NCS Board Notes - AUGUST 2025

The Newton County Schools Board of Education conducted its regularly scheduled Work Session on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, and its Business Meeting on Tuesday, August 19, 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.

At the Work Session, Board Chair Abigail Coggin opened the meeting by acknowledging it as the first school board meeting since the beginning of the new school year. She noted the smooth opening of school, which was punctuated by the announcement of strong Georgia Milestones results and an energized return to the district’s classrooms. “We are well-positioned to move forward with clear direction grounded in the district’s organizational priorities,” said Mrs. Coggin.

Superintendent Dr. Duke Bradley began his remarks during the work session by commenting on the start of the new school year. To see highlights of our first week, you may watch the video below.

Dr. Bradley spoke about the value of community support. The Newton County Sheriff’s Office hosted its annual Back-to-School Bash, which featured civic organizations and a host of other community patrons. Also, the Tuggle-Harris Foundation, a local non-profit, hosted its Second Annual Community Prayer and provided thousands of dollars’ worth of donated supplies, gifts, and resources to our students and families. “We are especially grateful to them and for our faith community who offered their support, well wishes, and prayers,” commented Dr. Bradley.

During his remarks, Dr. Bradley shared several pieces of encouraging news.

• Enrollment is up by nearly two hundred students from this time last year.
• For the first time ever, every route-assigned school bus is air-conditioned.
• To start the year, there were zero bus driver vacancies coupled with 100% route coverage.
• All construction projects that had summer end dates were completed on time, including pavement enhancements to One Ram Way and East Newton Elementary School’s unexpected fire remediation.

Dr. Bradley concluded his remarks at the Work Session by noting an important and impressive point - a note about teacher-fill rates. As of August 12, 2025, there are only five teacher vacancies district-wide, and nineteen of the district’s twenty-three schools are fully staffed with teachers. These data represent significant two-year improvements. Notably, the district welcomed over twenty new teachers who were formerly paraprofessionals in our district.

At the Business Meeting, Mrs. Coggin spoke about the momentum and the positive trajectory the school district is on.

During the Business Meeting, Dr. Bradley reminded the community that following the final meeting of the month, the Board Notes document is sent to all families, posted on social media, and will soon be available to be accessed on the district’s website. He noted this information is shared to honor the governance team’s commitment to transparency and to ensure the district’s stakeholders have broad knowledge of the organization.

Asia Lanham was recognized for being selected to serve on the Georgia School Boards Association Youth Advisory Council. The Youth Advisory Council is a platform for student leaders from across Georgia to share their perspectives directly with school board members and help shape educational policies and practices. Asia was selected from a competitive pool of 163 applicants, and she was one of only nine students selected.

The Newton County Schools Department of Procurement was honored for being awarded the 2025 Achievement of Excellence in Procurement Award, which is a national honor given to organizations that demonstrate the highest standards in public and non-profit procurement. This recognition reflects the school district’s commitment to innovation, professionalism, e-procurement, productivity, and leadership. Cory Craver, Director; Dr. Karen Dozier, former Director; and Daniel Millner, Procurement Specialist, were present to receive the recognition.

The Newton College and Career Academy’s chapter of Future Farmers of America (FFA) was recognized for receiving the national 3-Star ranking, which is the highest honor in the organization’s National Chapter Award program. This honor places the chapter among the top FFA programs in the nation, highlighting their strong work in leadership development, community involvement, and agricultural education, and this marks the eighth year in a row that the school’s chapter has achieved this distinction. To qualify, chapters must first earn a gold rating at the state level, which reflects the quality and impact of their program. Teachers Patrick Conner, Andrew Pollard, and Dr. Marcus Pollard, along with FFA officers Sara Anderson, Brooke Ellington, Christine Williamson, and Kennedy Webb were present to receive the recognition.

To view the presentation in its entirety, please click on this link.

Mrs. Tracy Blackburn, Newton County Schools’ Chief Learning and Leadership Officer, gave an update on the Division of Learning and Leadership’s work for the 2025-26 school year and clarified future work.

Instructional Framework

Mrs. Blackburn began by pointing out that the work of designing and implementing a districtwide instructional framework corresponds with the Board of Education’s articulated organizational priority to advance academics by strengthening the instructional core. Guided by a focus on ensuring that every teacher provides rigorous Tier 1 instruction, the NCS Excellence in Teaching Framework makes certain that all instruction consists of high-quality, standards-aligned teaching that all students receive before any interventions or specialized supports.

Research consistently affirms that a commonly applied instructional framework strengthens teaching quality, coherence, and equity across classrooms. In her presentation, Mrs. Blackburn meticulously outlined the district’s three-year, slow-build process to develop and implement a unified instructional framework.

The 2024–25 school year was about building a foundation. This work included:

• Researching the current state of teaching and learning.
• Gathering feedback from teachers and leaders on strengths and needs.
• Developing new curriculum maps, pacing guides, and instructional resources.
• Giving teachers time to explore these tools and build familiarity.

In 2025–26, the district will pilot the NCS Excellence in Teaching Framework with early adopter teachers across all core content areas in grades K - 12. We are:

• Establishing a Teacher Advisory Council to pilot the framework in real classrooms.
• Providing targeted professional learning, ongoing coaching, and collaboration time for these teachers.
• Running regular reflection cycles for teachers to share experiences and propose refinements.
• Ensuring the pilot is directly focused on delivering rigorous Tier 1 instruction in every classroom.

By June 2026 Newton County Schools will have a refined, teacher-informed framework ready for district-wide rollout for the 2026–27 school year.

Curriculum and Resource Alignment

Aligning the district’s curriculum and instructional resources to equip educators with the clear, structured tools they need to bring the NCS Excellence in Teaching Framework to life in every classroom is paramount. Curriculum maps, pacing guides, and unit plans for all K–12 core subjects and Humanities courses have been developed. Implementation is supported by:

• Providing training during pre-planning on accessing and applying resources.
• Conducting two feedback cycles per semester to engage teachers and school leaders in gathering input on the curriculum resources and identifying needed revisions. This input will be collected through structured channels, including surveys and focus groups.
• Publishing quarterly curriculum update logs for transparency.

Assessment and Data Systems

High-quality Tier 1 instruction must be matched with strong systems to measure and respond to student progress. The district has launched a Balanced Assessment System which includes these components:

• i-Ready is a program used for Universal and dyslexia screening, progress monitoring, and gifted identification.
• Lennections’ District & School Connect will house Georgia Standards-aligned formative and summative assessments.
• Quarterly interim assessments will provide timely snapshots to adjust instruction and pacing.
• An integrated data dashboard provides school leaders and teachers with a full picture of each student’s achievement, attendance, and behavior.

By unifying our instructional approach, streamlining resources, and aligning assessments, we are building a stronger, more equitable system of teaching and learning.

Mrs. Shakila Henderson-Baker inquired about the kinds of teachers who will be selected to serve on the Teacher Advisory Council, pointing out that principals often send the best of the best when asked to send representatives to such convenings. She talked about the need to include new teachers and special education teachers because they may have different experiences than veteran and regular education teachers that may be valuable when developing and finalizing the initiatives.

To view the presentation, please click on this link.

Dr. Shelia Thomas, Newton County Schools’ Chief Strategy and Support Services Officer, presented a report highlighting the progress the district has made in advancing support for students’ mental health and well-being. The presentation had a specific focus on clarifying the well-being resources that are available to all students and on expanding access across the district.

Dr. Thomas pointed out that the district has a tiered Well-Being Support Framework that ensures that all students receive timely, appropriate, and scalable support based on their level of need.

• Tier I consists of universal support that is available to all students.
• Tier II consists of targeted supports designed for students requiring more focused interventions.
• Tier III consists of intensive and individualized supports for students experiencing chronic or severe mental health challenges.

The Well-Being Support Framework promotes well-being, reduces barriers to learning, and supports academic success.

Dr. Thomas pointed out that the district seeks to provide fingertip access to student well-being resources, acknowledging that access is not just about having services - it is about knowing where to go and how to get help. A number of initiatives supports this access to information.

• Newton County Schools has created a Student Well-Being Support QR code to provide students and families with direct access to available resources by scanning the code. Flyers and banners featuring the QR code are displayed throughout all schools for easy access.
• On the district’s website under the Student and Family Support tab, there is a one-stop hub for all district well-being resources.
• The Department of Communications has produced an infomercial that provides directions on how to access well-being resources.
• Families get a monthly wellness tip or highlight through the district’s parent messaging system, ParentSquare (formerly known as Remind), to help keep student health and well-being a top priority.
• The Parent Connect platform hosts regular webinars and podcasts featuring expert speakers on mental health and student well-being topics. Notably, at the upcoming Parent Connect Live Conference on Saturday, September 20, 2025, Board Vice-chair, Shakila Henderson-Baker, will deliver the keynote address, focusing on mental health awareness in schools and communities.

At the school level, counselors and social workers assist with connecting families with appropriate mental health supports, and principals reinforce the importance of student wellness through newsletters, parent meetings, and other outreach efforts. Visual reminders, such as banners, school yard signs, and hallway posters in high-traffic areas, encourage students to seek help and remind families that support is available.

These efforts help schools and the larger district normalize conversations about student well-being and mental health. By keeping the whole child at the center of our work, we are fostering a culture of care that not only drives academic success but also nurtures emotional growth and supports every student in reaching their full potential.

Mrs. Shakila Henderson-Baker highlighted the multiple resources that are available, remarking that Newton County’s students can receive free, affordable, and accessible mental health support. She commended her fellow school board members for their support in this area.

To view the presentation in its entirety, please click on this link.

Benjamin Roundtree, Special Assistant to the Superintendent, presented the Strategic Plan Kick-Off. Newton County Schools’ Strategic Plan is a blueprint of the district’s goals, priorities, and actions for improving students’ academic achievement and strengthening the overall function of the district over the next five years. It establishes a vision for the future; provides direction and focus; promotes alignment and collaboration; and facilitates continuous improvement. The plan’s importance is informed by the fact that it will guide decision-making and allocation of resources across the district for its duration.

Noting that data gleaned from needs assessments, surveys, and anecdotal community input are some of the most informative building blocks for the strategic plan, Mr. Roundtree pointed out that stakeholder voice is important. Stakeholders in Newton County Schools are students, parents, employees, community members, business owners, and government officials.

Stakeholders will get their first opportunity to provide input on the strategic plan on September 15, 2025, when the district hosts a Community Engagement Meeting in the media center at Newton High School beginning at 6:00 p.m. The meeting will be facilitated by staff from the Georgia Schools Board Association.

To view the presentation, please click on this link.

Mr. Trey Bailey praised Dr. Barr and the Operations Team, saying he was grateful for their work.

To view the presentation, please click on this link.

As of August 12, 2025, there were 17,933 students reported to be enrolled in Newton County Schools.

A. Requested Board Action Relative to Policy BCBI

After a public review of proposed changes to Board Policy BCBI, the board approved the policy.

APPROVED: 5-0 vote on August 19, 2025

A. Requested Board Action Relative to the Adoption of the Millage Rate

After multiple motions failed, the Board adopted a millage rate of 15.5 mills for FY 2026. This is a 0.25-mill decrease from last year’s rate of 15.75.

APPROVED by 3-1-1 vote on August 12, 2025, with Mrs. Shakila Henderson-Baker opposed and Mr. Eddie Johnson abstaining.

B. Requested Board Action Relative to Authorizing the Superintendent to Employ and Transfer Staff

The Board approved the authorization of the Superintendent to employ and transfer staff during the first month of school as enrollment and class size equity in the district demands. Daily review of the enrollment numbers occurs in order to add or collapse classes early in the school year. Based on those reviews, the Superintendent has historically been granted the authority to employ or transfer staff as needed in order to effect the change prior to Board approval. These additions or transfers will be included in personnel recommendations for ratification at a subsequent meeting.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote on August 12, 2025.

C. Requested Board Action Relative to the Purchase of Auditing Services

The Board approved the purchase of annual financial and compliance auditing services from Mauldin & Jenkins Certified Public Accountants, LLC. The school district is required to have an annual financial audit. In addition, a program-specific audit is required. Mauldin & Jenkins Certified Public Accountants, LLC provides over 140,000 hours of service to over 650 governmental units in the Southeast on an annual basis, using over 140 professionals. They provide services to 80 school districts and 40 charter schools. Services include the preparation of the school district’s financial statements, a single audit of two major programs, and a performance audit of the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax for Education (ESPLOST).

APPROVED by 5-0 vote on August 19, 2025.

D. Requested Board Action Relative to Contracted Professional Services

The Board approved the purchase of contracted services from K-12 Assessment Solutions. One of the district’s academic priorities is to strengthen the instructional core by clarifying expectations for curriculum usage, instructional planning and delivery, academic intervention, and assessment. To establish clear expectations for assessment, NCS has set a goal to design and implement a universally applied, balanced assessment system. K-12 Assessment Solutions will vet second and third quarter district-created unit assessments for alignment to standards and appropriate rigor. They will also create a set of interim assessments to be administered at the end of the quarter. K-12 Assessment Solutions will create and deliver assessments in grades one through High School in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies aligned to Georgia state standards and designed to reflect Depth of Knowledge levels. They will also complete assessment audits as a “needs assessment,” providing objective feedback to help Newton County Schools (NCS) improve the validity of its assessments. The total contract value is $90,300.24 to be paid for with FY 2026 General Funds.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote on August 19, 2025

E. Requested Board Action Relative to the Purchase of Chromebooks and Services

The Board approved the purchase of Chromebooks and services from Vivacity Tech. The technology department, as part of its ongoing technology plan, regularly refreshes computer technology throughout the district. Accordingly, the school system is purchasing Chromebooks as well as necessary services. Vivacity services include asset tagging, color etching, accidental damage and repair. The school system will use a contract managed by TIPS, a national purchasing cooperative, to purchase the computers. The total cost will be $3,341,255.00 to be paid for with FY 2026 Capital Funds and FY 2025 Title I, Part E (L4GA) funds.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote on August 19, 2025

F. Requested Board Action Relative to the Purchase of Safety Equipment

The Board approved the purchase of safety equipment from GXC Inc. The total cost is $246,781.20. The school system will use a contract managed by TIPS, a national purchasing cooperative, to purchase the equipment.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote on August 19, 2025.

G. Requested Board Action Relative to the Purchase of Amplification Equipment and Installation

The Board approved the purchase of materials and services needed for the installation of bi-directional amplifiers at select schools from Motorola Solutions. The interoperable radio system used by the school district was implemented at the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year. Since its implementation, the system has provided reliable and dependable communication for the district’s transportation department and schools, while ensuring interoperability with all Newton County public safety agencies. Based on a continuing assessment of coverage, it was determined that several school buildings have been identified as needing additional signal amplification to ensure increased functionality. The cost of enhancing signal strength will be covered using a combination of budgeted capital funds and available grant funding. The total cost is $648,190.00.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote on August 19, 2025.

H. Requested Board Action Relative to Resolution 2025-5 Requesting Georgia Department of Education Assistance in Developing a Local Facilities Plan

The Board adopted a resolution requesting assistance from the Georgia Department of Education in the development of a local facilities plan. The district’s current Facilities Plan is set to expire on June 30, 2026. The development of the updated plan includes ensuring that all needed renovations and modifications are accurately documented and aligned with current FTE (Full-Time Equivalent) data. A state survey team will review the proposed plan between November 1, 2025, and March 1, 2026. Following this review, the plan will be presented to the Board of Education for approval. It is anticipated that the State Board of Education will grant final approval between April and June 2026.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote on August 19, 2025.

I. Requested Board Action Relative to Facility Usage

The Board approved the use of select areas at Newton High School by Chi Tau Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. The Sorority requested to lease a select area at Newton High School on selected Saturdays to meet and discuss community events prior to awarding annual scholarships. The building will be used beginning September 20, 2025, and ending June 20, 2026. The principal has consented to the arrangement.

APPROVED by 4-0-1 vote on August 19, 2025, with Mrs. Shakila Henderson-Baker abstaining due to a conflict of interest. She is a member of Chi Tau Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

J. Requested Board Action Relative to Surplus Property

The Board approved selected items to be declared as 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 Policy DO. Care is taken to discard items in as environmentally friendly manner as practical.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote on August 19, 2025.

K. Requested Board Action Relative to 2025-2026 Local Board Governance Training Plan

The Board approved the training schedule for 2025-2026. Veteran board members are required to undertake nine (9) total hours of training, including three (3) hours of whole board governance team training. All training sessions must be conducted by a State Board of Education approved “training provider.”

APPROVED by 5-0 vote on August 19, 2025.

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

The Board approved recommendations presented by Superintendent Bradley during Executive Session.

APPROVED by 5-0 vote on August 12, 2025, and August 19, 2025.

At its August 12, 2025, meeting, the Board of Education approved Dr. Andrea Kinney as Executive Director of Student Services.

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