001Soon as Miss Lee sits down, we'll get started. >> Call the work session uh to to order for um 8725 at 5:00. Um before we get started, I just want to say to Mr. Blackbeard, staff, you know, teachers, parents, students, and community, thanks for a great start at school. I mean, I know we always have some issues. Had a couple little bus hiccups, but not not like anything we've had in the past. And the kids got home late, but very few. Um but to have the internet snafu, not our fault, but um but thank you to everybody, especially in the community, for uh for your patience. And you know, traffic always picks up obviously first day of school and so everybody gets worked out, car poolool, and um going through the lines. So, we appreciate
002everybody's patience and help with that. So, with that said, I'll turn it over to Mr. B. >> Yeah. And and on top of that, we we had over half our schools without internet and our our staff, our teachers did a tremendous job of navigating the first really day and a half without without any internet and uh and communication. So, they they did a phenomenal job as we were going. >> I bet still has an overhead projector. Well, >> race markers. >> Well, we we'll we'll go into the agenda and we don't have a financial update uh for this month just due to the close out of the year. Um you Miss Cody does have you if there's any more questions about the millage rate or any of that, she she could entertain any of those
003questions. But if not, we'll move on to the uh eastbost update. >> Good evening everybody. I'll go ahead and start with the East Bloss projects. Uh first, College of Coastal Georgia Performing Arts Center. Uh they're continuing to make great progress with the construction of that. Um all of the waterproofing for the building and the exterior stucco is complete. The coping around the entire building is also has been completed. All of the lower level windows on the front of the building have been installed. None with the arches up on the second floor have been installed yet, but the lower ones are in. Um they're continuing to sheetrock the inside and they have one wall left um to sheetrock. And again the also the um they're running inwall and overhead electrical and installing sprinklers as well. And
004again the projected completion date is January if things get behind uh February. Um, moving on to the Glendale Elementary replacement. Again, that uh job has been broken up, that school is being broken up into three phases. The site clearing phase one, site development phase two, which we'll talk about a little bit later in the agenda, and then site three is the building construction. We're still in phase one uh with the site clearing. Um the area where the actual school will go, playground, field, parking lot, that area has been cleared. Um and we will will be completed by next Friday. Uh Mr. Toutin who is here as well, he informed me that we're still waiting on some approvals from the Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission for the clearing of the remaining roadways um to the
005site. Any questions about those two projects before I move on to our capital outlay fun about the college and it's not anything too terribly important. Do they have a do you have any pictures or a time lapse? Are they doing timelapse photos or anything that you could show us next? That have to be next meeting, but might like to say we've all been by there and everybody's seen it, but >> I can do that next meeting. >> Something like that you can show real quick. That'd be kind of cool. >> Definitely. >> Inside. >> Yeah. So, anything you can show from inside be kind of neat to show them. >> You let me know your schedule and I will set it up. >> I got a hard hat. >> Yeah, you're going to need a
006hard hat and a vest. We got you. We will get you taken care of. >> Thank you. >> Yes, sir. And I'll have the pictures at next meeting. >> Thank you. uh our capital outlay funded projects the BHS fieldhouse edition again that is progressing very well also um they are in the installation of the continuing the installation of the steel work in the welding um they've started actually laying the brick it's about 3 to four feet high around the entire uh facility and we were able to match the brick up pretty good with the existing brick on the Brunswick High School and on the existing fieldhouse so it looks really good Um they will be laying brick and mortar for the next five weeks. Um and then on Monday, the plan is to begin the
007Tectum uh roof decking. And on that project, December is still the projected uh completion date. And then lastly, the board of education office wing three is complete. Um subs are now just finishing up punch list items. Um the furniture shipment will arrive on August 12th. And the final shipment of furniture should arrive on the following Monday, August 18th. Once all the furniture is installed and we get everybody moved over, we'll begin with the abatement. And that should take a couple of weeks. And then after the abatement, then we'll start uh demo. Um and I I figure the abatement will start late August and the demo should start sometime uh early September on that project. Any questions on those two? All right, moving right along. We'll go to the good report [Applause] and look at our
008collections. And you can see we're in our third collection of East Plus 5 and we took in uh 3,518,627.33. And this amount is $61,369 more than we took in at this time uh last year. And as you can see, for the three months that we've collected, uh it's been in an upward trend, a little more this time than the last two months. And then of course our next uh collection will have the bies in there from July 1 to July 31. So be interested to see what the difference will be from these previous three months to that month with all the holiday travel, 4th of July and so forth and so on. So any questions about the good report? >> All right, >> we also have Mr. Demsdale here. If anybody has any in-depth questions
009about it, dig into it. >> All righty, we'll keep rolling. Next on the agenda is the capital outlay contract for uh Goodyear Elementary School, Greer and the GA building/ auditorium. I'm asking the board to approve the capital outlay contract for fiscal year 2027. Um the facility improvement applications have been submitted to the state to receive capital outlay funds for the renovation of Goodyear Greer in the GA building/ auditorium. Um couple of months ago back in June I think it was you all approved our local our fiveyear local facility plan. Once that was approved, that made us eligible to be able to apply for funding. And those are three of the um school sites that we applied for funding for to have those schools renovated. And um once the report comes back from the Atlanta office,
010you all will sign off on it. We will send it and funds will not be released until after July 1, 2026 for that. And I have attached that. Uh >> you want to see the amounts real quick? >> Yes. If we'll go to the we we'll go to the project summary page and you'll be able to look at the amount that we're getting from the state on each facility. This is for Glenn Academy and again this is for the GA building. If you look at that amount where it says eligible state funds total eligible need minus required local that 1.963104 that's what the state will allow us and it it's derived from the amount of earned instructional units we get per building plus the contingency cost plus the architect fees and they come up with
011that number there. So for Glen Academy GA building, the state will give us that $1.9 million. >> I'll move down to >> and that was a total of five. Is that what I read? Is that the budget for that build? >> That's a five million. >> Well, that's a that's an estimated. >> So two two million out of the five projected. Um, yeah, it it will probably be >> that doesn't include like replacing the seating >> stuff such as that is not included in this. That's considered furniture and fixtures. That's not included in this. So, things such as that would have to be added to it. And then we'll go to page 17 project summary for Goodyear Elementary School. And you can see that amount. It's a little bit less. It's $98,51. And then on
012the last one is page 25, which will be for Greer Elementary School. And it is 1.1 that we are eligible to receive state funding for those three projects. And it's so it's a total of just under $5 million uh for those projects. I'm sorry, $4 million for those projects. $3,975 and $481 is the total that we are eligible to receive. >> I know we've talked about it a few times. I'm sure it's in this document, but just in a nutshell, we can probably figure out what we're going to do with the auditorium. It's it needs some needs some work, but as far as Greer and Goodyear, what are what are the major things that we're doing? So, I mean, with this, we're kind of um obligated to do flooring, paint, new lighting, ceiling tiles, pretty
013much everything you can touch in a room is is obligated to that. Greer's got a new roof, so that would not be included. And then the modification money is uh that's for primarily HVAC work. That'll be replacing all all the classroom units and and the large uh units like for the media center and such. Um as well as um resting modifications. Yeah. >> Do they do the ceilings too? >> Yes. >> With the Okay. >> So these buildings on a cycle >> 20 years >> and sorry Mr. Twood. >> Yeah. To become eligible for the renovation line on that the building has to be at the 20 year mark. So in in Greer is is just past that the modification money most of that is tied to like a 15-year time frame. It roof and
014and the HVAC system they all have a little different time clock on them but for the full funding from the state it has to be over 20 years. You can get kitchen hoods, um serving lines, uh HVAC as he said, and bus canopies. Whatever you check off that you want to replace or or renovate, um you just apply for it and it's calculated. >> Thank you. >> All right, moving on. >> Phase two. >> Real quick on the capital outlay. Once it's approved, is it it's guaranteed? >> Yes. >> It's it's there's nothing that happens at the state level that they say, "Ah, well, >> no. Once they approve it and y'all sign off on it >> after July 1, 2026, >> it's released." >> Okay. >> This money is this money is allocated in
015the budget that was signed for this year and it's approved at the 350 million level. >> 375 375 >> million level and there's a calculation done off that. But anyway, so that money is now in the is now in the budget for the state. This application, the state sells bonds based off of these applications. >> Okay. >> And our phase two uh site development for the Glendale replacement. I'm asking the board to approve Ridge Enterprises to complete the site development for the Glendale replacement in the amount of 3 million880,116. Site development bids were advertised in the Brunswick News, the Glen County Schools website, and on the Georgia procurement registry. Sealed proposals were accepted and opened on July 31st of 2025. proposals were received from Ridge Enterprises and the Sea Island Land Development Company out of
016Charleston, South Carolina. Um the rating scales are attached um to that. Um Mr. Tuton, would you like to add anything or about those? >> The good news is that the bids were relatively close together. We required quantities of they were close to and close together. So, looks like it's in good shape. >> So, asking that we uh approved for the site development for Ridge Enterprises and the listed amount. >> Did you say that was from Charleston? >> Yeah, a Sea Island Land Development Company. Yes, they're out of Charleston, >> but is out of >> They're local. >> Yes. >> Oh, okay. >> Yep. and that is the company that's currently doing the site clearing. So, it'll be a should be a very seamless transition if if approved. And the last one is the construction management
017recommendation. I'm asking the board to approve RH Tyson construction of Blackshere, Georgia in the amount of $2,475,000 for construction management services for the Glendale Elementary replacement. The RFQ was advertised for construction management services for the construction of the Glendale Elementary School replacement. The opportunity was advertised on the Glen County Schools website and the Georgia procurement registry. And again, the rating scales uh are attached for those um companies or construction management teams that submitted their their proposals. >> So they they'll be working with our architect. >> Yes. Yes. >> As Mr. Ton is here. And like I said, if you have any questions >> as far as paperwork, getting everything done at a at a good time, making sure all the proper paperwork is submitted for the draw downs. They can do all that. >> Yes.
018>> And then phone call away. That's important. >> If I remember right, we've had experience with most of the ones that bid. So, um, and and RH Tyson scored the highest on the local participation. Um, I know that's something we look at a lot. So, >> and they're currently doing the board office renovation as well as the BHS fieldhouse edition, >> but but they have capacity to take on this part, too. >> Yes. We're we're hopeful they finish wing four mid January or so and um they'll be able to give us their >> attention weekend as well. >> Oh truth. Okay. >> And then the fieldhouse should be done December. So they should be able to give us their undivided attention. >> Has has Tyson done a full school >> or I mean this is
019a little different than a field. Okay. They built an entire >> school from ground up. Okay. >> Two or three. >> I didn't realize. Wow. Okay. >> All right. Any more questions for Mr. Haywood? >> We'll move on to Miss H. >> Good evening, everyone. >> Evening. >> This evening, we're asking the board to consider two uh policies. One of which is new. Um the policy is the transfer and withdrawal policy. It is new and it is a result of House Bill 268. And just to give you some context, this bill was uh originated as a result of the tragedy that occurred in Barrow County out um at Appalachia High School. The purpose of this bill was to strengthen state laws that were already in place and supplement federal laws with regard to the records
020that student records that are needed when we talk about student enrollment and the obligation of parents to report information as well as other entities that have information that's pertinent to student enrollment. Um, this policy is basically going to be our way of following state law. Um it is a it involves stringent timelines and processes for how records are to be submitted as well as a review process in order to assist in making enrollment decisions. Um if students have felonies, they have to parents have to make us aware of that if it's a designated A or B felony. um if they have any suspensions, long-term suspensions or expulsions from other districts, if they're involved in any type of disciplinary hearings, if they have any pending tribunal hearings from another district. Those are things that have already
021been in law. Um this particular law is really kind of streamlining and pulling all of those together. It also now goes down into elementary school. um that was not something that was necessarily required for discipline records to be um submitted with transfers at the elementary level, but this is basically a policy for us to be able to put those systems in place to ensure that we're following those timelines and following state law. >> So before they come in, we've got that in our hands is what you're saying or that's what we want. >> Yes. So the way the law is written, we have to have those records within a certain amount of time. If we don't have those records, we can do what's called a provisional enrollment, which means that we would enroll them virtually.
022Um, and that would be in the form of Google Classroom or Egenuity until we were able to receive those records to ensure that those things were not in place um in order to make the best decision in terms of where those students would be enrolled. Um, also part of that would involve having a transition, meaning if a student had an IEP or a 504, looking at they had any psychological records, evaluations, that would involve us looking at some supportive services or additional services that they would need. But essentially, yes, we would have to enroll them, but it would be a provisional enrollment until all of that information was collected. But the way that the law is written, there is a stringent timeline. So, we have to receive those records within a certain amount of time.
023In the past that wasn't necessarily happening, but now we have to have those records within five days. >> More teeth in them. >> Yes, absolutely. >> And that's good. >> That's correct. >> Very good. >> Yes, ma'am. So, this would be like an affidavit that all transfers have to sign to say, "Listen, my child's whatever." So, Angel, you know, so how I mean, what what are the teeth in it? So, if somebody just lies and said, and you find out three months of the semester they have a felony. >> Yes, sir. That's part of the provision that well and actually part of there's there are se there's several layers to this law that includes um anou with our law enforcement agencies where they have to report information any criminal activity that >> um involves any
024students. It's it's it's multi-layered. Um I just didn't want to get in a lot of depth, but this really is going to govern how we collect records when students are transferring in as well as what we release to districts. Um, and as far as the teeth, that's a great question. The state has put in place, they're creating through our first, well, through our state visas a privacy officer position that would be responsible for ensuring that districts were following the law. And if they are not, there would be consequences and things that would be done through those entities. But yes, there are there are provisions in place to ensure that districts are being cooperative. Does everybody transfer in now on a provisional >> until we get the records or is there like you mean you just
025like everybody come in provisionally and then >> Well, I I don't know. I'm just asking a minute maybe too much to >> Yeah, I mean some we're getting we'll get the records. >> Yeah, some like most of the ones that we we received even recently. We're getting the records within the time. >> Okay. But these are typically for those that are questionable where there may be um pending criminal charges or there may be um pending there may be an adjudication felony adjudication that just recently happened or say there's someone that's coming from a district where they just recently were expelled or they were um they recently violated the code of conduct and there's a pending tribunal and now they're trying to transfer into our district. All of that information we would have to have prior
026to even accepting them into our district. So this is our >> some of the teeth within the state comes from the fact that >> the I guess from the back the school system will be punished for not sending >> correctness. Yeah, >> that's correct. >> Adopt the student, >> right? It come it comes back to really the school systems and that's where that officer at the within all the rees that's kind of that's their job is to >> not only make sure we're received but make sure we are sending what we are supposed to send at the required amount of time. >> So they only can be a provision for like five days >> if we don't receive those records within that time period. Right. And it's up to 10 days that we would keep
027that student provisionally. >> Okay. >> So you can't play for coachwood state championship. >> Yes. So, we're asking the board if you would um consider this policy and allow it to sit on the table for 30 days and if you would consider um approving it at your September meeting. But again, this is just our way of how we're going to follow state law. >> I have one more question, sir. and and I've been trying to just skim it to see if I can find the answer, but as far as disciplinary or criminal action, are we going to have I mean, not maybe all the details, but know the nature of what it is like if it's a school threat versus if it's a >> Yes, ma'am. too many tardies. >> Yes, ma'am. It specifies the
028criminal activity, if it is threats, if it's involving weapons, any of those things. That's why they asked specifically about whether it's a class A or a class B felony. >> Okay. I figured it would be in there somewhere given what kind of brought this bill on. So, >> absolutely. And just to kind of further answer your question that also is going to be specified in theou there's a memorandum of understanding that district will we'll be receiving a modelou by October from the state um DOE. they're supposed to provide that to districts that we work with our local law enforcement agencies to talk about what information they would provide. So when you talk about, you know, what types of crimes are we talking about, you know, if there was something involving weapons or if there was
029something involving a threat that might have been made outside of the school system, those kinds of things, we would receive that information. >> Senra, do the parents come with those documents in hand? >> No, ma'am. Typically, when a student is transferring to your district, you send a records request to their previous district. Um, and that is how we usually receive those records. Now, if we're talking about in this case, if you're talking about criminal records or if there's, you know, adjudications or, you know, pending charges, those kinds of things, parents may have that information and they provide that information. We've had a couple of situations where that has happened and parents have been forthright in providing that information, but generally that's information we would receive directly from their previous school district. >> Do we ever
030have problems getting those records from other schools districts? >> In the past, most of our most of our problems quite honestly have been receiving from other states, not so much from districts in the state of Georgia. Just to be completely transparent with you, >> that was going to be my next question. If you come from Florida, I mean, we can't This is a Georgia thing. We can't hold you accountable in one of the drawbacks for not sending the record. >> That's one of the drawbacks, Mr. Hoy. That's >> So, can we deny the child access if they don't volunteer bring if the parents don't bring the record? >> I don't know. I know you really can't probably >> we can extend we can extend a provisional enrollment until we're >> we can extend a provisional
031enrollment until we have the information we need to be able to make the right decision on what's the best placement for that student. >> We just don't do transfers >> no transfers. >> Are there any other questions I can answer about this particular policy? >> Well, that would be considered a critical record. >> Yes. And in the policy they pro um they ask us to provide definitions so that as you read through it you have clarity. So it it actually has what are critical records and those are educational records and that as defined in the law. So they talk about like um IEPs 504 psychological records criminal records class A B felonies etc. >> I I just have one more thing and yes ma'am you may have said this but what about transferring in from
032a private school? Yes, ma'am. >> It doesn't the the law doesn't necessarily talk about that, but it's still it's still applicable. If it's if they're transferring in, we can still we still have to request those same records. >> Try to request that. >> Yes, ma'am. Because if you're leaving a private school, coming to a public school, you now are are, you know, have to follow the public school requirements. >> Okay. >> So, yes, ma'am. Good question. So, the second policy that we're asking you to consider and I want to thank Mr. Madala for his support is we there's a lot going on and want to make sure that we're in compliance um with law. Um, the second policy is already a current policy. It's our internet acceptable use policy and we're wanting to make sure
033that we're in compliance with Senate Bill 351, which is the Protecting Georgia's Children from Social Media Act of 2024. The way that we um set this up, assembly allows us to be able to make the changes in policy that so that you all will see what was the previous language and what is the new language. So those things that are in red that are crossed out would be the things that we would redact and then the things that are in blue are would be the additions to make the policy current. So this policy was actually based on the um pro protections internet protections of 2000 and now we're bringing it up to par for 2024. Um, local boards actually have to have an updated policy by law by October 1, 2024. and school districts lo
034local school districts are required to send a copy of that policy said policy to the Georgia Department of Education by October 15th which is why we've asked you to consider this policy to lay on the table so that if you are able to approve if you feel to approve it in September we will meet the deadlines that are required by law and the only major changes um that are in this law is the prevention and prohibition prohibition of school equipment being used to access obscene material. It also includes procedures for how we address complaints and also measures for how we address violations of policy either by students or by staff. So those are things that we've added into the policy based on Senate Bill 351 and the requirements as per law. I like when you
035say at school related functions. >> Yes, sir. >> We capture everything. >> I drove my own car. It was a school related function. >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. >> All right. Thank you. And then finally this evening um wanted to give you an update on the Distraction Free Act, House Bill 340, which um is um a new law that's coming into play. We wanted to talk about tonight just why distractionfree um is a new topic um in the state of Georgia. It was of course created to minimize classroom distractions and offtask behavior. Um to boost student engagement in learning and address mental health and well-being concerns. This is a trend that's happening across the nation. Um, as of August 5th, I read an article that 37 states in the United States have already implemented a
036ban for bell-to-bell instruction with um with phone devices and any internet devices um just because of the reasons that were ever mentioned. But the key elements to this law are simply it's going to apply to public schools grades K through eight. And it basically means no access to personal devices from bell to bail. And what they mean what the law means by bellto bell instruction is from the first bell to the end of the school day. Um, the devices that are included are smartphones, smart watches, tablets, e-readers, headphones, earbuds, AI glasses like the Ray-B band AI glasses or any devices with communication, internet, gaming, recording, messaging, video or music capability. So, that encompasses any of those um types of devices. The law is broken out into into steps. It went into law in during the
0372025 legislative session, but they've allowed um school districts kind of time to to to roll this out. By January 1, we are required as a district to develop a policy as well as procedures for how we're going to implement. Um we're also required to make sure we're providing storage areas for phones. Um we're also required to come up with procedures for how we will handle offsite activities during the instructional day. Um that means like field trips, sporting activities, those types of things that happen um during that bell-to-bell time as well as how we will handle emergency and parent communication protocols. Emergencies handled via school communication systems. That means parents being able to contact their kids by calling the school, calling the office. Um, sending out communication using our communication devices which includes parent square or
038um if we have to send out messages um any other way by making phone calls to parents. Um parents being able to contact the school and not necessarily contacting the student directly and then having some type of progressive discipline in place for how we will handle violations of those requirements. The only exemption in the law for this is for students with an IEP or a 504 plan that explicitly requires that a student has an electronic device. And an example of that would be if a student has diabetes and they're using their phone to measure their um their blood sugar levels with their Dexcom. That would be an example. And that would be something that would be explicitly written into a plan which would allow that student to have that device during the instructional day for
039that purpose. And finally for tonight are discipline actions for violations. We believe in giving students warnings. So first time students will receive a warning. Second time it will be confiscated by staff member returned at the end of the day. Third time it will be taken to the office. A parent will have to pick up and of course if there continues to be issues then there may be um a disciplinary referral as a result. But we wanted to be proactive. We didn't want to wait until July 1, 2026 to implement. We wanted to make sure that we were pulling these things into place. And really, a lot of what we are doing is already in our student code of conduct. Um things that we were already putting into place. Um K12. So, I'll be happy to
040answer any questions that you all have as it relates to this. >> I just have Oh, go ahead. >> No, you go ahead. >> No, you go. >> Okay. refer to the former teacher. >> Yeah. >> Right. >> Now I forgot what I was going to say. >> Wait a minute. Oh, >> are individual principles and administrators in throughout the system. Are they coming up with their own steps? >> No, ma'am. We are This is consistent across the board from school to school. Um we met with school administration um together collectively and Mr. Um, Blackerby made it clear. We met with everyone and we all agreed. We actually um, Miss Renee, Mr. Vincent and myself met with each division of principles and we collectively came up with this plan together. So, it wasn't like it
041was something that we directed. We collectively came up with this together. >> Bags considered storage? >> Yes. >> And this is just for K through. >> Yes. Now, if someone is that doesn't have a 501 and a 504 plan or IEP and they still have diabetes, can they use their phone? >> What should happen at that point is there's first of all, if a child has diabetes and they're having to check their blood sugar during the day, that is something that should be reported to the nurse. And that I mean, in most cases, that's what happens. and that's considered a a disability a health disability and that may require for some additional support. So to my knowledge there aren't any situations that would fall under those opices. Um and there's also law that requires that
042if a student has diabetes or seizures that we have a plan in place for how we're going to help them manage that during the day. So the short answer to that question would be we should be aware of that if that exists and if not then I would certainly ask and encourage parents to please make sure that we do so that we can make sure that we are aware and helping to manage that during the school day. >> So if I have my 504 plan I can have my phone >> if it is explicitly in the plan that it says that you have to use your device in order to measure it. Yes. >> But only for the purpose >> for the purp That's exactly right. can't be playing games. Exactly. I'm covered. >> Yes,
043ma'am. It is explicitly for that purpose. >> And I don't know, Miss Renee or Mr. Benson, if you want to add anything. >> We've already received to Mr. Jackson's point, we've already received a message from a parent via parents square. When the initial announcement of this policy came out from the district, we've received a message and that parent got in touch with their school administrator to say, "My child is diabetic." we don't fall into that category where we have a 504 plan and the administration's been working with that student to make sure he's that that student's teachers are aware. So >> that's been very smooth. >> Question I'm kind of asking this for the the good of the public maybe because it's been asked me a couple times the whole storage areas. Some teachers can
044designate that they just I'm making a statement ask question. Some teachers can designate that just have it in your backpack, but some teachers are actually have like a hanger on the door and say you drop your phone in there when you come in. Is that is that accurate? >> So, we're giving the teacher the leeway of where they want the storage to be. >> Most of our middle and high schools have and we call them hotels that they have in the front of their classroom where they're stored. But yes, um there is that leverage to be able to make those decisions, >> but we're not checking them at the door to make sure they actually put it in there. being asked to put it in there. >> That's right. >> But >> okay, >> but
045we're not if they have it stored away in their book bag, we're not asking them to take it back out of their book bag, put it in there if they >> I just wonder at some point is there does the policy need to be clear of either the policy at Glen County Schools is either it's going in a a hanger on the back of the door or it's going in the backpack so that there's not some argument that you Miss Jones wants every I hate to use Miss Jones. Maybe there's Miss Jones, but >> you can say Miss Hwood. Miss Haywood wants everybody to put it in the door, but Johnny says I I shouldn't have to. My storage is my backpack shouldn't have to worry about that. But that qu that exact question was
046asked of me like >> I don't have to do it in this journal class. >> Yeah. So I'm wondering at some point should the policy maybe be tweaked a little to say this is the storage facility or storage method? >> Yes, sir. >> A door hanger or everybody's going to use a backpack? We can certainly take that back and and I think that's part of the reason why the law is written to give us this time to kind of work through those kinks and make sure we have procedures in place by January 1 for you know I I really do. So I think that's definitely something we can take back and consider. We have had some feedback from some parents during open house. We had some that uh you know they they did not want
047they preferred us to allow their child to at least just keep it in their backpack rather than put it in the in the pouch because they were afraid it was going to get stolen or which you know we do have classroom cameras so we can monitor that. So, our answer has been as long as you don't violate the rule, you have it out, then we're not going to search you for it and find out where it is. >> Just store it. Just tell them just store your phone. >> I don't care where. Just don't use it. Store it. >> Put in their pockets. >> That's what we're saying. >> Yeah. That's what that is that is the rule. Just store the phone. your time >> cuz you know dealing with the pouches you going to
048cut off instruction time but you got to do five minutes for the bail and they just makes it probably more smooth they just put in the book bag they just walk on >> the other challenge is the there are times during the school day where we don't have a hotel to put the phone in >> when students transition from class to class when students go to the cafeteria we don't have multiple pockets or hotels for those types of times at those times That's when we are saying like Mr. Madala said, you're going to need to store your phone because those times are included in the bell-to-bell instruction. Do >> you think that we could get some sort of look in 60 days or so now that it's a it's a matter of you focus in
049our system in like 60 days at at one of the meetings could we get an update of has it even been an issue? >> Sure. >> You know, how many have we had to how many phones have we had to confiscate and parents come pick up and stuff or is it making a difference? So maybe the nineweek break in October >> was easiest for >> Yeah, sure. >> I mean, I think it's some time, you know, pass before we report, but I'd just love to see if >> since it's such a focus this year, is it is it making a difference? >> Yes, sir. We can do that. >> I will say just being out in the schools for the past two days with students back, you'll see pockets that in some classrooms have loaded
050phone phone. In other classrooms, it's a little bit more sporadic um where not everybody has their phone in the pocket. Some people have decided to store their phone in their um book bag. Other times, you'll see in the pocket, you'll see the phone, the earbud, AirPod case, the smartwatch, the Apple Watch. >> You got everything in the pocket. >> It's like going to security. >> It is. >> But that's what it feels like. Um, but so far this, if you just talk to our staff and our teachers, they are extremely grateful that we are here tonight presenting this. This is what I want. This is >> this is what they're asking for. >> Um, I think unanimously we have felt across the board that this has not been an area of concern so far. Not
051to say it won't come become one, >> but overall we've had extremely positive feedback. That's what I wanted to hear. >> Overwhelmingly. >> That's awesome. >> Positive feedback. My my only concern and what and what I want, you know, you all to hear, what teachers to hear, you know, I just want there to be consistency across the board, right? So, >> it's like the whole dress code thing where you're you got something on appropriate, you make it to the last block of the day and somebody finally says something to you. Well, and the only other time I see it being issued, and I'm not picking on coaches, but I mean, they handle and have to corral a lot of kids. Sometimes you have 40, 50 kids in a class. Sometimes you have 20 or 30
052out on the court, the rest are sitting in the stands. So, I just want to make sure that all teachers, no matter what they're teaching or what they're responsible for, it's bail to bail. >> Yes, ma'am. >> You don't have 20 kids up in the stands on their phones while everybody else is in PE or whatever because they didn't dress out. They're going to sit in the stands on the front. They need to do >> I'm worried about the unproductive time, you know, that especially in high schools. >> Um because in high schools, it's not you're not to have them out in class either. You have them in between classes. Correct. >> Correct. >> They shouldn't be out no matter what class it is. That's right. >> Um so, I just want to make sure
053we're consistent. That's all I'm asking. And we'll support you. We've always done that. I think >> um if there's an issue because I think if if parents are being honest with themselves just like we are having to raise four teenagers, it's a good thing. You know, is it inconvenient? Maybe sometimes when you have some changes to your schedule, but it's not the end of the world. So, I think if everybody's being honest with themselves, it's certainly a good thing that we do, but I just want to be consistent um as we roll it out. That's all. >> Exactly. So, as far as this being communicated to the parents and maybe even directly to the students, I'm guessing one calls or something like that when I don't have a kid in schools anymore. >> So, I
054don't get those calls as of this year. >> Yeah. And it's been it's been posted on the website. We discussed it in the town hall meeting. >> It was on the radio stations. >> Yeah. >> So, really, it hasn't been a shock to anybody that this was coming. And I don't I feel like and I don't even know if there's a vehicle for doing this, but letting the students know like why a little bit of the why behind it. Um they probably don't care, but you know, it's not just to be punishment. >> You know, it's it's meant to help you learn the responsibility of it. Um but and my other thing is just making sure that teachers feel supported in the enforcement of the policy because I think that's the hardest piece of this.
055>> Um I mean I think >> you know how that that goes. So you know as long as they're able to um not lose instruction time for dealing with it too. I think that's something we need to keep in our minds as well. Heywood shared a a really nice video that we used at when we rolled this out with our admin and that link then went out to principles and we've seen that link being that video same video being shown >> as part of the class meetings and and back to school >> um because it talks exactly about that. >> Okay, good. >> We felt it was important to give the why so then you know the what. >> Yes, most definitely. And like I said, when it comes to the students, maybe, you know,
056they're they're just dealing with the Oh, bummer. But, um, anyway, just to kind of put the message out there, this is not just a punishment tool. So, yeah. Thank you. >> Thank you, >> Mr. Benson. >> So, good evening again. Um we do have one last item while students have returned and we have officially started school. We do have one last item for our back to school uh list of software that we kind of ask for renewals every year for and this item involves um our assessment platform. Um for the past year we have asked a couple of schools to pilot this program. It's Otis assessment and analytics and we heard nothing but positive things from those schools that piloted last year. We did that pilot before we went districtwide. We also spent some time
057talking to some of our neighboring school districts that are were had fully implemented Otis and they had nothing but also positive things to say. So we are requesting the purchase of Otis assessment and analytics. It is exactly what it is. It's an assessment platform. It's what we use to measure student learning, right? It's the tests, but it's also the data warehouse. It's where we store data um regarding student progress so that there are no surprises when we get to the end of the year and we give those state assessments. Um the professional learning that goes along with this software has been phenomenal. Um, we've made that part of our teachers pre-planning activities as they've come back and we, Miss Renee and I just before we walked down here this evening had a shout out from
058a teacher who's been in it, creating groups and starting to um, make sure that we're targeting students where they're at with their level of of need. So, um, we are asking for your approval for this uh, for the upcoming school year. >> Does this replace an existing assessment? >> It does. It replaces the power school unify assessment program. >> Um, and it is actually um a little bit cheaper solution. >> We felt like it was a better product and it had a little better price. >> Always good. >> That's good to hear. >> How would how would teachers use this? Just give me a little synopsis. >> So, you could go in. So, the teachers will use it in several different ways. First off, if you're giving a formative assessment, okay, where you're measuring what
059students know, you can easily go in and create those assessments that you would normally give and collect that data. Okay? Once you have that data, you'll be able to create different groups. You'll be able to look historically how students have done. So, is it is what the students how the students performing is that predictive of what's going to happen when they take their milestones or end of course assessment. So, what school what school levels? >> Uh, K through 12, all school levels. Yeah. So, this would be this would be involved in in all of our buildings. >> What were the uh pilot schools? >> Um, we used this last year at both Jane Min and Glen Middle. Um, and they said, "Please, let's not go back to the old way." >> And we did use
060it. Um, I should have I should add spring semester at Glen Academy. Instead of teachers spending time disagregating the data, most of the work is done here. Um, which which is really nice. They can spend their time working on the lessons and other pieces. The other thing that we liked about Otis is there was an AI component to it. So you could um put in a specific standard, you could ask it to create an assessment, you could ask it to differentiate that assessment for different levels of learners. >> I retired too early. >> So a lot of assessment creation there >> and the teachers like this. They really like this. >> You had nothing but positive feedback. >> Yeah, I can imagine. So, so the only pitfall to these things and again being involved in
061these assessments over the last 20 years, you know, when when our teachers were doing the pre and post test and they were developing them, sometimes the questions were just wrong and the wrong answer was was given. in this case. I mean, how how do we know that if you do a 20 or 30 question assessment? I know the teacher supposed to go back and probably review it before they submit it to to the kids to take, but I mean, how do we ensure that the standard that this company, wherever they're out of, is is aligned with our Georgia standards and their teachers are are teaching not to the test and I don't want to get off on that, but I'm not trying to give give them the answers, but how do we know that they're
062aligned, especially with math and and those sort of things that are important, that we're aligned with the Georgia standard? And they don't look at the question like, I've never seen this before. Yeah. you 20 questions in they go I don't know what this question is and the assessment's kind of off >> right so previously in our in our previous assessment providers our teachers relied more heavily on assessment banks >> right >> you know banks of questions that on different topics and you oh I'm going to create an assessment and I'm going to just go in and I'm going to pick this question I'm going to pick that question >> and with this platform it's a little bit different the teachers are actually creating the assessments based upon the standard >> so you have to tie
063it back to a standard >> okay >> um So there is on that on the front end some a little bit additional work. It's not just a you know like I said a choose here and there but that will require our you know that teacher set of eyes on what's happening. >> Okay. >> All right. Thank you. >> Sure. >> Any other questions? >> That that uh concludes our agenda. >> All right. Thank you very much everyone. Um I think we have land, legal, and personnel. So entertain a motion to go in executive session for all three. >> So move by Mr. Madala. >> Second by Mr. Doden. Any discussion? All those in favor? Unanimous. At 550 to open session. >> So move >> second by Mr. Jackson, second by Miss Lee. Any discussion? All
064those in favor? 6. 64 there. A motion to adjurnn. >> Make a motion that we second by Mr. Dodger uh to adjurnn. All those in favor 6 at 6:15. [Music]