001call this October 20th regular session to order. First, I need a motion to approve the agenda. >> So moved. >> Mr. Hammond. >> Second. >> Mr. Hammond. All in favor? Passes 40. Uh, also let me back up just a second. And I need to I would like to welcome Dr. Butler to her first meeting with us and we're happy to have her here and excited to start this journey together. So, thank you Dr. Butler for being with us. >> Also, uh next I need a minute or motion to approve the minutes. >> So moved >> for the September 15th, September 18th, and October 6th meetings. >> Still so moved. >> Second, >> Mr. Hammock, Mr. Parish. All in favor? Passes 40. Recognitions Mr. Carter. >> Thank you, Mr. Ransom. Good evening board members and Dr.
002Butler. We have a few folks to recognize this evening. So, I'll ask that you step down into the well. As you do so, I'll point out the art display this month has been provided by students from Okone County Elementary School. Their advisor is Michelle Jones. We thank the Chiefs for sharing these amazing pieces with us. This artwork will be on display throughout the month on the hallway monitors. First this evening, the board will recognize the Pursuit of Excellence Award winner for transportation, John Mroy. He is receiving a $50 Visa gift card, fleece blanket, stainless steel mug, and tote from Peach State Federal Credit Union, as well as additional gift cards from Chops and Hops and Rosy's Hometown Meets and a plaque from Money County Schools. We should also also we should also note that today
003is school bus driver appreciation day and the beginning of National School Bus Safety Week. We thank all members of the transportation staff for their work in transporting our most precious cargo each day. Mr. John, this is where I have to embarrass you just a little bit with some nomination form comments. John is always willing to lend a hand. He once sent all of us a text that read, "The best part of my job is the people." John always does things for everyone. If he doesn't have an answer, he finds it out. He always has a smile on his face. He is always willing to help. He is a person who cares about people and cares about what he does. He goes above and beyond his required duties to help out with whatever needs to be
004done. He successfully multitasks and does not neglect attention to detail. He gives 100% of himself with a positive attitude and leaves co-workers and students smiling. The Pursuit of Excellence Award winner for transportation, John Maroy. Next, the board will recognize Dove Creek Middle's Caleb Parsons as the grand champion overall county group of lambs from the FFA State Fair. Finally, this evening, the board of education has once earned exemplary board recognition from the Georgia schools school board association. Aone County has been recognized each year since 2015, including governance team of the year in 2020. The exemplary honor is the highest recognition bestowed by the GSBA board members. Congratulations. Next we have points of pride with the elementary. Welcome. >> Good evening board members and Dr. Butler. Welcome to your first meeting. I'm Jennifer Lockridge, proud principal of
005Okone County Elementary. Um, and joining me this evening to um, talk to you about something that we're very proud of is our new assistant principal, Dory Davis. We also have a teacher extraordinaire, Aaron Carroll, and a parent of one of our students, Leah. She uh, Fuller, and her daughter, Charlotte Fuller, is going to share, and Carol is also going to share. Um and we are here to share with you tonight um something that makes us very proud um as an OCE chief and that's our second to third grade stepup day. So Okone County Elementary and Okone County Primary have a very unique relationship. So all other count all other elementary schools in the county house kindergarten through 5th while we share the love and we have K2 at the primary and three through five at
006the elementary school. So, Miss Hilly and Miss Dalton are the leaders, the two blinds in the middle, um are the leaders at the primary school, also known as the little school or the school down the hill, while Miss Lockage and myself, the sole brunette of the of the um quartet there, are the leaders of the big school or the school up the hill. So, the four of us work really closely together and um make an effort to make those two buildings really feel like one. And we've hashtag um hashtag one campus. That's our slogan when we're planning things and trying to make it really feel like one school. Uh oh, we've skipped one. Okay, here we go. Um so we have done several things um as two schools, Miss Hilly and I, to try to
007bring the two campuses, one campus into one campus. Um on the left side you can see the things that we've done as a staff. We've done um collaborative professional development together, shared fundraising efforts together, joint leadership meetings. We do um staff socials so that our staffs um learn who each other are. Um and we align our calendar events to help um keep us cohesive. On the right is what we've done for parents. And these are things that they said that they really um wanted us to do more of. And that's the joint spirit nights because it's hard for them to go from one to the other. Um shared um school improvement efforts. Um the Chief's Cup uh is is something that we also do with both campuses. And um Book Buddies, we had our third
008graders go down to the kindergarten to read to them last year. We we're going to do that again this year. and then also um second grade stepup day which is what we really came to talk to you about um today. So I'm going to let Miss Carol who was the brainchild behind um all of the events share how she pulled it off. Sure. >> Good evening. Um I'm very proud how to share um how we brought this day to life. And it was a day designed not only to welcome the new third graders but a day to turn nerves into excitement. Um, from the start, we knew we knew we wanted the day to be filled with joy and excitement and give confidence to the kids, but we also wanted to um let them know
009that there's still a level of high expectations and excellence and responsibility that it takes to move from a little chief to a chief. Um, so we began by brainstorming of what we wanted that to look like. We wanted it to be fun, but also reassuring. Um, but we know that any vision without funding is just an aspiration. So, um I started by going out to different community sponsors and asked them to fund this event. Um and they were very gracious in doing that. So, with careful budgeting, we stretched every dollar to the scent and um bought all sorts of fun prizes um and had engaging activities for the students to do. Um, we also teamed up with our PTO and worked with them to design a special shirt for the incoming third graders so that
010they could show school spirit from day one. Um, to add even more spirit, we teamed up with OCMS and they brought their cheerleaders over which filled it with all sorts of energy and encouragement. Um, and our student council at our school stepped up in leadership where they guided the incoming third graders in activities and a tour around the school. We had fifth graders share inspiring speeches about what made OCS so special. We also had our adaptive special education class get involved and they labeled every gift um bag with a personalized tag for every second grader coming up. Um, but even with all that planning and all that preparation, all those logistics, what truly made this um, remarkable and a well-rounded experience was what and something we're very proud of is the third graders last year
011participated in project-based learning to make the logistics happen. Um so for example, students had to use math skills um to solve practical problems such as 10,000 beads had to be divided um between 165 students. So that took quite a math for them to do. Um we also made a a kit for every second grader coming in where they were making what the youth now call drip. It's like a little necklace but they call it drip. Okay, so we called it drip, too. Um, and so they had to have 60 beads of four different colors. So they had to do some multiplication to figure out how many beads go in each pre-made kit. They had to calculate how many necklaces would be made out of 80 yards of string. Um, and another task they had to
012measure all the um tables in the lunchroom to figure out how much butcher paper needed to cover it. So all those skills are directly related to third grade math standards. And these are just a few ways that students put their learning into action by transforming classroom lessons into meaningful and authentic learning experiences. So by the end of step up day, there was a room and a school full of joy and laughter and excitement. And it's proof that when we come together as a school community, we can make every new beginning something to look forward to. So thank you. This is Andy right here. >> My name is Andy and I'm a third grader at OCS. The idea of coming to a new school, even though my mom works there, was a little scary. It seemed
013like such a big school and so serious. When I first came to step up day for third grade, my stomach had butterflies because I didn't know what to expect from the big school. But once I walked up and saw the smiling faces and felt the excitement, I felt so welcome. By the end of stepup day, I didn't feel well or I didn't feel nervous anymore. Felt excited to start third grade and be part of this awesome school. >> Hi, my name Hi, my name is Charlotte. When I went to step up day for third grade at OCE, I felt a little nervous at first. Everything was new. The building, the teachers, and all the kids I didn't know yet. But once I got there, everyone was so kind and welcoming that my nerve started to
014go away. We did fun activities, and they pumped us up to be ready to move from a little chief to a chief. Now that I'm a third grader, I love my new school. It's such a great place to learn and have fun every day. Hi, I'm Leah Fuller and I am Charlotte's mom. Um I'm so glad that I get just a moment to truly be able to share how um the step up day influenced our family and I think that the way Aaron described it as joyful and full of excitement describes that day perfectly. Um I have or had a second grader now third grader who is so many um really wonderful things. But one of the things that we hold really dear and struggle through sometimes is how reserved that we are and really
015shy. And this step up day completely altered the narrative of her view of third grade. I mean, we went from being so scared and so nervous to coming home that same day bouncing off the walls, had a smile on her face. I mean, talking a mile a minute about all the things that she was going to get to do and the things that she saw and the people that she met. And it it completely changed the narrative of how she felt about going from her little chief school to the um elementary school. And um it just our family has reflected on this day so many times over the course of like the last six months because of how much it meant to us. Um and I think the other huge impact that it had on
016our family is that my younger daughter Maline who's here tonight, she has got to hear her sister talk about the impact of that day. and um it it has significantly had a lasting impact on our family. So, I'm just I'm so glad that I was able to share that. >> So, as you can see, it's a tradition that we're going to keep. Um and we really appreciate all the hard work that was put into it by our staff and of course the students had a blast and I think they might have something a little bit for them. I think they made some drip for you. >> We got some drip. know what drip was. >> This was the first one. >> Yes. >> When did y'all do it? >> Um the Thursday before. Was it
017Thursday in May? Like the week before they came up, like the last week of school. >> Yep. It's a good fashion. >> Yeah, I like it. Next we have presentations and discussions. Business services. Mr. Adams. Always get the luck to follow all these great presentations. So with some exciting news. Uh good evening board members and Dr. Butler. >> Dr. Butler. >> Okay. The business service report for October 2025 contains six items of information and no action items. Our first item of information is our cash balance report. Uh as of September 30th, the closing cash balance reflects an 8.18% decrease compared to the previous month. Despite this month overmonth decline, our cash balances for SE September remain strong and we are still well positioned to meet our financial obligations for the fiscal year. We should start
018to see a trend upwards when the collections for the local taxes start rolling in. Our second of it information is our all vendor payments that were made during the month of September. We paid 494 vendors $3.6 million for the month. The third item of information is the budget report for September. Revenue collections for the month stand at 14.4%. Again, this is that waiting on the tax collections to come in. Um, this monthly percentage is in line with prior years though where we've been with collections if you look at past years. Expenditures which typically would be at 25% for the for the month are currently at 28.8%. Bless you. The higher percentage includes encumbrances totaling $3.2 million or about 2.7% for the fiscal year. And so without those incumbrances, we'd be right in line with where
019we should be expected to be at the month, 25%. Our fourth item of information is the east east bloss collections report. We had a decrease of 1.82% in collections over last month, but a 2.71% increase over September of last year. Our fifth item of information is the east law 6 report. revenues and expenditures have been updated through the end of September. And our last item of information is our federal funds report. Our funding allocations as we get these throughout the year, the reimbursement base, as remind you all, I just want to give you an update. We have not heard anything from the uh DOE on any slowdowns in our reimbursements from the federal shutdown. So, we're still on target to be where we are with the normal reimbursements we've been receiving. So, we haven't seen
020any slowdowns. And that concludes my report unless the board has any questions. >> Questions. >> Thank you, Mr. Adams. >> Thank you. >> Operations Dr. White. >> Sir, >> I apologize. I did not bring any drip this evening. So, good evening board members and Dr. Butler. Operations has no items of information for this evening and one action item for this month's regular session. Our action item is the replacement of an HVAC unit at Columferry Elementary School. The second grade pod identified in this picture has a VRF system that has not been working. We've had spot coolers in the classrooms and the school has had to also move students to alternate locations within the school during this period. Despite the best efforts of the maintenance team, this unit is not repairable. The VRF system has a
021centralized unit that provides cooling to several classrooms. By replacing just the BRF main unit, we will not have to replace the entire system. The superintendent's recommendations for the board of education to approve the purchase of a new unit from Style Services for a proposal cost of $30,795 this evening. This project will be paid for using East Bloss and general fund dollars. This concludes the operations report. Unless there are any questions. >> All right. Excuse me. Mr. >> Mr. Rome, no one has signed up this evening. >> Thank you, Mr. Ransom. If it pleases the board, we can take items A, B, C, D, and E together as they are all out of state field trips. We would recommend those trips to be approved as presented. >> Motion moved. >> Mr. Ham second. >> Miss Parish.
022All in favor? >> Passes 40. >> All right. Item F is the board policy JCDAF, use of electronic devices by students. We would recommend that the draft policy be placed on the table for public review and comment until the next board of education meeting. >> Motion. >> So moved. Mr. Hammond. >> Second. >> Parish. All in favor? Passes 40. >> Item G is the proposal to purchase 30 interactive panels for elementary schools at the cost of $66,171. This bid is from Howard Technology Solutions. We would recommend the purchase of these interactive boards to be approved using east blast funds. >> Motion moved. >> Mr. Hammock. >> Second, >> Mr. Hammond. All in favor? >> Item H is a school bus RFQ. We would recommend the purchase of six new school buses from Rush Bus Centers
023for the proposal cost of $937,800. This project will be paid using East Lost and general fund dollars. >> A motion. >> Miss Parish. >> Second, >> Mr. Hammond. Hammock. >> All in favor? Passes. 4 Z. >> Item I is the vehicle surplus list. We would recommend that this item be approved as presented. >> I need a motion. So moved. Mr. Hammock. Second. Mr. Hammond. All in favor? passes. >> Item J is the transportation radio system. We would recommend the purchase of a digital radio system from Alpha Communications for the propos proposal cost of $61,290. This will equip all buses and base stations and will be paid using East Blast and general fund dollars. >> Motion moved. Second. All in favor? Passes 40. >> Item K is the North Aone High School bleacher repair from Hodgej
024for a proposal cost of $43,800. We would recommend that approval of this project using East Blast and general fund dollars. It's also important to note that the work on this project will begin when basketball season concludes, so no interruption to the season will occur. >> Motion Barish. Second, Mr. Hammock. All in favor? Passes 40. >> Item L is the FY27 capital outlay project application. We would recommend this application be approved as presented. >> A motion. So move. >> Mr. Hammond. >> Second. >> Mr. Hammock. All in favor? 40. >> Item M is the North Aone High School storm water pipe. The proposal cost includes $111,273 from Smith & Company and $3,500 from Breedlove Land Planning. We would recommend this proposal cost be approved as presented using East Bloss and general fund dollars. >> A motion
025>> second. All in favor zero. >> And finally, item N is the Colin Ferry HVAC unit. We would recommend the purchase of a new HVAC unit from Styles Services for the proposal cost of $30,795 using Eastblast and general fund dollars. >> A motion. >> So moved. >> Mr. Hammond. >> Second. >> Miss Parish. All in favor? Passes 40. We do have a need to discuss personnel and I need a motion to go into executive session to do so. I'll make a motion that the board will adjourn to executive session to discuss or deliberate upon personnel matters as described on the affidavit to be attached to the minutes. >> Thank you, Miss Parish. Second, Mr. Hammock. All in favor? Passes 40. We're adjourned to executive session.