001All right. Good evening. We're going to call to order our community engagement meeting for East Boston. We got the inspiration pledge first. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Warren Bennis said, "Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality." And that's a little bit of why we're here this evening. Everyone would stand. >> To the flag of the United States of America and to the stands one nation under God, indivisibley for all. >> Okay. Now we have the approval of the agenda. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I'd like to welcome everyone to tonight's community engagement meeting. The purpose of this meeting is to listen to input from our community as we plan Eastlos 7 projects. East Blast has funded safe and secure schools, well-maintained facilities, and modern technology for Katusa County students since 1997. I would like
002to thank you again for being here tonight to participate in the planning process for East Plus 7. In April, we asked for stakeholder input on the strategic plan survey. We received 1,700 responses on this survey and the initial projects we have planned for East BL 7 align with survey responses. A resounding theme was safe, secure, and well-maintained classroom and schools. 72% of respondents said this is the primary evidence used to evaluate the quality of education in our school district. We've created a short video reviewing how East Blast has helped us achieve this goal as well as providing facility equitability and modern technology for our students. So at this time if you would draw your attention to the screens and we will watch a brief video education for our children. the educate. On November 4th, 2025,
003Katusa County residents will have the opportunity to continue a 1- cent sales tax that has been instrumental in advancing the quality of education for our children. The education specialurpose local option sales tax or east blast has funded the construction of new schools, improved safety measures, expanded technology access and facility equitability since it was first approved by voters in 1997. East Bloss was established by the Georgia legislature in 1996 as a way for school systems to fund capital projects. 158 out of 159 Georgia counties utilize East Bloss Pennies to improve their school districts. Eastwashed projects may include classroom improvements, playground equipment, maintenance projects, new schools, renovations, safety upgrades, and technology infrastructure. East funds cannot be used for salaries, health care, or general operating expenses. Voters must approve the continuation of East Bloss every 5 years. Katusa
004County Public Schools appreciate citizens who consistently support East Blast and the Georgia General Assembly for creating this funding mechanism which empowers communities to make strategic investments in capital projects. Katusa County is referred to as the gateway to Georgia because more than a 100,000 vehicles travel on I75 daily. Given Katusa County's position as a regional hub, our four exits on the I75 corridor and Hamilton County's 9.25% sales tax, many out of town visitors shop, dine, and fill their gas tanks in Katusa County. So, these visitors are contributing to local education funding through their purchases. This diverse revenue stream allows us to leverage spending to maintain our investment in our school systems critical needs without placing the entire financial load on property owners. The first three Eastwash initiatives focused on accommodating growth which resulted in construction of
005five new schools. Ringo Primary, Battlefield Primary, Wood Station Elementary, Heritage Middle, and Heritage High School. As enrollment stabilized, attention shifted in East Blast 4 to new priorities: school safety, equitable facilities, and modern technology. Safety improvements included enhanced surveillance systems, upgraded fire alarms, and new buses. The school system also prioritized significant facility renovations to ensure students in every attendance zone had access to equitable schools and athletic facilities. Among the most transformative of these was the revitalization of Lake View Fort Ogalorp High School, which received a new gymnasium, expanded cafeteria, and improved media center and visitor entrance. Ringold High School also saw the construction of a new visual and performing arts center. East 4 also marked a major investment in classroom technology, bringing interactive whiteboards, projectors, teacher laptops, and wireless broadband access to every school. These improvements
006set the stage for the digital transformation that could come in East Blast 5. By the time East Blast 5 was planned, the board of education knew classrooms needed to incorporate personal technology devices to prepare students for technologydriven digital economies. East Bloss Pennies provided every student preK through 12 with a personal device such as an iPad or a Chromebook. This investment proved crucial during the CO 19 pandemic when schools had to pivot to virtual learning. Thanks to East Blast, the district was prepared. Eastwast 5 also advanced school safety by introducing the Silocks crisis lockdown alert system, a state-of-the-art emergency communication platform that allows teachers to silently alert 911 and give law enforcement live access to school security cameras. Additional security cameras and electronic access systems were installed at every school entrance, improving safety for students and
007staff. Facility equitability continued to be a major focus. Graceville Elementary, originally built in 1950, received a comprehensive renovation, including new classrooms, a new media center, and modern technology infrastructure. An important part of this project to improve student safety was the removal of outdated open pod classrooms. Ringold Middle School, the only middle school without its own baseball and softball fields, received new athletic complexes complete with fields, locker rooms, and facilities for spectators. Similar upgrades were made at Lake View and Heritage Middle Schools to ensure all students had equal access to high quality athletic facilities for their students. The second phase of revitalization at LFO High School brought new bleachers, a press box, a new track, and updated signage. As the board of education prepared for East 6, the priorities remained clear. safety and security, technology and
008facility equitability. But this next phase also included an exciting addition, a new college and career academy aimed at preparing students for high demand, high wage careers in our region. Planning for the From here to Career Academy or the CCA began in 2017 in collaboration with local industries, technical colleges, and community leaders. The academy prepares students for high demand, highwage careers with hands-on training, industry certifications, internships, and dual enrollment opportunities. Pathways include healthcare, criminal justice, welding, construction, logistics, education, and advanced manufacturing. In the 2425 school year alone, 76 students earned over 1,000 college credit hours through Georgia Northwestern Technical College. 93 technical college certificates were awarded. 103 students earned industry recognized credentials such as OSHA 30, patient care tech, certified medical assistant, phabbotomy and more. 47% of the graduates were employed using these credentials. 51% enrolled
009in college and 3% enlisted in the military. East 6 also funded instructional technology and infrastructure improvements to ensure that students continue to benefit from up-to-date technology. To provide facility equitability, a performing arts theater was built at LFO High School, giving LFO, Cloud Springs, Westside, Battlefield, and Lake View Middle School students the opportunity to perform in band, drama, chorus, dance, and co-curricular competitions. This fantastic facility is also being used to host endofear celebrations for all feeder schools and community events. Another major East 6 initiative was the revitalization of Boon Elementary School. Boon Elementary was built in 1951, so the school is currently the oldest facility in the county. With increasing enrollment, phase one of the project included a two-story 16 classroom addition, expanded car rider loop to reduce the amount of traffic on Boon Drive, updated
010playground equipment, expanded parking lot in the back of the campus for employee safety, and a retention pond to reduce runoff into neighboring areas. East 7 will provide funds for the school system to continue projects to enhance school safety, provide facility equitability, and to maintain modern technology. Priority projects include facility equitability. Phase two of the Boon Elementary School will include 20 new and refurbished classrooms equipped with modern technology, a state-of-the-art media center, a revitalized gym, playground, cafeteria, a new bus loop, and additional parking for enhanced safety, which will also improve traffic flow on Boon Drive. Maintaining aging facilities. Eight of the district's 18 schools are over 50 years old and five are over 65 years old. East is essential for maintaining the district's 2 million square ft of facilities through projects such as new roofs, HVAC
011units, structural repairs, painting, facility efficiencies, and proactive maintenance. Roof replacements. $3.5 million is allocated for roof replacements at Ringold Primary and Elementary and Heritage Middle School. Purchasing HVAC systems. New systems will be installed at LFO High School's gym, Ringo High gym, and Ringo High School's band room. In addition, Lake View Middle School STEM lab will also receive an upgrade. replacing kitchen equipment and updating cafeterias. Battlefield Elementary, Lake View Middle, and Ringold High School will receive upgraded kitchen equipment and the HMS cafeteria will be expanded to support child nutrition. While operating and facility maintenance costs have risen significantly across the state, East Floast is a vital funding source that helps us plan for the future by investing in facility efficiencies and proactive maintenance, which ultimately lowers operating costs over time. East Fly 7 will provide instructional
012technology and infrastructure improvements to maintain 21st century technology in every classroom in every school, improving academic achievement. CCPS has strategically leveraged East funds to purchase critical infrastructure programs and subscription fees, including online learning platforms, assessment tools, and digital curriculum resources. This is an innovative use of ESPLOS dollars to offset student program instructional costs which would otherwise be allocated from the general fund. Student and employee safety is the highest priority for the board of education. Every school has multiple layers of safety for protection. East 7 will provide revenue to maintain and improve that safety. Maintaining a current fleet of buses is also critical for student safety and east plus 7 funds will be used to perform routine maintenance on our fleet of 150 buses and replace buses as necessary. Maintaining facility equitability. School revitalization and improvement
013projects include a chorus room and cafeteria expansion at Heritage Middle, school renovations at Lake View Middle, Cloud Springs Elementary and Westside Elementary, athletic facility improvements for all middle and high schools, playground equipment updates as needed for elementary schools. Katusa County Public Schools Eastf funded projects have consistently delivered on stakeholder expectations. From new schools to high-tech classrooms, from secure campuses to state-of-the-art athletic and performing arts theaters, East Blast has provided the foundation for excellent facilities for our children. As the November 2025 vote approaches, the board of education is seeking community input to ensure that East BLOS 7 reflects the priorities of Katusa County citizens. As the November 4th, 2025 vote approaches, the board of education is seeking community input to ensure that East BL 7 reflects the priorities of Katusa County citizens. The board has listened
014to citizens on the strategic plan survey and at the community engagement meeting. Now citizens can continue to provide input through email at esloast7 input at katusa.k12.ga us. Since 1997, the entire CCPS community has benefited from East Pennies in more ways than imaginable. It's an investment in our children, our community, and our future where every penny builds better schools, safer campuses, and hope for Katusa County students. By continuing this investment, we ensure the next generation is not just prepared, but also poised to succeed. Mr. Chairman, I'd like to thank uh Steve Sawer and Marissa Brower for their timeless uh input and work on that video. They did a wonderful job and I want to thank them publicly for that. As I said before the video, the board is here to listen tonight to input from everyone.
015So, we provided everyone with a form when you entered the building. If you did not receive a form and would like one, please raise your hand. We'll make sure that one is brought to you. You can either write your thoughts down on the form or you can scan the Q QR code on the form and you can just type them in on your phone. Either way, the board will receive your input. Anyone uh desiring to address the board this evening should have signed up online or at the door so we can recognize you. If you did not sign up, you'll have the opportunity to speak after everyone on the list has been called. If you're here as part of a group to show support to a particular project, please designate a spokesman to provide the
016description of the project you would like to be considered. With that, Mr. Chairman, I'll hand it right back over to you. Thank you. I think um just real quick ditto row that thanks to Steve and Marissa for the work that they did back together. I'm assuming that video is on our website so people can access it. All right, we're going to move into the community input input section. I know we have three that have signed up online. We're going to start with those those folks first. So I'm going to ask Matt Phillips to approach So, uh, first of all, thanks to the board of education for hearing me out tonight. Just want to come out here, uh, this evening and speak on behalf of the possibility of a Heritage High School possibly getting, uh, converting
017from a grass football field to a turf football field. Um, ultimately, it's all about the kids. Um but uh weather plays a huge role uh in our ability to provide these activities for the kids. So when you have a field that's grass field versus turf, uh lots of times on our campus, we have to move, cancel, readjust, and postpone events uh that affects our kids and our schedules uh because the field is just too wet to play on. Uh that we would not have to do uh if it weren't turf. I mean, last year was a perfect example. No one can control a hurricane, but a hurricane came through and we nearly had to move our homecoming game to Ringled High School because they have a turf field. Uh so we couldn't kind of make
018it work at our own campus. Uh secondary to that is just really the money and the time uh investment that it takes to maintain those fields. Um it's it's thousands of dollars, you know, in manpower uh to mow those fields, uh to seed those fields, fertilize. We use pre-emergent top dressing with sand. Uh there's tons of man hours. Usually those man hours are coaches who are already a little bit overworked. So now they're having to go out and mow grass to maintain the field multiple times a week. Uh there's the equipment that it takes to maintain it. I know us in particular, we're probably going to have to replace a mower in the next couple of years. That's 15 to $25,000. So if we had a turf football field, we wouldn't be using that mower
019near as much. There's tons of money in paint. So it's a it's a tremendous undertaking. And I'll be honest with you, I was naive. Uh coming from a junior high that had a turf football field to a high school that had a grass field. I feel like a secondary groundskeeper. Uh so like I I talk a lot about grass uh and uh seed and fertilizer and mowers. And I would like to talk less about it. Uh but more importantly, it's about the kids and making sure they have facilities that they can use on a consistent basis. Uh and that the community has a facility they can use on a consistent basis where weather isn't so much of a factor. So other than that, appreciate your time tonight. Thanks for hearing us out and go Generals.
020>> Next we have uh Brad Langford County Board of Education, Chairperson Mohler, and Superintendent Nicks. Thank you for the opportunity uh to speak tonight as you consider projects associated with East BL 7. Uh for those in attendance who do not know me, I am Brad Langford and I have the privilege of serving as the principal at LFO High School. And tonight my proposal also deals with uh the installation of turf and this would be at Tommy Cash Stadium uh which everybody affectionately affectionately knows as LFO's football field. As a loyal employee uh serving the Lake View and Port Overwork communities for the last two decades, I believe this project represents an investment not just in our students uh but our staff and families that would last for many years to come. turfing the uh field
021would benefit not just one program, the football field, but it would also uh benefit female and male sports alike. In the spring, that would be our soccer programs. But at the same time period, having served for over a decade as a coach and an athletic director, uh it would also allow baseball and softball fields during their seasons during inclement weather when they can't get out and practice a location where they could get reps in a dry surface. U it would also benefit uh two of our feeder schools directly located next to us, Battlefield Primary and Elementary Schools by providing a reliable and safe surface uh during their field days. It would offer a consistent venue. Also, as Mr. Phillips noted, for graduation ceremonies and schoolwide events, regardless of the weather, uh potentially delaying uh or
022stopping delays due to weather. I believe it's important to note that a turf field would also open the door for our band program and uh lead to increased opportunities for hosting exhibitions uh which not only would lead to promotion at Kus County Public Schools and our facilities uh but also open up an avenue for uh funding and fundraising. I think it's uh naive not to mention at the same time period that LFO does compete in GHSA. Uh we are a 2A school and compete compete in and have been assigned to region seven which is nine teams. Uh it's important to note that six of those nine teams including Ringold High School currently do have a turf field. Um as I kind of wind down here and look at it a little bit. I think it's
023also important to to address the community aspect. Uh Fort Recreation does use our field and this uh does put a strain on the uh field uh with overseeding uh with the need for um winter rye planted in also uh sand in the summertime to ensure a safe and reliable field unlike natural grass. Uh this is uh not prone to overuse uh and poor weather conditions. So three major things here this project would lead to equitability, accessibility and sustainability. Thank you for your time and hearing me out. >> Next we have Jennifer Scott. >> Hi, I'm Jennifer Scott. I'm the principal at Boon Elementary School and I just wanted to uh say thank you for this opportunity to stand before you and just express the um positive impacts that this East 7 will have on um
024Boon Elementary School for phase two. So I'd like to read you some of the things that I've written down about that. Um East Law 7 represents a critical opportunity to enhance the learning of the environment um learning environment at Boon. Um for our students, this means access to improved facilities and updated resources that will directly support their academic growth and overall well-being. Um, these funds will also facilitate necessary upgrades to our infrastructure, ensuring a safe and comfortable and conducive space for every student to thrive in. Um, we have faced challenges um, as I know that our county is aware of. Um, we have had a ton of leaking roofs which have negatively impacted um, our day-to-day schedule during inclement weather. Um, you know, it's not just a leak here and there. The has addressed that
025but we feel that our facility is old and we need that to be taken care of fully. Um this can also help um address foundational needs uh that are critical including not only the roofing but plumbing, electrical e exterior and interior building uh maintenance. Um it's going to help us to keep up with our day-to-day operations and ensure um the quality begins with the safe learning environment. Um and also the other thing that I wanted to point out is that our which you guys already are aware of that our school community is continuing to grow. Um like many have mentioned before and in the video that we have a ton of families that are moving into our communities. They are moving into our school zones and we need to have a facility that will be
026able to hold all of those students so that they can receive the proper education at Boon. I know that we've um talked about in the for east law six some of the concerns about our parents having to park across the street that continues to be an issue also. So this uh second phase would allow us to have the uh capabilities of allowing to keep up all of our students and um parents and staff all on campus and keeping them safe from the main road. Um basically um this will foster a long-term vision for our school. Um it will help us um fund not only um our school in general, but we also do do need expansions for our cafeteria, our uh gym. We've got to be able to hold all of these students. So, um
027as I stated previously, I know you guys know that we're growing and I just wanted to say that um my hope is that our community will also believe like we all do that our students are worth this. our um educators in our county and the staff that we have throughout our county working um that it's worth um this eastblo 7. So I wanted to thank you for the opportunity to speak with you guys to let you know how thankful we are for phase one and how excited we are for the possibility of phase two. So thank you for that. >> Thank you. That concludes those that have signed up online. We have anybody sign up at the floor? I'm gonna just real quick I'm going to open it up. Does anybody wish to address the
028board on East Mr. Nelson? I didn't expect to speak out, but I was impressed with with the u the film there and everything. Uh I think that the school's doing a great job. Uh the board's doing a great job and and uh hoping can continue. And um certainly thank you for the uh career academy. Uh I own a manufacturing company and we currently employ some of the uh machine tool pathway graduates and uh they're they're doing a great job. But uh but I've been familiar with the budgets of Katusa County for the last 25 years. Both the county budget and the and the school budget. and uh and when necessary. I've been very critical of both, but I think it's doing a great job and particularly for the Eastw spending. Um the Eastwash and the
029property tax are the only places that you school system can get money. We know that and I I know that from owning six properties other than my other than my home. that doesn't uh come into play because of my age. Thank you. Uh but the other properties, I'm already paying tens of thousands of dollars of property tax a year to the school system and that does not need to be uh to be increased. So, I really support the Eastblast and I know that um from from past experience of looking at the budgets that the 1% Eastblast gets a lot of funds from people like Costco, Home Depot, Lowe's, Walmart, uh and and many others. And that's money that comes a lot of it comes in from the outside. You just need to go through the
030parking lot. You see the the out of out of state cars, out of county cars and everything. So I hope the east blast can continue and hope people will support it. Thank you. >> Thank you sir. Is there anyone else? >> Appreciate everyone being here tonight. It really means a lot to us to see these faces in the audience and to know that you're supportive of this revenue stream. Um, and as a former superintendent, I know how important it is um to the future of our children to make sure that they have excellent facilities and safe and well-maintained schools. The great thing about Katusa County is we see it and we have citizens and we have supporters who understand how important that is because in my experience we have always put children first and this
031is just another example of putting our children first. >> I would just like to add I see uh Miss Jackson out there with the Chamber of Commerce and I can tell you she will probably validate the fact that business and industry comes to Katusa County, one of the first questions they ask is about the school system. And I think that we can be very proud in the fact that our school system is I consider one top notch and I'm thankful that the um the community has voted for East Bloss because the video showed all the wonderful things this building we're in. Everything is that we can do with East Boss money uh we we would not be able to do or if we did it was going to cost our taxpayers. we we don't want
032to do that. So, it's a perfect opportunity for um business and industry to come in and and and see how great our school system is and we can continue to be that that shining star in Kusa County. So, thank you. >> First of all, I'd like to say I'd like to thank Mr. appreciate the comment you said about the students from college and career academy and and your willingness to employ these uh students. We're very proud of that center. We're proud of the accomplishments that we've been able to do through the east and we just like to say that we would appreciate any support east. All right. I'll just add uh definitely appreciate all the support, but I also want to encourage everybody to to continue to provide input to projects for um focuses that
033we that the community needs to take. That's the whole purposes this process is to get community input so that we're reflecting the priorities of our community. So, we do appreciate everybody coming here today um just being a part of the process. I think that's important. Anybody listening online continue to fill out any surveys forms that we have out there. This I'll ask for a motion for the hearing. All right, the hearing is adjourned. We'll take probably about a 5 to 10 minute recess before we start the regular board meeting. [Applause] All right, welcome back. We're going to call the county board of education meeting for August 5th. First thing we have is a inspiration pledge of allegiance school board meeting. >> Thank you, Mr. chairman came up with another quote right quick from Nelson Mandela.
034I think most of us have heard this quote, but it is so powerful. He said, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." Let's all stand to the stands. One nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all. First thing on the agenda is public participation. Nobody signed up ahead of time that I'm aware of for the board meeting. Is there anybody who signed up at the door to speak to the board meeting? Next, we have approval of the agenda board. We've had it. Any questions or changes? We're going to move to information reports. First up is human resources recommendations to the next. >> Yes, sir. Mr. Chairman, the recommendations are on the agenda for your review. Mr. Daniel. >> All right. Good afternoon, everyone. Like to give you an
035update on the Kelly uh partnership that we've got here. So, even though we've been going for about four to six weeks, uh we've really got a lot of applicants in for a lot of positions. Um given the fact that it's the summer, it's really hard to find people. July is tough. We got vacations. Um we've got a lot of people in. We're filling custodian positions, pair pros, child nutrition. So, I've been pretty pleased with the numbers coming in. In addition, we've uploaded people into our um frontline absence system. Now, that system is for when teachers are going to be out. Obviously, um previously we had u you know, teachers were making calls. They're calling all night trying to find people, trying to figure it out. Uh but this system, they upload their attendance in there
036and teachers are planners, right? Um, so they actually started plugging in their dates. They're going to be out. They're going to be absent. And um, they filled all those. I got in there, played with it yesterday. It's really a, um, it's really, really user friendly. Um, and that system. I got in there, there was about 30 days or so that teachers had plugged in for PL days, professional learning, sick days, things like that. And um every single one of those are filled, maybe the first time in a long time. So that was a good thing. And I know that's going to continue to grow. Um I know as teachers get used to it and they plug in those days that you know we're going to fill those up. And over the last six weeks, Kelly
037has brought in 100 subs. So previously we had a lot of active subs in Munas. Some of those were kind of misleading. Some of those were active and really subbing. Some of them were just on the and they never want a sub. But with this list, we have 100 true subs. So these people have all been trained, many of them trained by us, but they're also trained by Kelly as well. So some of them been trained multiple times. Um, but these people are ready to go. So I'm excited to start the year off with a hundred subs that are ready to come in and jump in and fill spots that we need. Uh, one big missing piece here that we have from Kelly is the account manager position. Uh the account manager position is one
038that we're really it's really going to be our go-to. So when there's a problem, an issue, or any concern related to the frontline system or a Kelly employee, we're going to go to that person. You know, right now, um about 99% of my conversations are via email and phone call. It's just the nature of it, uh because we don't have people on staff. Uh but they're doing interviews this week. Hopefully they get that filled this week. If not, maybe next at the latest. Um, and then we'll have somebody on staff. Now, when I say on staff, that's not our employee, okay? We're not paying another person. Uh, but Kelly will employ them, but we will house them. So, we have an office uh designated for them at central office. I'm looking forward to that so
039I can go down the hallway and have a conversation as opposed to making phone calls and trying to get each other via email. So, look forward to getting that filled and hopefully it's filled uh in the next week or so. Um, so the principal's really gotten used to the kind of the procedures right now since it was new. It took us a little while to figure out how we wanted to do things and just the line of communication between us and Kelly, the principles and applicants. Um, but I think we've got it ironed out at this point. Um what happens is Kelly has kind of a pre-in pre-vetting process that they have and so they'll do some initial stages when someone applies and after that they will send those names out to the schools and
040the principles at that point in time the principles will then do their interviews like they always do and um and then that once they find someone they will like they contact me we do our job we vet them we do our background checks and everything and once they're cleared we contact Kelly and get them in the schools as quickly as possible. So, the principal's done a great job with that, just communicating back and forth. Um, and I've kind of kind of stepped in to be able to be that middle piece between them and Kelly. So, that's been great. Uh, but the account manager is also going to be a good resource for that as well. Um, Kelly has also that I've sent out a form for all the schools to sign up to s to
041see what events are coming up. Obviously, we have lots of houses going on this week. Uh, a lot of back to school events, but Kelly is going to be at 12 different of our open houses already. Uh, they've signed up for football games, for fall carnivals, for other events coming up. So, they're actively engaged in our schools and our system. Uh, which I'm excited to see that they're going to be at the football games. They're going to set up tables. They're going to try to recruit more substitutes and things like that. Um, so I think that's a good sign and moving in the right direction and then wanting to be invested and be a part. Um, uh, overall I think the partnership's gone well. You know, it's taken a minute to kind of figure things
042out, but uh, things are going well. They're excited to be a part of us. We're excited to work with them. You know, I was talking to Miss Scott a little while ago, uh, from Boon and she was talking about how nice it's been to work with Kelly. They've been very professional, very kind, and helpful and how she's been decided to get quality applicants out of the gate. Uh because sometimes you don't know what you're going to get, but they're doing a pre-screening method, so that is helping them and getting people in and and being people that you know could be a right fit for the job. Um overall, I think it's going well though and um you know, I think it's going to continue to get better and better. So that being said, if anyone
043has any questions, I'm happy to answer if I can. Can you tell me how many Kelly employees there are right now in the system? >> Yes. Uh we have this is ballpark because it changes every day. It may change when I get back to my seat. U but ballpark we're in the neighborhood of around 40. Now we have some vacancies that they're still going to fill. So when it's all said and done, I think you know initially when I met uh with you all in June I believe uh and I told you the percentage of employees of these departments moving over was approximately I want to say around 29 to 30%. We're probably looking to 40% or slightly over 40% at this point when you look at those departments together. Child nutrition parros and custodians.
044>> Yes sir. >> We appreciate it. >> Yes sir. >> Thank you. Yes, sir. Mr. Chairman, just want to go on record and uh let everyone knows listening and uh just remind the board that we will be changing the uh board meeting date from October the 7th to October the 14th due to fall break. The minutes from July 28th are attached from that east plus meeting for the board just as means of uh communication what's happening in East meetings. >> No sir, Mr. Chairman. Yes, sir. Mr. Chairman, we've not increased our out of county tuition rate of $400 per year since before 2008 as far as records go back. Uh a review of our neighboring district shows out of county tuition ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 annually. And I recommend that we update um the
045outofcount tuition rate from $400 per year to $1,500 per year. The proposed amount of $1,500 closely refle reflects the average local property tax contribution of Katusa County residents. Current median annual property tax bill in our county is approximately $1,597. Setting tuition at this level helps ensure that local taxpayers are not subsidizing the cost of educating non-resident students. It also aligns with state requirements and reinforces the value of a seat in our incredible school district. Student enrollment will maintain its current checks to monitor uh any numbers and then upon board approval, this increase will take effect for all new out of county residents. We have approximately 40 right now that are in our school system uh for various reasons. they've been here before and then their parents move during the middle of their seventh grade year,
046something to that effect. Um, and then there are other reasons as well as that might as well as that might happen. Divorces, things of that nature. Um, current students will not be impacted by this increase at all. Will remain the same. And, uh, just to note, I'm not concerned at this point with our enrollment. Um, in 2007, we had approximately about 11,500 students. Then we had portables all over every campus. and uh co did a number on uh uh enrollment numbers and so I don't see that as being a challenge at this time. >> That's correct. >> That is correct. Yes, sir. Mr. Chairman, are you ready? Mr. Le, thank you. >> Good evening. We are uh thrilled to announce a significant and beneficial update regarding the performance learning center. Uh Kus County Public Schools
047has successfully completed all necessary steps and documentation to transition the PLC from a program to an independent school within our district. And I would be remissed if I didn't mention at least three individuals from the Georgia Department of Education who have been extremely instrumental in assisting us in this process. Now the first is Anthony Pac. Uh he is the district effectiveness specialist for alternative non-traditional education and state schools for the office of school and district improvement. It really looks good on a business card that whole title right there. Uh, also Keelin Waldrip, uh, education research and education specialist for the, uh, facilities service division, and our own Doug Suits, the education facilities consultant for North Georgia in the facilities unit. Those three, I cannot stress enough how, uh, vital they were in assisting us with
048this process. We are very excited to announce that this new school will operate under the name the Barnhart Academy beginning this school year. The mascot will be the Cavaliers. And the current um PLC staff worked to determine this name and provided the following five reasons for the selection. Reason one, honoring local legacy. The Barnhart name recognizes the historic Barnhart Circle District and the civic contributions of the Barnhart family, strengthening our connection to the community. Reason two, collaborative selection process. The Barnhart Academy Cavaliers was the top choice of staff members and students. Reason three, historical and cultural fit. Selecting the Cavalier mascot keeps the same mascot the PLC has used before and honors the heritage of the Sixth Calvary Regiment once stationed at Barnhart Circle. This link to local history gives students a symbol of resilience
049and pride. Reason four, shared pride and strong school spirit. Teachers and students are proud of our school and feel responsible for its success. Academy symbolizes our commitment to academic achievement and Cavaliers unites us under a bold mascot that stands for courage and unity across the district. The new name also clearly signals that we serve all secondary students grades 6 through 12 in Katusa County Public Schools, reinforcing our commitment to every learner who joins our campus. And then the fifth reason, student engagement and belonging. A fresh name and mascot will boost school spirit and help us meet our goals for positive behavior, attendance, and academic growth. Dr. Ba. >> All right. This transition offers two major advantages. Fair accountability and additional state funding. First of all, for enhanced accountability and transparency. Many other school districts in
050ARA and across the state operate their alternative schools as independent schools and not just programs. Establishing Barnhard Academy as an independent school will enable Katusa County Public Schools to align with statewide accountability standards by operating a dedicated alternative campus that meets the criteria set by both the Georgia Department of Education and the Governor's Office of Student Achievement. Starting in the fall of 2005, the Barnhard Academy will report its own data for both CCRPI and the Georgia Promise School calculations. This will enable the district to distinctly track the school's progress and student outcomes separate from our three traditional high schools. The Barnhard Academy will also be responsible for its own academic achievement progress and graduation rate moving forward, providing a clearer picture of its effectiveness and aligning its structure with our neighboring districts. The second main
051um advantage that we will see with this is increased funding and resources. This change will generate additional state funding for Katusa County Public Schools. As a school, Barnhard Academy will now earn state funding for key positions such as the principal, which was being funded fully through local um sources when it operated as a program. Furthermore, alternative schools benefit from different class size funding ratios, which will result in increased state aotment funding. These additional resources will be instrumental in ensuring a safe, supportive, and structured environment for students assigned to the Barnhart Academy. And then, as always, we have a committed a continued commitment to our students. The Barnhart Academy will continue to exclusively serve students who are assigned to the school due to serious disciplinary infractions and its student capacity will remain unchanged. This dedicated setting
052allows us to provide focus, support, structure, and resources, helping students successfully continue their education during their placement here. Katusa County Public Schools remains steadfast in its commitment to serving all learners. and we're excited about the beginning of a new chapter in our district's history with the opening of the Barnhart Academy. Does the board have any questions on the um one said exclusively serve students? Is this going to be a punitive school or is this an truly alternative school for students who have different different traditional working for them or is this just a strictly punitive kind of like a crossroads? >> So at this time with the the opening um in the fall of 2020 or 2025 we will maintain um the same you know operation as we have currently which is is our gateway campus.
053So it will be just for disciplinary infractions and students who have major discipline um you know um infractions, but we will continue to evaluate that in the future. So we've talked to our high school and our middle school principles and we will have those conversations and if that needs to evolve or develop into something else in the future, we would be open to that and open to considering um what the needs of the district are going forward. >> Serve 9 through 12. >> It's set to serve 6 through 12. which is what the program currently serves. >> Then just real quick, you mentioned and you might I might have heard it wrong, but you also said something about the the Georgia promise that accountability for things. I understand and I might have misheard you, but
054as I understand schools do not they're not subject to that. they're not subject to that calculation, which is really why one of our secondary schools um are one of the reasons it ended up um on a on a Georgia promised um school on the Georgia Promise school list is because surrounding districts operate an independent school and we do not. And so they um like our middle and high schools were still getting the scores for the students who were being served at the alternative school in Katusa County, but that's not happening everywhere um just because ours was a program and not a school. So this will make us more in alignment with everyone else. >> Does that answer your question? >> You're welcome. >> Yes, sir. Mr. Chairman, the local supplements are there for your review
055and later approval. Uh we did have to add some additional athletic uh supplements that we didn't have before. Um girls flag football uh some new GHSA sports at a couple of our schools. Um so there are um some additional supplements that are on there. Um those are there for your review in their entirety. >> Will high schools have girls? >> I think uh two have them this year. I do not. I think Heritage has flag football and Chris >> Ringle High. >> Ringo High School. Yes, sir. >> You have one. >> Yes, sir. They do. And it's fun to watch. I went to the very first game and it's incredible. I had a ball watching them. >> Georgia High School now. >> Yes, sir. It is. >> Any other questions? Good evening, board. Um, this
056is the time of year when we're reviewing uh June 2025 financials when uh the year's still not closed out. So, I always like to talk about why that is. Um, and you know, what fluctuations we might see before my team and myself can get everything closed out kind of in uh early September. Um mainly uh we are dealing with this delay because uh per the department of education in the state of Georgia we we work on the modified acrruel accounting uh method um which is used by governmental entities including public schools um and it combines aspects of both the cash basis and full acral accounting method. What that means in short is uh revenues are recognized when they are both measurable and available uh to finance current period expenditures uh typically within 60 days after
057the year end. So our year end is June 30th. Um but my team has to record and account for revenues and expenditures that um happen or we receive information for in July and August. uh namely large acruals for uh teacher salaries. On the expenditure side, they are recognized when the related liability is incurred except for things like long-term debt service and compensated absences uh which are recorded when due. So, we're still working through that process. This is what our June financials reflect right now, but after we get the books closed at the end of August or early September, we'll have our final landing spot for uh FY25. Uh so, as of right now, um for the general fund, June 2025, um year-to- date actuals for revenue were 127,786 322. Uh year-to- date expenditures um we're
058123,735395. Fund balance as of right now is at 6,51499 which is about $2 million more than it was in June last year which shows good progress. Um I think our ending fund balance uh once we get the years closed out will trickle up some maybe up to like a million dollars. Um and then once the acrruals are factored in we'll end about that $3.4 million number there on the right. So um we are in a better spot this year in June than we were last year. So that is good news for the um east plus reports uh for capital project funds balance sheet June 30th 2025 uh total assets 7,693 uh fund balance the same 7,693917. Uh on the statement of revenues, expenditures and changes in fund balance. Total revenues and other sources 23,298469. Total
059expenditures and other uses 27,459313 for that fund balance of 7,693 917. And then on the debt service funds balance sheet 2025 total assets and total fund balance are both 9 million72,138. Uh and on the statement revenues expenditures and changes in fund balance total revenues and other sources are 17,278633. Total expenditures and other uses 17,74,964 for that fund balance of 9,72,138. Does the board have any questions about the financials? And then the last thing tonight, I've got a legislative funding impact update. Uh, Superintendent Nicks asked me a few weeks ago to kind of put together a snapshot of um legislative impacts over the last few years uh into a concise table um to be able to discuss um as we navigate uh our dayto-day. Um, so as the board will see, we've got things in here
060like um statewide legislation, House Bill 581, which was in 2024, um, that implemented the the the floating homestead tax exemption. Um, we saw the first year of the results of that, um, which cut out about $90 million of inflationary increases uh, in the local tax digest. Um, Sen Senate Bill 233 is another one which is the Georgia Promise Scholarship Act or the School F Voucher Bill. Um, you know, I think the uh state dedicated about $144 million statewide for that program this year. Um, which maybe did not directly come from uh K through 12 public school funding, but uh, you know, could have been. Um the as we've talked about many times over the years or in the last three years since 2022 uh state board of health employer portion costs continue to increase uh
061going up to 18 or $1,885 per month per employee starting this July um for all employees. Um the state funds certified employees, so instructional staff, uh but any classified employees such as custodians, maintenance workers, clerical workers, um insurance, for them to have insurance now, the the district has to pay $22,620 a year. Um I had a section on there talking about the freeze of title 2, three, and four funding, but I updated the board last uh last meeting uh that that has now been released. Um and we got an email this afternoon um before coming in that uh the state board of education is meeting tomorrow to vote and and release that funding here locally. Um and then just some other matters um you know legislative changes to Medicaid at the federal level that will
062likely have impacts on title funding uh and free and reduced funding uh in the next couple of years as those organic as those changes have organic impacts on families no longer on Medicaid um fall off uh and are not automatically enrolled in our free and reduced lunch programs. Um and then lastly, local bills, House Bill House Bill 30 for um specific example is the local homestead exemption that'll be on the May 2026 ballot. Um that proposes an exemption of $100,000 assessed uh for residents of 67 years of age and older. Um if passed, that'll have an immediate impact of about $3 million of local funding uh that the district will lose and have to um come up with some other way. So, we are monitoring all legislative actions uh at all levels on how they
063are impacting funding now and in the future. Um, and I'll continue to update this document uh for Superintendent Nicks to uh answer any questions that might arise. Any questions? >> Thank you. agenda. >> That's correct. >> Yes, sir. That's my recommendation. Mr. Chairman, I do ask the board to approve action item G1, the June financial report. Action item two, the June East blast report. Action item three, human resources recommendations. Item four, field trip requests. Item five, the July 8th hearing one, the July 8th board meeting and the July 31st budget hearing minutes. Item six, October 7th, 2025 board meeting date change to October the 14th, out of state tuition change and itemate the local supplements. We have a recommendation. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And item nine with the resolution uh to rename the performance
064learning center. Whereas the performance learning center has successfully transitioned from a program to an independent school within the Kusa County public school district following the completion of all necessary steps and documentation. And whereas this transition offers significant advantages, including enhanced accountability and transparency by operating under the same measures as other districts statewide, reporting its own data for the college and for the college and career ready performance index and promise schools, and being responsible for its own academic achievement, progress, and graduation calculations. And whereas the name the Barnhart Academy honors a significant local legacy by recognizing the historic Barnhart Circle District and the civic contributions of the Barnhart family, strengthening the school's connection to the community. And whereas the selection of the Cavalier mascot maintains the performance learning cent's previous mascot and honors the heritage of
065the sixth calvary regiment upon once stationed upon Barnhart circle providing students with a symbol of resilience and pride. Now therefore, be it resolved that the Katus County Public School System uh of education hereby officially renames the performance learning center to the Barnhard Academy effective the 2526 school year for the Cavaliers as its official mascot. I recommend the board approve that resolution. >> We have a recommendation. We have a motion. Any discussion on this? >> Thank you, chairman. We have no need for executive session. >> Yes, sir. >> A motion to have a second. [Music]