NCS Board Notes - SEPTEMBER 2025

The Newton County Schools Board of Education conducted its regularly scheduled Work Session on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, and its Business Meeting on Tuesday, September 16, 2025. All documents presented to the Board are available to the public and can be accessed on our website.

Please note that Newton County Schools Board Meetings may be viewed live on the district’s YouTube channel. Additionally, archived meetings are also available for public viewing.

At the Work Session, Board Chair Abigail Coggin opened the meeting by acknowledging the district’s grandparents. While recognizing the recently celebrated Grandparents’ Day, Mrs. Coggin noted how valuable grandparents are to the success of the district’s students.

At the Work Session, Board Chair Abigail Coggin opened the meeting by acknowledging the district’s grandparents. While recognizing the recently celebrated Grandparents’ Day, Mrs. Coggin noted how valuable grandparents are to the success of the district’s students.

Superintendent Dr. Duke Bradley began his remarks during the Work Session by spotlighting the phenomenal performance of the district’s students in their Advanced Placement (AP) Courses. For two consecutive years, each of the district’s high schools has been named AP Honor Schools, and their performance on the AP exams has skyrocketed.

Dr. Bradley explained the three specific categories of recognition students may receive for their performance on the exams.

• AP Scholar with Distinction – a student has scored at least a 3.5 on all AP exams taken
• AP Scholar with Honor – a student has earned an average score of 3.25 on all AP exams taken or 3 or higher on four or more exams
• AP Scholar – a student has scored 3 or higher on no less than three exams

For the 2024-25 school year, Newton County Schools produced forty-seven AP Scholars with Distinction, which is a 135% increase from 2023. The district has doubled the number of its AP Scholars with Honor from nineteen to thirty-eight, which represents a 100% from 2023. The number of AP Scholars increased from sixty-five to 123, which is an 89% increase from 2023. Dr. Bradley pointed out that this growth is due to the students’ exposure to rigorous instruction and being held to high expectations with a clear focus on learning.

Dr. Bradley recognized the district’s observance of International Literacy Day, noting that through the coordinated efforts of teachers and media specialists, each school found creative ways to celebrate the joy of reading.

Dr. Bradley reminded everyone of the District's Teacher of the Year Celebration, which was subsequently held on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. Dr. Quinita Morrow of Alcovy High School was named Newton County Schools' 2026 Teacher of the Year.

Dr. Bradley concluded his remarks by reminding everyone that the district recently launched its Framework for Advancing Workforce Development. He noted that in front of a packed house that included local and state education, civic, and business leaders, district leaders shared their vision for enhancing the student experience and strengthening the local workforce.

To see highlights from the Workforce Development Convening you may watch the video below.

Dr. Bradley also announced the district’s recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, National IT Professionals’ Day, Human Resources Professionals’ Day, and Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.

At both meetings, students who earned national recognition by being named 2024 Advanced Placement (AP) Scholars with Distinction were honored. To qualify for this prestigious award, a student must earn an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken, and he or she must score three or higher on five or more of these exams. Recognized as AP Scholars with Distinction were Breyan Barton, Johsua Oshodi, Jimmy Thomas, Emilee Beal, Hoai Hoang, Bailey Stover, Cooper Stover, Aoqi Shoe, Marc Goring, Jr., Levi Adams, Kathryn Bryan, Rivers Curtis, Matty Lumpkin, Sophie McCullough, Bella Munakwa, Beni Tetchi, Allie Vaughn, Jacob Wilson, Kennedy Woodard, and Zackary Ferdilus.

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

Dr. Ashante Everett, Newton County Schools’ Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, presented a report highlighting the results from the 2024-25 Georgia Milestones Assessments. The Georgia Milestones is a series of state-required examinations given each year to students in grades 3 through 12. The assessments measure proficiency in English Language Arts, mathematics, science, and social studies, and provide an annual snapshot of how well our students are mastering the prescribed standards.

Dr. Everett stressed that there are several areas of improved performance that are worthy of note. More specifically, it was reported that Newton County Schools produced increases in ten out of twenty tested subject areas, which represents improvement in half of all tested subject areas. Dr. Everett noted this is now the second consecutive year of growth across the school district. There were several other highlights mentioned as well. Among those include the following:

• Elementary school students outpaced the state in growth in third grade reading, third grade math, and 5th grade science.
• In reading, proficiency has increased in five of seven grade levels, with the strongest growth in 3rd, 6th, and 7th grades.
• Middle school students outpaced the state in seventh grade English/Language Arts and mathematics.
• The district’s high schools outpaced the state’s growth rate in biology, and students’ performance in Algebra showed gains at each high school.

Dr. Everett also shared that there were several school-specific bright spots, all of whom demonstrated “breakthrough” academic results, which are indicated by double-digit performance increases.

• West Newton Elementary posted a 25-point increase in 5th grade mathematics.
• Flint Hill Elementary had a 22-point gain in 3rd grade reading.
• Oak Hill Elementary recorded a 14-point increase in 4th grade English/Language Arts.
• Cousins Middle School saw a 16-point gain in 7th grade reading; a 12-point gain in 7th grade math; and 27-point increase in 8th grade social studies.
• Both Clements and Indian Creek Middle Schools also produced double-digit improvements.

Dr. Everett pointed out that it is important to look beyond Georgia Milestones data as evidence of the district’s overall positive performance trajectory. Another important data point is student performance in Advanced Placement (AP) courses and the accompanying exams. Newton County Schools has a record number of students earning Advanced Placement Scholar Awards for the 2024-25 school year in recognition of their exceptional achievement on AP Exams. Since 2022, the district has improved in nearly every meaningful statistical category, and each high school is now recognized as an AP Honor School. Additionally, dual enrollment participation continues to grow, giving students more opportunities to earn college credit while in high school.

In her report, Dr. Everett acknowledged that challenges remain, noting that proficiency rates must rise and achievement gaps must close. Fortunately, the Board’s organizational priorities address these identified areas of improvement, and work on each of them has already begun.

Newton County Schools reports encouraging academic growth across multiple grade levels and subject areas for the second consecutive year. The progress that is occurring is the result of a stronger instructional focus, clear expectations, and targeted leadership support centered around our organizational priorities.

Mr. Trey Bailey thanked Dr. Ashante Everett for her comprehensive report, and he expressed gratitude to the entire Division of Learning and Leadership for their hard work. “To see double-digit gains is incredible,” said Mr. Bailey. He also thanked classroom teachers.

Mrs. Shakila Henderson-Baker commended building leaders, teachers, and parents, noting that parents often are left when highlighting students’ academic performance. She expressed concern about the difference in how the data were presented for 2023-24 and how they were presented for 2024-25, pointing out that last year’s presentation only reported the percentages for students who scored at the proficient and distinguished levels, while this year’s report included developing, proficient, and distinguished levels. Mrs. Henderson-Baker asked what was being done to support schools that experienced a decrease in their students’ performance.

To view the presentation, please click on this link.

Dr. Michael Barr, Chief Operations Officer, presented an update on the district’s safety and security responses and initiatives. The district’s layered safety approach consists of four key pillars: People, Plans, and Procedures; Investments and Infrastructure; Code of Conduct; and Mental Health Supports. Each of these areas plays an essential role in ensuring the safety and security of our schools.

Focusing specifically on People, Plans, and Procedures and Investments and Infrastructure in this report, Dr. Barr shared status information and the steps being taken to strengthen safety efforts even further.

Together, people, plans, and procedures form the foundation of the district’s safety strategy.

People represent the district’s first line of defense against any threatening conduct. Newton County Schools depends on our staff, students, and families to remain vigilant and to report concerns quickly and responsibly. Safety plans are designed to provide quick, clear, and coordinated responses in an emergency. These plans are tailored for various scenarios and help ensure that we can act swiftly and effectively when needed.

The district’s procedures ensure consistent actions in emergencies. They are practiced through regular drills, reviewed for compliance, and updated continuously to reflect best practices and lessons learned.

Regular safety meetings are held at both the school and district levels. At the school level, the principal, assistant principal(s), school resource officer, nurse, and members of the school’s safety team meet to review and discuss recent incidents, drills, safety updates, and any site-specific concerns. Action items are documented and shared with the district for follow-up.

At the district level, meetings are led by the Safety and Security and Risk Management teams. These sessions include representatives from every school along with key district-level departments. These teams review districtwide safety data, look at trends, and ensure compliance with state and federal requirements. The district meetings also serve as the hub for coordinating training and setting consistent communication standards across all schools.

Dr. Barr highlighted the district’s collaboration with local partners, noting that ensuring school safety is work that cannot be done in isolation. Newton County Schools works closely with the Sheriff’s Office and local police departments to ensure schools have a law enforcement presence and the response they need to keep students safe. School Resource Officers are a visible part of the school community and a key connection to public safety.

The district partners with Emergency Management, Fire Services, and EMS to prepare for and respond to any crisis — from severe weather and fires to medical emergencies. These agencies provide expertise, training, and resources that help prepare schools for the unexpected. The 911 Communications Center is a critical link, ensuring that help is quickly dispatched in any emergency and communication between schools and first responders is seamless. The collaboration efforts also extend to the Newton County Public Works Department, which assists with road safety near schools and infrastructure support that impacts daily operations. The Juvenile Court, the Newton County Office of the Georgia Department of Family and Children Services, and other social service agencies address student needs beyond the classroom.

In addition to local partnerships, Newton County Schools also works closely with state and federal agencies to strengthen safety. The district partners with GEMA/Homeland Security, the Georgia Department of Education, and the U.S. Secret Service’s National Threat Assessment Center, which helps to identify and address potential threats before they escalate. These partnerships provide opportunities for advanced training and access to updated standards and a strong network of experts. With local, state, and federal collaboration, Newton County Schools is strengthening its system of protection to keep schools safe.

The district’s safety plans are comprehensive, job-specific, and site-specific. These plans were collaboratively reviewed and updated during the 2024–2025 school year, and the revised versions are now in use. All plans are shared with Newton County Emergency Management officials and the Sheriff’s Office, and the Georgia Emergency Management Agency approved them.

Dr. Barr defined an important component of the plan – lockdowns. Newton County Schools has only two types of lockdowns: preventative and emergency.

• A Preventative Lockdown is used when there may be a potential concern in the area, but no immediate threat inside the school. It allows us to limit access to the building and increase awareness while normal instruction continues inside classrooms.

• An Emergency Lockdown is used only when there is an immediate threat to student or staff safety. In this case, instruction stops, movement is restricted, all doors are secured, and students and staff follow emergency protocols until the all-clear is given.

Families will be contacted when these events occur and again once they are completed. Additional information about specific safety events will be shared when appropriate and allowable. Dr. Barr reminded stakeholders that parents should not go to or call the school during any lockdown, as doing so could interfere with emergency response efforts.

The district takes preparation very seriously, and all schools actively conduct required fire, severe weather, and intruder alert drills. These drills ensure that students and staff know how to respond quickly and safely in an emergency. Dr. Barr reported that all schools completed the fire drills during the first ten and thirty days of school.

Safety efforts extend beyond the school building. The school bus safety program teaches students essential practices for staying safe in and around the bus. Key topics include:

• Understanding the danger zone around the bus.
• Knowing emergency evacuation procedures.
• Practicing how to load and unload the bus safely.

As a key pillar for safety, Investments and Infrastructure combines personnel, building design, communication systems, and technology.

• Personnel - The district invests in personnel, including hiring and developing our School Resource Officers and District Emergency Response Team, who provide daily safety support and emergency response.
  
  
• Newton County Schools’ safety infrastructure includes a School Resource Officer at every elementary school. This initiative emphasizes building strong connections with students, supporting early intervention strategies, and ensuring emergency preparedness and response. Dr. Barr noted that the Board of Education has led the effort to make this possible, committing an investment of $1.5 million in fiscal year 2025 and an investment $1.8 million in FY 2026
  
  
• The district also partners with the Newton County Sheriff’s Office, which provides School Resource Officers for all middle and high schools. This collaboration focuses on enhancing campus safety, preventing crime, and ensuring effective emergency response. This also represents a significant investment — $1.4 million in FY 2025 and $1.5 million in FY 2026.

Building Design – The district has added building access controls, video intercom door systems, and enhanced exterior lighting. Additionally, thirteen schools have secure entryways. The addition of secure entryways at other schools is included in our district’s capital improvement plan and will be completed by December 2029

• Communication Systems – The district’s communication systems include clear internal and external protocols, the EPIC system, and interoperable radios that connect schools and first responders instantly.
  
  
• The EPIC System strengthens Newton County Schools’ communication and safety framework. It provides instant building-wide communication, integrates with emergency response protocols, and supports daily announcements and coordination. This dual functionality ensures staff and students receive timely, accurate information, whether for routine updates or during emergencies. The Board of Education invested $2.1 million in FY 2025 and $2 million in FY 2026 to support upgrades to the SAFE System and implementation of the EPIC System in all schools.
  
  
• Technology – Technology that supports safety includes Flock cameras for vehicle identification, enhanced security cameras, weapons detection systems, and the SAFE Crisis Alert system for immediate emergency communication.

• The district’s infrastructure includes technology such as the SAFE System, a vital alert and notification solution that connects teachers and classrooms directly to school administrators for rapid emergency communication and response. This system ensures immediate alerts reach staff and emergency personnel, strengthening safety protocols and enabling quicker action in critical situations. While new legislation will soon require this technology in all Georgia schools, Newton County Schools has had the SAFE System in place since 2011, reflecting the board’s longstanding commitment to student and staff safety.
  
  
• Following a pilot implementation, the Board of Education authorized random weapons screenings in middle and high schools for the 2025–26 school year. The board has approved the use of $416,000 for this work. These screenings add an additional layer of protection to the district’s comprehensive school safety efforts.

Mr. Eddie Johnson stated that he supported efforts to keep the district’s students safe. “We can’t go fast enough to get our safety equipment up the standard,” said Mr. Johnson.

Mrs. Shakila Henderson-Baker pointed out that many of the items mentioned in the report are the result of requests from stakeholders. “Every single investment came from the community,” said Mrs. Henderson-Baker. She reminded the community that these things come with a financial cost, however.

To view the presentation, please click on this link.

To view the presentation, please click on this link.

As of September 2, 2025, there are 18,374 students enrolled in Newton County Schools.

A. Requested Board Action Relative to 21st Century Community Learning Centers Programs

The Board approved accepting and using 21st Century Learning Center grant funds that support the creating of community learning centers. The centers provide after-school academic assistance for children, especially those who are economically disadvantaged or facing other barriers to success. The program is designed to assist students in meeting state and local standards in core academic subjects, such as reading and math. It will foster academic enrichment and assist with remediation and credit recovery. It also provides students with a broad spectrum of enrichment activities that complement their regular academic programs. Funds are awarded to state education agencies that award them to local educational agencies, community-based organizations, public or private entities, or consortia of these groups. The school system will use five grants totaling $1,645,000.00 to fund after-school programs for 680 students at thirteen schools. The schools include Alcovy High School, Clements Middle School, Cousins Middle School, Eastside High School, Fairview Elementary School, Flint Hill Elementary School, Heard-Mixon Elementary School, Indian Creek Middle School, Liberty Middle School, Middle Ridge Elementary School, Porterdale Elementary School, Veterans Memorial Middle School, and West Newton Elementary School.

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

B. Requested Board Action Relative to Contract with Communities in Schools of Georgia

The Board approved a contract with Communities in Schools (CIS) of Georgia. The CIS Integrated Student Supports Model is a school-based approach to developing academic success by tackling academic and non-academic barriers. While there may be ample resources in the community, there is no one on the ground to connect these resource with the schools and students that need them most. Through a school-based Site Coordinator, CIS would bring community resources into schools to empower success for all students at risk of dropping out, therefore keeping them in school and on the path to graduation. As of June 2025, CIS Site Coordinators in Newton County have provided services to 23,628 students through school-wide services, 334 through case-managed services, and 1,238 parents and family members with direct support services. The program has secured 78 resources for basic needs, including clothing, food, hygiene products, and school supplies. For fiscal year 2026, the program will serve students in grades K-12 at West Newton and Middle Ridge Elementary Schools, Clements Middle School, and Newton High School. CIS Site Coordinators will assess student needs and deliver direct services or connect them with community partners to ensure they have the resources necessary to succeed in and out of the classroom.

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

C. Requested Board Action Relative to Renewal of Contract for Fire Sprinkler Repair Services

The Board approved the renewal of the contract for fire sprinkler repair services with Acom Fire Solutions of Stockbridge, Georgia, for an additional term. The scope of work includes providing fire sprinklers, hydrant, suppression systems, and extinguisher repairs. 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 effective date will be September 17, 2025, with an expiration date of September 16, 2026. The estimated contract value for the school system is $75,000.00.

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

D. Requested Board Action Relative to Surplus Property

The Board approved select 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 it is practical.

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

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

The Board approved recommendations submitted by Superintendent Bradley during executive session.

APPROVED by 4-1 vote on September 9, 2025, with Mr. Anderson Bailey against; and by 5-0 vote on September 16, 2025.

At its September 9, 2025, meeting, the Board of Education approved Dr. Ijeoma Johnson as Director of Title I and Dr. Hope Barr as Director of Teaching and Learning.

At its September 16, 2025, meeting, the Board of Education approved Benjamin Roundtree as Chief of Staff.

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