001like to call to order the regular board meeting u for February 10th. Uh we'll have the pledge of allegiance and invitation by me. So let's stand please. Let us pray. Dear heavenly father, we thank you so much for this day and for your many more blessings. We just ask that you continue to bless and guide us in all that we do to the glory of your name and forgive us our sins. In your heaven name we pray. Amen. >> Amen. >> To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you. >> Just a couple um housekeeping items. Um Mr. Benson's with us tonight up front, Miss Lee and Mr. Blackberry on their way back
002from Atlanta. I don't want to use the word testify, but they spoke, I think, to uh a committee for Representative Townsen about some insurance and and how it impacts teachers on the school board and that sort of thing. So, we're glad they were able to make that trip. They're on the way back and so they're on the phone with us now. And uh thank you to Mr. Dodge for sitting in for me uh for me last week. Um I had the flu. I think everybody's kind of kind of going around as we know. So, uh, I pray that you all stay stay healthy. Um, it's no fun. But with that said, I will turn over to Miss Johnson for the spotlight. >> Good evening. >> Evening. >> We have three spotlights tonight. So, tonight we
003are highlighting excellence in academics, agriculture, and appreciation. So, to begin with, we are celebrating some of our sharpest young minds in our district. Join us. Joining us is Miss Linda Brooks, a teacher at Brunswick High and our spelling be coordinator who will introduce our district winner and alternate. >> Okay, good evening. Um, I'm Linda Rooks. I am a teacher at Brunswick High and I'm also the organizer for the Glen County Spelling Bee um for the Glen County Association of Educators. The spelling be was held at Brunswick High on January 12th. 14 spellers represented our 10 elementary schools and our four middle schools. Um the spellers do a practice round and then they do a non-elimination vocabulary round and then we get right into the spelling. Um every school's winner gets and their alternate gets a
004certificate, a gift card from Chick-fil-A and a medal and first and second place are awarded the trophies. Um this year the spellers went 12 rounds. >> Wow. >> Um Camille Nukay, an eighth grader from Needwood, was second place and will be our alternate. Genevieve Carpenter, an eighth grader from Glenn Middle, won the one with the word syringe. Um Genevieve will represent Glen County at the region 8 spelling bee on February 28th in Savannah. If she wins there, she will go on to the state bee on March 20th in Atlanta. And the winner from there goes to the scripts national spelling bee at the end of May in Washington DC. So uh Genevieve and Camille [applause] say anything? [laughter] >> They're allowed when they need to be. >> [laughter] >> But thank you very much. >>
005Congratulations to you both and thank you so much for representing your schools and the and the district so well. And I I don't know if I should be offended, but they used to ask me to like judge this thing, but they haven't asked in a long time. So maybe >> I'll put your name down. >> The the prek and kindergarten words for me. >> Put your name down. I'm always looking for judges. >> Thank y'all so much. Congratulations. [applause] And then please welcome Mr. DeAndre Alustin, our agriculture teacher and FFA adviser at GKA, who will share some information regarding the upcoming FFA week. >> Good evening all. I'm Silus Newton, the secretary for the Golden Niles FFA chapter. Um, today we worked on raised garden beds out back and um, we made around eight with
006uh, Georgia Power uh, assisting us and we're probably going to make more tomorrow. So, >> good evening. I'm Abigail Hosford, a junior at Glenn Academy and the Golden Isles FFA chapter president. This month, our FFA members have been working very hard to sell strawberries. Our current goal is 350 flats of strawberries. The fundraiser ends February 23rd. A half flat cost $15 and our full flat cost 25. There's a flyer circulating around the room for more information. Uh the funds that are raised help cover leadership events and uh for our members to attend the Georgia FFA state uh convention. So good evening. I'm Ella Somin, a senior at Glenn Academy and the Golden Isles chapter of Vice President. This semester for FFA week, we have planned several activities which include a tour at Ogici Tech Technical
007College, which we do that to explore post-secondary career opportunities. We also have a spring marsh cleanup in partnership with keep golden Isles beautiful to support environmental stewardship, a first responder lunchon which members pack lunches with hot dogs and hamburgers to support our local first responders. Thank you guys so much. >> Thank you. [applause] >> And lastly, I'll turn the floor over to Assistant Superintendent Mr. Steve Waters, who will share more about Love the Bus Month and the vital role our transportation team plays in our students lives. >> Before we do, we actually have four spotlights tonight. And Miss Haywood and I got to talking last week and Bailey has done so much to help us in her first few months on the job and has done a great job promoting our school system. So, we
008wanted to say thank you for all you do for us. [applause] And then um she actually called me about a month ago and said I did not even know this was love the bus month. Um normally we recognize our bus drivers at the beginning of the year and also I believe in October. But um with this being love the bus month, we thought we would um honor our bus drivers and our transportation department with some pictures. And we had some of our schools, as you can see, honor our bus drivers as the buses came through. And we have a couple here tonight that Mr. Mr. Henson would like to honor. So, I will let Mr. Henson come up and speak about these great staff of ours. So, come on up, Mr. Hson. >> Good evening,
009members of the board. >> Uh, this evening I have two bus drivers that I would like for you to recognize in their accomplishments. Why? And and uh, excuse me, recognize. um their accomplishments are why some of their accomplishments are why our transportation department is as successful as it is. First, I would like to introduce you to Miss Anne Hurley. Anne, if you'd stand up. Miss Hurley has been a school bus driver for 21 years. In 2024, she was recognized as the school bus driver of the year for first district reset. She is currently our head driver trainer, which is a certified position she gained through the Georgia Department of Education 16 years ago. She coordinates our driver trainer program with eight other school bus trainers. She has been [clears throat] a third-party tester for nine
010years with the Georgia Department of Driver Services, which means that she can administer the final test for candidates who are pursuing their CD, their school bus CDL. Currently, of the 135 drivers and substitute drivers we employ here in our school system, 53 of them gain their CDL through our training program that she has been leading. I can truly stand here before you and say beyond a shadow of a doubt that we would be struggling terribly to meet our school bus driver needs if it was not for her leadership and passion for our professions. I would also like to introduce to you Mrs. Keshan Wright. Miss Keshan, y'all can stand up. Miss Wright, I am proud to say, is one of our driver trainer success stories. It was three years ago that she came to our
011department to pursue her CDL, and she has now been driving for us almost three years, serving Glendel Elementary School and Jane Min Middle School. This past fall, she attended the Georgia driver trainer program in Typton, Georgia, and earned her certification to become our newest school bus driver trainer. They are just two examples of the great people we have in our department that wake up every morning, every school day at 5 a.m. brave the roadways of Glen County to take our most precious cargo, our children safely to school and then after school they they take them home safely. So I present Mrs. Anne Hurley and Miss KESHAN SMITH. >> [applause] [applause] [clears throat] >> THAT'S UH THAT'S SUCH A HUGE JOB and and we um it's not lost on us. I promise that we we appreciate
012what you do and and understand how hard it is. And if you've ever had a child ride the bus, you know how important it is to have such a wonderful, you know, staff member greet that greet that student first thing in the morning and and when they get on the bus in the afternoons to come home. So, if you haven't had a chance to, you should go out to transportation early in the morning and see how they manage the chaos um in the afternoons as well. It's it's truly something um to behold how they take care of the students and um knock on wood, we do, you know, y'all do. we don't do anything. Y'all do a wonderful job taking care of them and we we appreciate it so much. So, thank you for all
013you do and congratulations. [applause] >> Um, next is citizens address the board. We do have a couple of um folks signed in. I'm going to they're kind of pros. They've been here a few times, so I'm going to bypass the preamble. I think they know the rules at this point. But first on the list is uh Mr. Craig Campbell. [clears throat] Good evening. >> Evening. >> Good evening, >> Mr. Black. Blackberry, superintendent, Mr. Hoy, board chairman, esteemed board members, and district cabinet. As a school council member, I would like to take a moment to congratulate Berslette Elementary on his continued growth and success. The school is truly thriving and demonstrated by the strong gains shown in their winter map growth data. These results reflect the hard work of our students, the dedication of our staff,
014and the collective commitment to academic excellence across our school community. I'd also like to recognize Reverend Tom Perie, who has rejoined the school council committee. His continued support and encouragement along with the ways he actively seeks to uplift both staff and students has been meaningful and impactful for Burroughs Mallette. As we look ahead, continued support from the board of education will be essential as we as we thrive to increase our CCRPI score. Ongoing investment in instructional resources, professional learning, and student support initiatives will help will help us to build our current momentum and ensure sustained success for all learners at Burroughs Mallet. I thank you for this opportunity to briefly share Burls Mallet Elementary continued growth. Also, thank you each of you for your service to our community. May God bless you and your families.
015>> Thank you. [applause] >> Uh, next is Matthew Joiner. >> Good morning. Thank you all for having me here. Um I know from the last meeting you guys are aware of what I'm speaking of and who it involves. So there's we don't have to point it out. Um after that meeting uh it was set up uh told to go ahead and get with the personnel to purchase the pole vault poles rentals um to set it up. Uh, it usually takes putting a card down or anything, but they cash or a check print out. Due to my relationship with Essex, Pvault and Pault Atlanta, they allowed the school system to bypass that on my word that we're coming on the date and time that I was told by the AD. The day before we would leave,
016the person who the complaints were lodged against by the students and parents. Um they were then told that just those students were going to go on the bus along with myself because of the polls. Then the boys head coach, but then the person who made the point and only them. um as uh students and parents um I'm one of the parents saw that it was as retaliation and intimidation to put someone on the bus with only them. They asked that the person either not be on there. They said it's fine if it's a whole bus load of kids and team no problem. But just to put just the kids who made the complaints and that person on a bus for over seven hours total trip, they didn't feel it was understandable and didn't really understand
017why the kids needed to go anyways take a bus. That didn't make sense. But I said that and they were like, "Oh no, it's going to show support." And then they added that part into it. Once the people said they did parents said they didn't feel comfortable with it, um I was advised that they're just going to cancel everything and not get polls. After speaking with them, I said, "Look, I'll drive there. This is they've already ordered the polls. They have them. This is so it's on my name. Y'all have agreed to it. Y'all told me to call." Um so they said, "Okay, fine." You drive up there that night. a message said, "Never mind, we're just going to cancel it all." Um, so as of today, our kids still would not have any utensils
018to practice or compete with, but I because I had already given my word on a business who had already ordered, had already spent their money. I drove up there now $1,000 in the hole. Um, they said multiple times that, "Okay, yeah, yeah, we got the check. we're going to we'll call you call and still no check. I was told again today still nothing. Um so they refused basically holding it as leverage against kids to drop it. The person the AD who was looking into it um told parents I don't see why you got a there's a problem. I never had a problem with this person so I don't see what the deal is. That was the extent of looking in. We also set up for they tried to set up parent meeting. All the parents
019could be there on a Wednesday. Um the quote unquote girls head coach again was the only one who couldn't be there. So the AD decided to cancel the meeting and said no it can only be days where the girls head coach can be there because it's communication. Well the reason why the coach can't be there is because they're also a head coach at another school. they haven't been at any of the practices, they don't show up. Um, but then not even for that can they show up or change times because I'm not sure how it works where somebody can be a head coach of a two sports at two different schools at the same time. But so anyhow um parents have now been told multiple different reasons um by ad of why there's not mat
020when we don't have a map why we can't get a map um advised that it was contractual and there was already a contract parents asked to see contract it's never been produced as well as having meetings with the assistant superintendent who advised it was due to a kid getting yelled at and screamed at and told not to come back. So the assistant superintendent said for that reason that kid was on the other team and wasn't allowed to come back. So they went ahead and purchased the mat for that school which was also don't believe that is true and it wasn't a pole vaultter or anybody pole vaulting that that happened to um from GA so I'm not sure why that was told to that parent but stuff keeps getting told different things >> if you
021will wrap it up for me. Okay. Thank you. I appreciate it. >> Thank you. >> If >> go ahead. I was just going to say if more details or anything that are wanted, I can stay if you want to talk in private any of y'all about so it's not all chopped up. I'll stay if that's needed. >> Understand? Thank you. >> All right. Next, we um have the approval of the agenda. I don't think there are any changes or additions or anything. So entertain a motion to approve the agenda. >> So moved >> by Mr. Jackson. >> Second by Mr. Dodge. >> Any discussion? All those in favor? Unanimous. Everybody here. Miss Lee. >> All right. Unanimous. Thank you. Um consent agenda items. I'll add item seven which is the approval of the January 20
022um 2026 board meeting minutes. Um 8A which is personnel 8B is field trips. [clears throat] 8 C um facilities committee 8 C1 is the good report. Um 8 D one two all of 8D unless someone 8D 1 through 10 unless somebody has a anything they'd like to talk about any further >> briefly on one okay so the finance report >> yes >> okay so >> I don't know if it fits exactly [clears throat] there but that's >> that's okay we can take we can take it off um so 8D 2 through 10 on the consent. Any policy, Mr. Madala? >> Not that I know of. >> Okay. >> One other one I would like brief comment on seven. >> Okay. Seven. All right. So, we'll remove our ad set or leave seven on the regular
023agenda. So, one and seven um will stay on the regular agenda under eight. and E will add policy. Um I don't think we have an executive session that don't have anything. >> So we'll add um executive session there as well. So everything goes on except for D1 which is the approval of the December 2025 financial report and seven which is the approval of training for school resource officers with Mr. Waters. Any other additions or deletions? entertain a motion to approve the consent agenda. >> So move >> moved by Mr. Jackson. >> Second by Mr. Dodger. Any further discussion? All those in favor? Miss Lee? >> Yes. I >> thank you. All right. So that takes us down to 8D1. Um Miss Cody or Mr. Reve, you want to jump in with a question? The only
024thing I wanted to assure Miss Cody that as a CPA probably Edi would join me in saying that if you need any resources to make your job easier then I would be in your corner. So just keep that in mind. I may be the only one but the systems can be overbearing at times and and I would hope we would be responsive. >> So Anything else? >> No. >> Okay, sounds good. So, let's um I'll entertain a motion to approve the um December 2025 financial report for Miss Cody. >> Man, I'll be throwing me off. Moved by Mr. Dodge, >> second by Mr. Jackson. [clears throat] Any further discussion? All those in favor? >> It's unanimous. takes us to 8D7 approval of the training for resource school resource officer. Sorry, Mr. Waters. Mr. Rebe, you
025just want to jump in with a question? >> I don't I don't want to shock you either, but I have a deep concern about this issue from previous serving on the board. So, you're satisfied that we have everything we need to protect the youth and whatever else, you know, involved in this particular item. Yes, sir. I think speaking for chief, I feel like our school safety plan, Miss Miss Haywood, works a lot with school safety as well. I feel like we're as prepared as any school system when it comes to school safety. I you can never predict what's going to happen from day to day, but I think I think we're ready to respond. >> Happened on the previous time, but uh it still lingers with me. And this, you know, the the safety grant
026that we've been given has been a huge help for us to put money in back school safety. So, we're thankful for that. >> Well, just be aware, I'm sure the whole board feels this way that we need to be we need to have our eyes on the ball. >> Yes, sir. >> We don't need to have a tragedy if we can help it in any way. >> One thing I would like to say, the leader of that who's back there, JD, is very, very good. Um, I've just known him a long time, which is why I know him from here, too. But he is a very, very focused person. >> I can tell we've talked. [laughter] >> I'm not sure he was going to let me in, though. >> Well, there's always that. >> I'm
027teasing about that. >> Well, I think we have come a long way with with with training and personnel and equipment and vehicles and all the things. um detection systems, cameras, a lot of things that we can do um to help keep um our kids safe. And and obviously we we all know we're not naive. Um we still have challenges every day. It is nobody's fault. It's just it's just things we have to to keep our our finger on every day. But I remember back how many years ago, it's 15 years ago at least, we started having the first conversations about whether or not we're going to carry tasers or not. Um you know, we've and that was like the first big hurdle. There was a big a big controversy over that when we first started
028discussing it, but I think we've proven and shown that that we can be responsible with the equipment that we provided with the with chief and and his personnel. So, um, Mr. Muay, thank you for bringing that back up. But, um, we'll certainly hopefully they'll keep bringing us things if they need, you know, see the need for for additional training and and such. So, if there's nothing else, I'll um entertain a motion to approve um the training for school resource officers. Motion >> second. >> Motion by Mr. McVey, second by Mr. Jackson. Any further discussion? All those in favor? >> It's unanimous. Um I'll entertain a motion to adjurnn. >> Moved by Mr. Jackson. >> Second by Mr. D. >> I do have one other thing. >> Okay. Go ahead. >> I must be on a
029roll tonight. I just want to compliment. I say compliment. The Georgia School Board Association training is phenomenal. >> I mean, I don't remember doing hardly any of that 20 years ago. >> I helped develop all that. [laughter] >> I thought they mentioned your name repeatedly up there. >> Pretty sure they didn't. [laughter] >> It was phenomenal. I teased them and said, "Why don't ch county commissioners have to do this?" And no members of the general assembly. I mean, it was so good. >> But anyway, I wanted you to know cuz y'all >> Oh, I'm glad y'all made sure I did go and it was excellent. >> Thank you'all for attending and and taking time out to do that. >> Um there is a motion to adjurnn on the floor. Um all those in favor >>
030I it's >> unanimous. [clears throat] My friends on the county commission probably