprint and the Strategic Plan. He pointed out that it was reported that there will be no new educational initiatives for Fall 2026, and he wanted a commitment that this will be honored. He said he did not want to give a false pretense to teachers.

View the presentation.

View the presentation.

Benjamin Roundtree, Chief of Staff, presented a report on the district’s policy review. One of the board of education’s organizational priorities under Advancing Innovation and Organizational Stability is to evaluate and modernize policies to promote coherence and to correspond with the current state of the district.

Establishing policy is one of the primary responsibilities of the board of education, and by extension, a core function of the organization itself. Research in public education consistently underscores the importance of clear, coherent policy systems. Approved policies establish the framework within which the district conducts its affairs - defining authority, articulating expectations, and providing governance guardrails that guide decision-making across matters of instruction, operations, personnel, and community engagement, and various others.

In his presentation, Mr. Roundtree outlined the reasons why the policy review is timely and necessary.

• The landscape of public education is constantly evolving.
• Policies play an essential role in enhancing transparency and securing public trust.
• Policies serve as codified reinforcements of our shared beliefs.
• Policies that are outdated, duplicative, or no longer relevant should be appropriately reviewed in this process - updated where necessary or removed altogether.

Immediate next steps in the Newton County Schools’ policy review process will be to develop a clear framework for how the review will be conducted in partnership with the Georgia School Boards Association, the district’s legal counsel, and our school district peers. That framework is expected to include:

• Engagement with staff and the board of education
• Defined timelines for review and development
• Opportunities for discussion and feedback
• Prospective dates for policy consideration and adoption

The policy review will occur over multiple phases and will extend across several months. Our expectation is to return to the Board as necessary with updates on progress, emerging themes, and recommended actions.

Mr. Trey Bailey says he would like to see a policy developed that will allow release time for religious instruction.

View the Financial Report.

As of January 6, 2026, there are 18,337 students enrolled in Newton County Schools.

A. Requested Board Action Relative to Adoption of Policy JCDAF

The board reviewed a recommendation to adopt a new policy, JCDAF: Use of Electronic Devices by Students. This proposed policy sets expectations and procedures for students in pre-kindergarten through eighth-grade regarding the use of personal electronic devices during the school day and at school-sponsored events. The proposed policy will be posted on the Newton County Schools district website for public review and feedback with the board scheduled to vote on the policy at its February Combined Work Session/Monthly Meeting.

Item is tabled for public review and feedback until February Board Meeting.

B. Requested Board Action Relative to National Summer School Initiative

The Board approved a contract with the National Summer School Initiative (NSSI) to develop a comprehensive summer academic program. NSSI collaborates with schools to create an exceptional academic experience during the summer. The initiative is a collaboration with our educators to create a community where our students can feel heard, valued, and connected, while engaging with a rigorous curriculum delivered through effective teaching. NSSI will design and implement an evidence-based, high-impact English Language Arts and math curriculum in addition to providing quality training for teachers before and throughout the program. Under the Partner Agreement, NSSI will provide a structured 24-day instructional summer curriculum in English Language Arts and Mathematics, tailored to Newton County’s 16-day instructional model for Summer 2026 (June 1-25, 2026). The total expense is $66,000.00 to be paid for with FY 2026 General Funds.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote on January 20, 2026.

C. Requested Board Action Relative to Purchase of Engineering and Manufacturing Equipment

The Board approved the purchase of engineering and manufacturing equipment for Newton High School from Technical Training Aids of Birmingham, Alabama. The CTAE program offers both innovative and traditional programs of study through career pathways at middle schools, high schools, and the Newton College and Career Academy. The CTAE department holds regular meetings with business/industry representatives as well as our local Industrial Development Authority to ensure alignment between our programs and existing or emerging industry needs. To continue meeting the growing needs of our manufacturing industry partners, upgrades to our basic school engineering labs are necessary. The equipment and materials presented for purchase represent the next step in a phased plan that began during the 2024-2025 school year, ensuring our engineering students are prepared for the emerging engineering and manufacturing careers in high demand across our county and region. This purchase will provide necessary equipment, supplies, and curriculum resources for IGNITE Manufacturing Courses 3 and 4 to be implemented at Newton High School. Eastside and Alcovy High School will receive these equipment upgrades in subsequent phases of implementation. The total expense is $94,993.00 to be paid for with FY 2026 Local CTAE Budgeted Funds and CTAE Perkins V Grant Funds.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote on January 20, 2026.

D. Requested Board Action Relative to Purchase of Laptop Computers

The Board approved the purchase of laptop computers needed for the school system from Dell Marketing L.P. of Round Rock, Texas. The technology department regularly refreshes computer technology throughout the district as part of its ongoing technology plan. Accordingly, the school system is purchasing laptops for teachers and administrators. The school system will use a State of Georgia contract for the equipment and accessories. The total expense is $419,900.00 to be paid for with FY 2026 Capital Funds.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote on January 20, 2026.

E. Requested Board Action Relative to Contract for Plumbing Services

The Board approved a contract for plumbing services with B&W Mechanical Contractors, Inc. of Lawrenceville, Georgia. The contract encompasses comprehensive plumbing services, including pipe and sewer repair, replacement, or new installation, leak detection and repair services, installation and repair of plumbing fixtures, maintenance and repair of lift stations, and all necessary types of inspection services. The district publicized a request for proposals and upon review, the proposal submitted by B&W Mechanical Contractors, Inc. provided the best value for the school system. The estimated contract value is $500,000.00 to be paid for with FY 2026 and upon approval, FY 2027 General Funds.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote on January 20, 2026.

F. Requested Board Action Relative to Purchase of Diesel Fuel and Unleaded Gasoline

The Board approved the purchase of diesel fuel and unleaded gasoline needed for the school system from James River Solutions of Ashland, Virginia. The North Georgia Fuel Cooperative (NGFC), through its lead procurement agency, issued an annual renewable contract for diesel fuel and unleaded gasoline. The NGFC was formed with the specific purpose of purchasing fuels at high volumes to obtain the best discounts and lowest pricing. The NGFC is comprised of counties, cities, boards of education, and other government entities. The pricing is tied to the Oil Price Information Service (OPIS) Same Day Contract Average Goss, 10AM—the most widely used daily rack price benchmark in the industry. Bids were evaluated by comparing the cost of the vendor’s markups or differentials. After review, it was determined that the bid submitted by James River Solutions offered the lowest overall cost to the school system. Additionally, the vendor will provide electronic monitoring of the tanks to ensure a continuous supply of fuel. The school system will use the NGFC contract to purchase the fuel. The estimated purchase amount is $1,300,000 to be paid for with FY 2026 General Funds.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote on January 20, 2026.

G. Requested Board Action Relative to Easements for Multi-use Trail

The Board approved easements to Newton Trail, Inc. for the construction of a multi-use trail. The easement grants Newton Trails, Inc., permanent and temporary easements for the construction of the Cricket Frog Eastside Connector trail. This trail will be located along the southern, western, and northern edges of the Newton County STEAM Academy property located at 10245 Eagle Drive, Covington, Georgia 30014.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote on January 20, 2026.

H. Requested Board Action Relative to Surplus Property

The Board approved selected items to be declared surplus and disposed of per Board Policy DO. The school system makes every effort to redistribute and reuse its equipment and property throughout the component’s useful life, or as long as practical. Items are only designated as surplus when they are deemed no longer necessary for school purposes. They are then aggregated and disposed of utilizing one or more of the approved methodologies outlined in Board Policy DO. Care is taken to discard items in as environmentally friendly manner as practical.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote on January 20, 2026.

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

The Board approved recommendations presented by Superintendent Dr. Duke Bradley in executive session. As many of the items were contracts, some board members recused themselves from specific line items due to conflicts of interest with relatives on the list.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote on January 13 and January 20 with board members Trey Bailey, Shakila Henderson-Baker, Eddie Johnson, and Abigail Coggin recusing on specific line items only.

J. Requested Board Action Relative to 2026 Board Meeting Dates

The Board adopted their calendar of meeting dates for January 2026 through January 2027 as required in Policy BCA: Board Meeting Types. The Board’s meeting schedule will be posted on the school system’s district website in the Board of Education section.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote on January 20, 2026.

K. Requested Board Action Relative to 2026 Appointment of Delegates and Alternate Delegate for the Georgia School Boards Association

The Board voted Mr. Anderson Bailey to serve as delegate and Mrs. Shakila Henderson-Baker to serve as alternate delegate for the Georgia School Boards Association.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote on January 20, 2026.

L. Requested Board Action Relative to 2026 legislative Liaison

The Board voted Mr. Trey Bailey to serve as the legislative liaison for 2026.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote on January 20, 2026.

M. Requested Board Action Relative to Election of 2026 Board Chairperson and Vice Chairperson

The Board voted to keep the leadership the same in 2026 with Mrs. Abigail Coggin continuing to serve as chairperson and Mrs. Shakila Henderson-Baker serving as vice-chairperson.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote on January 20, 2026.

During the Work Session, Dr. Duke Bradley made several announcements.

• He recognized the Newton High School Girls’ Wrestling Team for advancing to the Area Championship.

• He also reminded the community about the Community Conversation that would be taking place on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at Eastside High School, beginning at 6:30 p.m.
  
  
• He announced the Newton High School Athletics Hall of Fame event, which will be held Saturday, January 24, 2026, beginning at 10:00 a.m.

During the Work Session, Mrs. Abigail Coggin announced that Superintendent Dr. Duke Bradley has been designated as one of Thirty National Superintendents to Watch by the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA).

During the Business Meeting:

• Mr. Trey Bailey wished Mrs. Abigail Coggin well as she begins her final tenure as chairperson of the Newton County Board of Education.
  
  
• Mrs. Shakila Henderson-Baker announced donations are being accepted to support the inaugural Newton High School Athletics Hall of Fame event.
  
  
• Dr. Bradley recognized Asia Lanham, a student at Newton High School and Madison Harris, a student at the Newton County STEAM Academy, who each received the Young Dreamer Award at one of the community’s Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday observance programs. Dr. Bradley also highlighted Dr. Tiffany Richardson, principal of Live Oak Elementary School, for receiving the Trailblazer Award during the same program.

• Dr. Bradley announced the district’s Literacy Extravaganza, which will be held on February 7, 2026, at Newton High School from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

At its January 20, 2026, meeting, the Board of Education took the following action regarding its representation and governance.

• Appointed Mr. Anderson Bailey as its delegate to the Georgia School Boards Association and Mrs. Shakila Henderson-Baker as the alternate delegate.
  
  
• Appointed Mr. Trey Bailey as its legislative liaison.
  
  
• Elected Mrs. Abigail Coggin as its chairperson and Mrs. Shakila Henderson-Baker as the vice-chairperson for February 2026 – January 2027.

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