001Welcome to the Muscogee County School District. Serving approximately 29,000 students across 56 schools and programs, and supported by nearly 5,500 dedicated professionals, MCSD is committed to excellence in education. Our vision is to be a beacon of educational excellence where all are known, valued, and inspired. Our mission is to inspire and equip all students to achieve unlimited potential. Together, we are building brighter futures for every student every day. We are the Muscogee County School District. March is Women's History Month, a time to honor the strength, [music] courage, and achievements of women who have shaped our world. Throughout history, women have broken barriers, expanded knowledge, and stood up for justice, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire us today. In science and medicine, women have made discoveries that have saved lives and expanded our understanding of the
002world. Alice Evans was a groundbreaking microbiologist whose research revealed that bacteria in raw milk could make people sick. Her work led to the widespread [music] practice of milk pasteurization, protecting public health. Dr. Ruth Ella Moore became the first African-American woman in the United States to earn a PhD in natural sciences. Her research in bacteriology helped advance medical science and opened doors for future scientists. Dr. May Edward Chinn was a pioneering physician and researcher who helped improve early cancer detection and worked to expand access to health care. And Dr. Mae Jemison made history as the first black woman to travel into space, proving that the sky is not the limit when curiosity and determination lead the way. The discoveries of Alice [music] Evans, Dr. Ruth Ella Moore, Dr. May Edward Chinn, and Dr. Mae [music] Jemison
003show how women in science have helped protect public health, advance medical knowledge, and expand human exploration. Their work reminds us that when we encourage curiosity and create opportunities for young women in STEM, we empower the next [music] generation of innovators who will continue improving lives and shaping a better future for our world. Great schools start with great teachers. And in the Muscogee [music] County School District, excellence is happening in classrooms every single day. The Muscogee Educational Excellence [music] Foundation is proud to celebrate the educators who go above and beyond to inspire, [music] challenge, and empower their students. Congratulations to our top 10 teachers [music] of the year. Joy Moore, Baker Middle School. Chris Pryor, Club U Elementary [music] School. Kimberly Grant, Diamond Magnet Academy. Mandy Chase, Double Churches Middle School. Melvin Jackson, Jordan Vocational College
004and [music] Career Academy. Amber Marquis, Lonnie Jackson Academy. Carolyn Bingham, Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School. Amy Holmes, Matthews Elementary School. Joshua Bowman, Spencer High School. Katie Morrell, Winton Arts [music] Academy. Congratulations to the Muscogee County School District's top 10 teachers of the year, and thank you for making a difference [music] every day. During Georgia's School Board Appreciation Month, we proudly thank the Muscogee County School District Board of Education for their leadership, dedication, and commitment to the success of [music] every student. >> Good evening. Welcome to our regularly scheduled March 16th, 2026 school board meeting. And I want to welcome you all here as including our special guests that are like regulars. You know, MEF, Marquette McNife, and the MEF board members, Mary O'Rickner, I'm Mary Alan Harkness from the librarian, and Mary O'Rickner from
005the museum. So, thank you so much for joining us. Any principals here, building leaders, thank you. Thank you so very much. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. And so, with that, we will go to our inspiration. Ms. McCray. Tonight's inspiration is from a young woman whose life was tragically too short, Anne Frank. Um it says, "Everyone has inside of her a piece of good news. The good news is that you don't have you don't know how great you can be, how much you can love, how what you can accomplish, and what your potential is." Thank you all. Very good. Thank you so very much. We'll have our scholars from Key Elementary to lead us in our pledge and character word. Come on in, scholars. Thank you all so much for joining us. You
006can lead us in the pledge. I pledge allegiance 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. And now for the pledge to our Georgia flag. I pledge allegiance to the Georgia flag and to the principles for which it stands, wisdom, justice, and moderation. Please sit. Now for our Key Bulldog student creed. I am a Key Bulldog. I take pride in myself. I have a positive attitude, and I make wise choices in order to be safe. Now for our character word of the month. Our character word of the month is forgiveness. Forgiveness is the voluntary release of anger or resentment, and the desire for revenge. This leads to peace and reconciliation. Our school is considered to
007be literally one of the best kept secrets in Muscogee County. We have increased test scores over the last couple of years, won trophies in math and robotics, and this year with the help of the support from the community, host our annual central region math tournament this Saturday. And we will present a production of The Wiz in May. As you can see, Key Elementary is a great place to unlock a whole new world of education. Thank you so much, and have a great bulldog day. >> [applause and cheering] >> My name My name is Josiah Williams. I'm in the fifth grade, and my teacher is Ms. Johnson. I'm Luis Ramos. I'm in fifth grade, and my teachers Ms. John and Ms. Smith. I'm Alani Thomas. I'm in fifth grade, and my teacher is Ms. Johnson. I
008am Carley Jackson. I'm in the fifth grade, and my teacher name is Ms. Smith. I am Justin Hatcher. I am in the fourth grade, and my teacher name is Mr. Lapp. I'm Amari Drayton. I'm in the fourth grade, and my teacher's name is Mr. Lapp. I am Lyric Randall. And my teacher I am Lyric Randall. I'm in the fourth grade, and my teacher is Mr. Lapp. I am Jadaiya Blue. I'm in second grade, and my teacher's name is Ms. Brown. Very good. >> [applause] >> Okay, parents and supporters, wave your hands so we can say thank you. The Bulldog staff, and then the fearless leaders is Dr. Jacqueline Flakes. >> [applause] >> I didn't clap because I understand you're retiring. But, congratulations to you. Clap for yourself. I know that's right. >> [laughter] >> Thank
009you so much, boys and girls. That was wonderful. We appreciate you. Thank you, parents, for your support, and thank you to the Bulldog family for joining us. And they had the day off. Need a motion to approve the agenda. Move to approve. Motion by Dr. Chambers, second by Mr. Cantrell. All in favor, hand vote. All right. Unanimous. Okay, I've already welcomed everybody. I'll welcome you again. Thank you for joining joining us. And then we'll move to Yes. Oh, thank you. I need an I got a motion by Ms. Buckner to excuse Nikki Tilley, second by Ms. Frey. All in favor, raise your hand. All right. That passes unanimously. Thank you for reminding me of that. And now we'll move to our district recognitions. This is Kimberly Wright. Good evening again. I'm Kimberly Wright, director of
010communications, and I want to say congratulations to the Columbus High School Academic Decathlon team for an outstanding performance at the Page Georgia Academic Decathlon state competition held on February the 27th through the 28th. Y'all clap. Columbus High School was named Division 1 champion and recipient of the Howard Stroud Award, earning the title of Georgia Academic Decathlon state champions. The team will represent Georgia at the United States Academic Decathlon National competition in Garden Grove, California, April 23rd through the 25th, 2026. The team also earned first runner-up in the Super quiz event. We congratulate these students and their coach for their academic excellence and for representing Columbus High School and MCSD with distinction. Coach Rebecca Atkinson and assistant coach Kelsey Duncan. >> [applause] >> Hello, my name is Sun Choi and I'm a senior and I plan
011on majoring chemical engineering. Hello, my name is David Carson and and I'm a junior and I was state overall top scorer. Hello, my name is Gabriel Lascano and I plan on major I'm a senior and I plan on majoring at BME at Tech. Hello, my name is Kevin Kim and I'm a junior. Hi, my name is Kimberly Marino. I'm a senior and I plan on majoring in nursing. Hello, my name is Tamaya Yarway. I'm a senior and I plan on majoring in business administration with a minor in chemistry. Hi, my name is Parker Hazley and I um am going to major in political science. Hello, my name is Aaron Dorbu and I plan on majoring in aviation maintenance at Embry-Riddle. Hello, my name is Omario Williams and I plan on majoring in aerospace engineering. And
012I'm Dr. Rebecca Atkinson and I plan on coaching academic decathlon. >> [applause] >> Okay, I I know the principal and Ms. Allen is here. Are there if by any chance any high school parents out there for these young people? Y'all left me home. Okay, good. All right, thank you so much for joining us. Outstanding um students, very proud of you. Good job. Good job. Congratulations. >> [laughter] >> The sound of champions. >> [laughter] >> We do have one more. Okay, here they come. Congratulations to the GHSA boys and girls traditional wrestling state champion individual champions for the outstanding performances at the Georgia High School Association State Championships. Through dedication, perseverance, and competitive excellence, these student athletes earned the title of state champion in their respective weight classes. Columbus High School, Jordan Vo Jordan Vocational College
013and Career Academy, and Kendrick High School were all represented among this year's champions. We commend these student athletes for their hard work and for proudly representing their schools and the Muscogee County School District on the state state stage. Congratulations. >> [applause] >> Hi, my name is Gabriel Jacobus. I'm in 11th grade. Hello, my name is Cedric Montgomery. I'm in 11th grade. We are from Columbus High School. Bradley Linehan, assistant coach, Columbus High School. John Mulvany, assistant coach, Columbus High School. Namuki's I'm the head coach at Columbus High School. I like to just give a shout out to our principal, Ms. Sonya Allen, for allowing us to compete in front of the school this year that and we really love that and the boys loved it as well, too. >> [applause] >> Hello, my name is
014Beatrice Swami. I'm a graduating senior this year and I'm from Jordan Vocational High School. Russell Scott, Jordan High School, head wrestling coach. Aaron McDaniel, Jordan Vocational High School, assistant wrestling coach. Hello, my name is Dario Rivera from Kendrick High School and I'm a graduating senior this year. Anthony Mitchell, head coach, Kendrick High School. Lavelle Chambers, Kendrick High School, assistant coach. Outstanding. >> [applause] >> Congratulations. Are there any parents or supporters of these champions? All right. Thank you all for your support. Thank you to the the champions and so everybody's a senior except maybe two. You two both you are juniors. Okay, very good. We'll see you back next year. In the future wrestler, okay. And how about that girl power? This girl champ. It's it's women's history month, so you get to step out front.
015You can step up ahead of these men. And we got to stand up and show it. >> [applause] >> Back-to-back championships, right? Back-to-back champions. All right, back-to-back championship. Thank you so very much. Congratulations, guys. Congratulations. I now yield to Mr. Corey Neal to present the Power of We award. I I do wish, you know, I watched the regional, whatever they call them, and it just I need a I need a tutorial or uh some kind of education cuz all those moves look like fouls to me. I I I didn't It was exhilarating to watch, but jeez. >> [laughter] >> You hear that uh Coach Meals? Need a tutorial. I need to understand the moves that that aren't fouls. >> [laughter] >> Good evening. Good evening. The March 2026 Power of We award winner is none
016other than Amy Cassidy from Matthews Elementary School. Give her a hand as she comes. >> [applause and cheering] >> Let me start by saying that Ms. Cassidy received 10 separate nominations for this award. Amy serves as an instructional paraprofessional at Matthews Elementary School and leads our K through 5 CTAE program with exceptional dedication and professionalism. She consistently goes above and beyond to provide meaningful, hands-on learning experiences for our students, particularly in the area of agricultural education. Throughout this school year, Amy has actively sought out resources and partnerships to enhance student learning and engagement. Under her leadership, students have gained valuable exposure to agricultural concepts through activities such as growing plants, learning how peanuts are planted, participating in an adopt-a-cow program, and studying the life cycle of chickens. One of the most impactful experience has been
017observing three different breeds of chickens progress through the full life cycle from incubation to hatching and growth. These authentic and experimental learning opportunities have deepened students' learning and understanding and have sparked genuine curiosity as well as excitement. Amy demonstrates an unwavering commitment to our students. She approaches each child with dignity, respect, and care, fostering an inclusive and supporting learning environment. Her collaborative spirit and belief in the Power of We exemplifies true teamwork and servant leadership. Matthews Elementary School is fortunate to have her as an instructional para whose passion, initiative, dedication, and leadership make such a lasting impact on our school community. Once again, Amy Cassidy, Power of We award winner, March 2026. Congratulations. >> [applause] >> So, Ms. Cassidy, were they real chickens? They were real chickens? Wow. You should have called. I'd like to
018see that. Bye. I want to meet them. >> [snorts] >> My mom gave mine away, too. I had a uh kindergarten teacher like you. They sent She sent the chickens home and mine went to my grandmother's house out in Crawford, Alabama. >> [laughter] >> Um I want to thank um Muscogee County School District. Um I want to thank my family. Um I want to thank all of my co-workers. Um I want to thank my principal, Ms. Green. Um and I really want to thank her. I I went [clears throat] to her I think at the end of last school year and I asked her if I could run with the A NCTA E, if I could just try and do the agriculture. Um My son and I we went on a couple of field trips
019over the summer on our own. Um We went to one peach farm, but I saw signs and I said, "Let's go here. Let's go here. Let's go here." And um it was closed on a Sunday, but the man opened up for us and he showed us all about it. And I went to school and I was excited and I showed the kids all about peaches because he opened up his farm on a Sunday and showed us um I study myself at home about peanuts and about cotton. And we spent a whole bunch of time on chickens. >> [laughter] >> I can tell you all the difference about a broiler and a layer. Um And like I said, if you didn't hear up there, I have five pet chickens now in our backyard. Um And I
020truly enjoy what I do. Um And it isn't for the money. >> [laughter] >> Um And I think when you find something that you enjoy, um it makes a really big difference. And I go there every day for the kids. Um and this year has been the most fun teaching the kids about Georgia agriculture and when I learn about it and I also try and throw in the technology that the farmers use. Um cuz yes, we live in a county they're not going to be farmers, but they are so much into technology that our farmers need the technology. And I try and teach them that you are going to help the counties around us one day. And when Mr. Neil came in to the classroom >> [laughter] >> and my principal asked, "What did you
021guys learn?" >> [laughter] >> They remembered. And that made me cry even more because they're listening and that's all I can ask for is that I must be doing something right. Because it's exciting for me and um I must be doing something because they're listening and I love it and they can see that. So, thank you all. Thank you. Congratulations. >> [applause] >> Okay, she said family, but she didn't ask you to stand up. So, family stand up so we can see who Thank you. Congratulations to each of you. Thank you for the support at home. All right, congratulations. Good deal. Ms. Buckner. Oh. I just want to um um say that um I'm trying to think of her name. What's her name? Ms. Cassidy. Ms. Cassidy. I want to say that Ms. Cassidy said
022that she doesn't do this for the money. And of course we we know that. But but I also think that she was so inspired to go to the principal and ask for extra duties, you know, and um and it seems like she's inspiring the students because as she said when they came in there, you know, how motivated they were and how um how the energy they uh exhibited when the principal and um uh when when they came into her room. So, it's just so commendable that she did. It wasn't an assignment. A lot of times I'm in the schools teach uh principals assign duties. This was not an assigned duty. This was a duty that she went to the principal, a need that she saw. And I just think that's very commendable. Definitely very commendable.
023Thank you again for your investment and all that you do for the children. Thank you. >> [applause] >> All right. Uh next we'll go into our public agenda. We do have one speaker, Kedarius Epps. You can walk to this podium here. And while you're on your way, all official meetings of the board shall be open to the press and the public. However, the board may meet in executive session. Speakers' remarks should be directed to the board and shall be limited to 5 minutes. Citizens are encouraged to address items on the board agenda or to initiate presentations of or of of issues appropriate for school board consideration. If an individual desires to speak, they may contact the superintendent's office to be placed on the agenda. The board meeting or the work session is not the appropriate
024place to address either criticisms of particular employees or individual parent complaints when such complaints have not first been addressed to the attention of the appropriate administrative for resolution. Citizens are encouraged to follow normal channels to address individual parent complaints or problems. And Mr. Kedarius, welcome. Thank you for joining us. You have 5 minutes. Yes, ma'am. Good evening, everyone. Um my name is Kedarius Epps. I am a father of three here in the Muscogee County School District. Um I've come before you today um about a incident that took place with one of my children. Um that's in middle school here in the Muscogee County School District. Um if that's if it's okay, I will refrain from uh speaking their names, if that's okay. It's very important that you don't. Have you been to the principal, though?
025Um I have. Okay. I spoke with the principal. Um I tried to set up meetings about the incident that took place. I was denied a meeting. I was told that um I wouldn't be able to meet with the educator who was over teaching my child. And this issue actually took place with the educator within the school. And I just felt I feel as a father I should have the right to um request a meeting if something is going on with my child at the school, especially when something inappropriate was said um from the educator. And it's just one of those things where I feel as if we all have to be held accountable for our actions. And from a father's standpoint I'm not standing before you today, you know, to cause anyone a job or
026anything of that. I just want to be respected as a father for being an advocate for my child and just requesting the right information as to what happened with the incident. And not only for my child, but for the kids who don't have anyone to speak up and be an advocate for them. Yes, sir. So, that I was going to say Mr. Naughf, but we have two region chiefs here. Is somebody's Oh, both two, yeah. Can you all follow up with him and so we can you can find out the school You got it? Okay. All right. Thank you so much, Mr. Epps. You all be blessed. You too, sir. Thank you so much for coming. Yeah. All right, now we move into our action agenda. Soon as it stops moving. We have uh are
027these policies ready for us to vote, Ms. Jones? Okay. All right. All right, have a motion to approve the revised policy I F C B internet acceptable use. Is there a second? Seconded by Ms. Snow. Any other questions? We're ready to vote now. Ms. Frey, sorry. You have a question about it? Yes, just a quick question. Oh, hold on. Yes, ma'am. So, for this particular policy change, did this one sit for 30 days? Last month. I didn't know if it was because there was a time limit that we were voting early or it's because it's due to the state by April the 1st. We we knew that it was coming. Okay, but the changes are now. Okay. Thank you. Appreciate it. What about What about the second one? Did Did it post yet? Mhm. Mine
028did. Who are missing? Affirmative for Dr. Chambers. All right, that passes. Thank you so very much. Uh the second item, the revised policy EGAA for the workers compensation, um will come back to us after it has sat on the table. What about number three? 30 days? Okay. All right. Item number three, there's a motion by Pat Frey, second by Dr. Chambers to amend the 2026 Spectrum Center contract with doing business as Chancellor White. Any other questions? We're ready to vote now. No. Okay, Ms. McCray. For clarification purposes, cuz this was added all this is is giving us some more time to negotiate on a contract before it becomes permanent. So, we're just voting to say, "Okay, give us some more time." Affirmative for Dr. Chambers. Okay. Mine just popped up again. Yeah. Vote again. Okay.
029Did it pop up that time? Mhm. All right, that pass. Um I'll record affirmative for Dr. Chambers. Okay. Item four, April is the month of the military child. Motion by Mr. Cantrell, second by Dr. Chambers. Um for the mo- for our proclamation that we do annually, and it reads, "Whereas thousands of brave Americans have demonstrated their courage and commitment to freedom by serving in the United in the armed forces of the United States of America on which on active duty at mobilized National Guard and Reserve units at posts in Afghanistan, Iraq, around the nation and the world. And whereas thousands of military families in Georgia have been directly affected by the military deployment of at least one parent and sometimes both or other family members who serve as guardians and caregivers. And whereas the sacrifices
030of these children and youth are a source of pride and honor to us all. It is only fitting that we take the time to recognize their contributions, celebrate their spirit, and let our men and women in uniform know that while they are taking care of us, we are taking care of their children. And whereas the recognition of April as the month of the military child will allow us to pay tribute to military children and youth for their commitment, their struggles, and their unconditional support of our troops because when parents serve in the military, their children serve, too. And therefore, I David Lewis, or the David Lewis, superintendent of the Muscogee County School District, do hereby proclaim April 26, April 2026 as month of the military child. I urge all citizens, private organizations, and businesses to
031join us in showing appreciation to the children and youth of military families for their exceptional devotion to loved ones who are serving as members of the armed forces of the United States of America. Now, therefore, it is resolved that the Board of Education of the Muscogee County School District hereby proclaims April 2026 as month of the military child in all the public schools of the Muscogee County School District. The Board calls upon administrators, teachers, students, citizens of Muscogee County to recognize and support this action and to participate throughout the month in April in celebration of month of the military child." >> [applause] >> Then next, we have our consent agenda. Motion by Ms. Buckner. Second by Ms. Jackson. Are there any additional questions or any item pulled out to vote separately? Ms. Buckner. May I
032do that same disclaim- disclaimer? >> That we have discussed on last week all the items. We take our business very seriously. They have been thoroughly discussed discussed. So, tonight we we just vote. Thank you so very much. I accidentally closed mine out, but I'm voting in the Affirmative for Dr. Chambers, as well. I was just ready to go. Oh, yeah. We're waiting on Everybody's affirmative. Well, while we're waiting on the vote, I do want to say thank you to Reese Road Leadership Academy. They're so cute. This is crafty. This is um school board appreciation month. Cuz we're always on board and they're cute. Thank you for the candy. I needed that. Huh? Oh. I I'll take your candy. Better watch out. We're Well, we need a motion to go into executive session for a student
033discipline tribunal appeal. Motion by Dr. Chambers, second by Ms. Buckner. We're going to take a hand vote. Wave goodbye to everybody. Except for the parents and the district personnel. Thank you all. Have a good evening. And also, thank you, Mr. Ron Pleasant, for sitting in for Dr. Lewis. You all figured out that this wasn't Dr. Lewis, right? >> [laughter] >> He's got a little bit more hair. >> [laughter] [laughter] >> I understand.