001Welcome and good afternoon as we call to order the December 9th, 2025 regular monthly board meeting of the Hston County Board of Education at 100 p.m. At this time, if you will join me in silencing your cell phones so as not to disturb the proceedings and then we will always begin our me meeting with a moment of silence. So, if you will please join me at this time to reflect on the blessings and opportunities and our daily challenges that we have as individuals, but also collectively as a Hston County school district. So, board of moment of silence, please. >> Thank you. started to say that wasn't very silent, was it? [laughter] But anyway, that's okay. We're gonna move right along. Okay. Um, next on our agenda is our pledge of allegiance and it will be
002led by two of our students from Eagle Springs Elementary School and it's Grayson Barnes and Oka Hashimoto. So, Grayson and Oka, please everyone stand as they lead us in the pledge. I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you so much, Gracian and Oka. You did a great job. Okay, now we go to our my favorite time of the meeting. It's when we introduce our special guest. And so we will begin with um five of our school principles who have brought spe special guests for us to hear about and hear about their accomplish accomplishments. It seems like we kind of have a theme today. Um we've got lots of birds and we've
003got tigers and we've got cats. So I think I birds and cats and tigers am I or something like that? [laughter] >> All right, we will begin with our first principal. It's Dr. Jeff Washington from Eagle Springs Elementary School. So Dr. Washington, if you will please introduce your guest. >> Is this thing [snorts] on? First off, um because we're on a time limit, I don't want to embarrass myself. I have notes today. So first off, thank you to the board for allowing us to come in and say what amazing people we have with us and reflect on our school. It's amazing what you do each and every day to help us do our jobs and for that I say thank you. Now for the person I have with me first uh Miss Oka Hashimoto couple
004question I asked what is what does she like pride of herself this year? She's able to speak English a whole lot better. When asked about what did she learn this year? How to speak up and have a voice for herself. One word a teacher described her as sunshine. And when it talks about what she wants to be when she grows up, she wants to be just like her mom. Next, we have Mr. Grayson Barnes. Mr. Grayson Barnes, again, he learned about decimals and division. This year, he talks about one word that describes him is just being helpful. When asked what he wants to what he wants to do when he grow, he wants to go to Georgia Tech Georgia Tech and talk about what he's learned about himself. He says he always want to believe
005in himself and be helpful. I asked him, I say, "If you were a principal of the day, what would you want to do?" He said, "Number number one, I'mma do what you do. I again be good at my job, work on the computer, talk to kids, and yell really loud on the announcements." And for my last person I want to introduce is my teacher of the year, Miss Diana Nelson. Could you please stand, Miss Nelson? She's not going to want to. And you can see by the flowers she's gotten by Miss Okanashimato again. They're fourth graders now. They taught her last year. It tells the type of special person that she is. Um she has been again a godsend to not only to my school but our community. She and she going to sit on
006go. I embarrass. Um she again we have a PC process that she's established in that third grade literacy award that we have. She's the one that's led it and made sure to go to the point to be and teach all our kids. One last thing is two years ago she was diagnosed with stage three cancer. Not only did she come to work during her cancer uh treatments on the weekend so she can come to work every day, she then persisted on doing the very best for our kids and continue to grow. Uh you know, at the end of a cancer treatment, they ring the bell. I'm here to tell you and Miss Nelson, you ring the bell every day, not just for yourself, but for the kids and the community you serve. And I say
007thank you. [applause] >> [applause] >> Thank you, Dr. Washington. Now, we will move move on to our Hawks. Okay, we have the Hawks from Huntington Middle School and their principal is Dr. Marlon Robinson. So, Dr. Robinson. Well, first of all, I want to say good morning to everyone and I want to thank the board members for their um just great support for our school system and our community and just giving us the things that we need to make sure that our students are successful here in Hston County. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Um first of all, I want to start off with uh um take these glasses off. I can't see with them on take them off. First, I would like to introduce our Huntington Teacher of the Year. That's Dr. Patricia Woodward. Uh
008Dr. Woodward is a seventh grade special education math teacher and has been at Huntington Middle School for three years. She is our special education department chairperson and a member of our committed Hawks, which is our leadership team. Dr. Woodward firmly believes in a growth mindset where every student can learn and succeed. She does not allow her students diverse abilities to hinder their aspirations for achievement. Uh she maintains high learning expectations for all of her students and we just are blessed to have her on our staff because she fills in wherever we need her to fill in and she loves our kids kids and our and our school and we just thank you for that. That's Dr. Woodward. [applause] Next on our list I have Miss Dexy Lions. Yes, that's right. Dexany. Her father's name is
009Dexter. I did ask her that and she said yes. U so this is Dexany Lions and she is our reigning Miss Huntington. Um Dexany is in the sixth grade. Well, let me give you a little backstory on this. Both of these uh students are in the sixth grade and I don't think this has ever happened before where the upper classmen did not represent. Okay, we got sixth graders that campaigned so well that even the upper classmen voted for them to be Mr. Hawk and Miss Huntington. And that's that's a testament to their their their personality and and the things that they do here at Huntington Middle School. So Destiny, she's a sixth grade. She is an avid reader. Her favorite subject is math. I love that because I was a former high school math teacher.
010Of course, reading. She loves to read. Her favorite author is Gordon Coleman. Uh besides reading, Destiny loves to write. Matter of fact, she has co-written uh three 25 chapter books with her friend Her other hobbies uh include karate. You probably don't want to mess with her. Okay. [laughter] Public speaking and writing. Um when I asked Destiny what she likes most about Huntington, uh she said she likes the family atmosphere. She said the teachers, the staff, and her classmates feel it feels like family. Destiny hopes to become a cardiologist in the future. And we're so proud of Destiny and all the accomplishments she's made. She's an AB student and just just loves school and loves being at Huntington and we're proud of her as well. That's [applause] Last but not least, this is Mr. Aiden Harden.
011Aiden is also in the sixth grade. As I said earlier, Aiden is our reigning Mr. Hawk. Uh, but getting there wasn't so easy for him. Let me explain what I mean by that. Backstage, he fell. He rolled all the way down the ramp leading to the stage. Then during the talent portion, uh he this is what he told me. He forgot his speech and found himself rambling on about food. Okay, we didn't know what it was supposed to be, so we just went with it. We thought he that's what he was supposed to be talking about, but he did a great impromptu speech on food [laughter] apparently because you're Mr. Hall. Uh in the fifth grade, this is a a fact about him. In fifth grade, Aiden won the first place in the elementary school
012or rhetorical contest, beating out 17 other contestants. Aiden's favorite subject is social studies because he loves history. He enjoys learning about the Revolutionary War, World War I, and the Cold War. Aiden is a member of Huntington's choir. He loves to sing, uh, FBLA club, the FCA Club, and Beta Club. And he also plays football on the for the rec department. Uh, Aiden plans to pursue a career in technology or get this, teaching. And we want you to come back to Hston County and teach with us. All right, Aiden. [applause] Thank you, Dr. Robinson and your Hawks. Next, we're going to move on to some Tigers. So, we have the Thompson Middle School and their principal is Dr. Scott Wyn. >> Good afternoon, everybody. Um, first I want to start out with big shout out to
013uh my my friends at North Side High School and to um Mr. Nichols, Dr. uh Rogers and Dr. Frierson for showing up last night to the uh flag football state playoff game. They got to host for the first time. Um so very proud of them and thank you for you guys for coming out to support those Eagles. Um so now I'm going to talk about my Tigers. Okay. Uh bring up that because I think there were 14 Tigers on that Eagle football team. Um, so we we do a lot of greatness over there. So, um, just bragging a little bit. All right. So, I'm gonna talk about Miss Miss Carter. Miss Carter is our um reigning teacher of the year. Miss Carter is a teacher. Uh, she has been in education for 32 years. Uh,
014she's she beat me to Thompson. So, uh, Dr. uh, Dr. Stevens hired Miss Carter before I got there and she has been a phenomenal teacher for us. You walk into her classroom, uh, those students are always engaged. um always right on right on top of what they're doing. Um she's got them to where they can run the class without her, but they never do. Um she is a phenomenal teacher. Um she is a leader on that on that hallway. Uh teachers from other departments um and from other um areas of of special education um seek her guidance and her help. And she is just that person that um I am very thankful to have at Thompson Middle School. Um, so with with Miss Carter, I have two of my teach uh two of my students.
015I was going to talk about them separately, but they are so similar in so many ways that I kind of need to to give you a little bit of background. It's it's so fitting that um Jayla um has this t-shirt on that says kindness. Um so when I ask her teachers about her, all of her teachers use that use the word kind. She is incredibly kind to her fellow classmates, uh to people in the hallway, to teachers. Um, she seeks ways to help them and assist them. Um, I asked her who her favorite teacher was. Her favorite teachers are. She struggled to get it down to a few, but she said one of her favorite teachers is Miss Carter. Um, and this Miss Carter described her the same way. Very kind, always looking to be
016helpful. Um, and then I had Miss Emma Burns. Uh, Emma um her science teacher um said she wants Emma to be her stu student of the month every single month because Emma is teaching science. she is stopping um and helping other students who are struggling in class. Um Emma told me that she likes to teach in the math class as well. Apparently, Miss Stick didn't allow her to do that for some time. Um they are great kids. They're highly involved. Jayla is involved in um was involved in our FCCLA program. Um helps been in chorus. Uh um Miss Emma is in just about everything at the school. Uh she does chorus, she's cheerleader. Um she has been involved in all kinds of things in the drama club. Um so very excited to be able to
017present these two young ladies and Miss Carter. All great Thompson Tigers. [applause] >> Thank you, Dr. Wyn. And now we have some more Tigers. The Tigers from Tucker Elementary and their principal, Mrs. Eddie Williams. >> Thank you so much for having us. That was really kind of funny because tigers and I stood up because we're tigers and then I looked at the colors and I thought, what happened to Tuck? But anyway, I am so thankful to get to be here today. It is a good day anytime we're able to brag on Tucker Tigers. With me today, I have Miss Christy Matthews. She is our teacher of the year. She has been teaching for 24 years. She's a graduate of the Hston County leadership program. She serves on our guiding coalition, our kindness committee, job fair
018committee, and dance committee. She's a sponsor of our cooking club and supports our tutoring program. She is truly one of those teachers that she will stop at nothing to make sure our students have what they need, whether it be academically, socially, emotionally, or physically. She has purchased things for our students and made sure they had all the supplies they needed and she is always going above and beyond. We are so thankful for her. I also have with me today Miracle Rouse. She is a fourth grade student and her teacher said she was a model student leader that she's willing to offer a helpful hand to anyone in need. She pushes herself to be the best she can be. And she truly does push herself and will not accept anything lower than her highest standard. She
019knows what she wants. And her teacher said she knows who she is. Isn't that fabulous? She makes Tucker a better place. >> [applause] >> And I I also have Miss Emily Simmons. She is a second grade Tucker Tiger and her teacher is Mr. Baker. and he said that she was one of the most kindhearted students, that she is friends to everyone, she loves to help when she sees a friend in need, and she is a happy, loving, and positive example of a Tucker Tiger. So, I am very proud to announce these three stellar people that are Tucker Tigers, and I thank you for letting us come showcase them. >> [applause] >> Okay. And last but not least, we have the Westside Elementary School Wildcats and Dr. Tia Sharter will be introducing her Wildcats. Hello everyone.
020I am here in place of our principal, Miss Anonyique Allen to the board. And on behalf of our principal, thank you so much for having us and thank you for the work that you do to support what we do in the building each and every day. Today I have two of our Wildcat scholars and our teacher of the year. Our [clears throat] first student is Ilio Sarscino Santiago. Ilio is in the fifth grade and his favorite subject is social studies because he truly enjoys learning about history. He's also a member of our news crew and so he loves public speaking as well. Ilio's favorite hobby right now is learning how to play the piano and when he grows up he wants to become a musician. Our next student is Carmen Bingham. She's also a fifth
021grader. And Carmen said that she's really good at fractions, so her favorite subject is math. One of the things that she's been enjoying most of all is learning how to cook. And she told me that she can make chicken Alfredo from scratch. And so I told her, I want to taste it. Carmen wants when she grows up, she wants to become a um work for a major airline. She's also a member of our Westside Steppers and our gyms club. And finally, we have Miss Emma Bergman. Miss Bergman is our teacher of the year. She's married to Daniel and together they have a three-year-old and a twomonth-old. Miss Bergman serves in multiple capacities. She's truly a a teacher leader. She has served on our guiding coalition team, our PBIS team. She's a part of the job
022fair team as well as um just serving as a teacher leader with the ELA cadre and working with a lot of our new teachers. Miss Bergman is learning how to bake. So, she loves baking and she's looking forward to the holiday season. And one of the things that she said that she loved about Westside was the collaborative culture. She works along with so many different teacher leaders modeling benchmark and math lessons and truly just being a teacher leader for all those in the building. Thank you again. [applause] Thank you so much to each of our guests. Um all of you are truly an inspiration to us and we um thank you for your contributions to our school system. Um, we love hearing from our teachers, our principles, and our students. So, at this time, I
023will turn our meeting over to Dr. Rogers, who will recognize our other visitors. >> Well, good afternoon. How's everyone? >> Did y'all hear Levi from Westside enjoys public speaking? >> Raise your hand if you enjoy public speaking. There's not many hands up. Hey, it's good to be with you all today, guys. Today is our third board meeting. third board meeting where we are recognizing students who scored a perfect score of five on their advanced placement exams. Several years ago, we used to be able to have students from all five high schools in one board meeting. This year, it took three to be able to have enough space, and we, if you look around, we barely have enough space. Today, we'll recognize our final group of students from North Side High and Veterans High. audience, please
024hold your applause until each school has finished introducing their students. We will begin with the Eagles North Side High School. Thank you, Dodger Rogers and the board for having the Eagles out this afternoon. Um, two years ago, I came to this meeting for the first time to recognize AP5s and I had three people with me. Uh, we rode in my truck and um, last year I brought 10 people with me and we rode on the school bus and I told you our goal was now to fill that school bus. Today I have 19 people with me. [applause] >> I'm very proud of these Eagles and uh, we really appreciate your continued support removing that obstacle that financial burden for the testing. So, thank you very much. It's great to be a north side. >> Uh,
025hello. My name is Landon Carter and I got a five on the AP pre-calculus exam. >> My name is Daisy and I got a five on the AP pre-calculus. >> My name is Gen Ko Rivera and I got a five on the AP pre-calculus exam. >> My name is Mahir Taylor and I also got a five on the AP pre-calculus exam. My name is Shabari and I got a five on the AP L. >> My name is Jaden Duncan. I got a five on AP English language and composition, pre-calculus, and US history. >> My name is Alyssa Perez and I got a five on the AP pre-calculus exam. >> My name is Leonard Miller and I got a five on the AP learning exam. My name is Joseph Wise and I got a five on
026the AP government exam. >> My name is Andrea Henikios and I got a five on the AP US government and politics exam. >> Hi, my name is Natalie Hunio and I got a five on AP pre-calculus and AP US history. >> Hi, my name is Caitlyn Don and I got a five on the AP government exam. Hi, my name is Gabriella D and I got a five on the AP World History exam. >> My name is Maddie Burch and I got a five on the AP World History and AP Psychology exam. >> My name is DJ Beard and I got a five on the AP World History exam. >> My name is Abigail Meard and I got a five on the AP US government exam. >> My name is Stevie Sheffield and I got a
027five on the AP pre-calculus exam. My name is Zachary Butler and I got a five on AP Ling and the AP US History exam. >> My name is Eric Fonte and I got a five on the AP pre-calculus exam. >> Let's hear for North High School. [applause] And at this time we will hear from Veterans High School. Good afternoon. Um, similar to what Dr. Dyke said, um, thanks to you guys and removing some barriers for students, I think all of our programs continue to grow. Um, just to kind of give you an idea of what we have at Veterans Today, we have 60 underassmen here to recognize for fives. Um, if you add the 40 graduates that we had who also made fives, we had 167 fives in 2025. Um to give you some context
028numerically in 2024 we had 16% of 92 exams were fives. In 2025 18% of 944 exams were fives. So we increased um participation but also perfect scores. And right now we're on tap to probably give an estimated 1100 exams in the coming school year. Um I think that that's a testament to what our district does in teaching and learning, what Dr. Calhoun does to support the program. um what you guys do to support our program and our teachers and our students. Our students have really stepped up to the challenge. Our teachers have recognizing the benefit of this program. And I also would like to thank Miss Brock. Um she's our API and she does a phenomenal job of continuing to support and grow that program. So at this time without further ado, let's recognize the
029the Warhawks. >> My name is Austin Feltus and I made a five on the AP pre-calculus and AP Physics one exam. >> Hi, I'm Destiny Bratton. I made a five on the AP pre-calc exam. >> I'm Brooke Vandalinda. I made a five on AP US History, AP pre-calculus, AP environmental science, AP Lang, and AP psychology. [applause] >> Um, hey, I'm Jasmine Gilbert. I got a five on AP pre-calculus, AP environmental science, and AP statistics. >> Great job. Hi, I'm Annie and I got a five on AP environmental science, AP English literature language, AP pre-calculus, AP psychology, and AP US history. [applause] >> I'm Brady Delcourt. I got a five in uh AP pre-calculus, AP Lang, AP US History, AP Physics 1, and AP Physics 2 exams. [applause] >> I'm Jackson Yub. I'm Jackson Eubanks. I
030got a five in AP pre-calculus. And that's it. >> Abby Nixon and I got a five on the AP World History. >> I'm Mila Cobb and I got a five on the AP World History Exam. >> My name is Jesse Cross. I got a five on a push, stats, pre-cal, and playing. I'm Herbert Ambara. I got a five on AP physics and AP calc AB. >> I'm Gabby Horton and I got a five on the AP World History. >> I'm Kayla Judy and I got a five on the AP stat. >> I'm Ann Norcross and I got a five on AP government. >> I'm Oliver Simmerson and I made a five on AP pre-cal and AP psych. >> I'm Noah Kalinowski and I got a five on the pre-cal exam. I'm Jacob Day and I
031got a five on the AP pre-cal exam. >> I'm Jeremiah Harrington and I got a five on the AP pre-cal exam. >> I'm Oliver Goldbeck and I got a five on the AP World History exam. >> I'm Aaron Matthews and I got a five on AP World and AP precal. >> I'm Johnson that made a five on the AP precal. >> I'm Preston Oaks and I made a five on AP lane. I'm Tim Germaine. I made a five on AP pre-calculus exam. >> I'm Abby Larson and I made a five on the AP World History and AP Statistics. >> I'm Amaya Taylor and I made a five on the AP pre-calculus exam. >> I'm Wallace George. I made a five on AP pre-calculus. >> I'm Daniel Fam and I got a five on AP world
032history and a and AP statistics. I'm David Fam and I made a five on pre-calc and US history. >> I'm Jess Button and I got a five on AP pre-calc. >> No cross and I got a five on gov a push and precal. >> I'm Kayen Hilton. I got a five on the AP calculus BC exam with a subcore of five. I'm Allison Rer and I got a five on the AP psych exam. >> I'm Braden Smith and I made a five on the AP World History exam. >> My name is Ray Peligra. I'm in AP I mean AP5 in world and this is my bestie Connor. >> Hello, I'm Connor Harris. I made a five on the AP pre-calculus exam. >> Hello, I'm William Metal Blute. I made an AP I made a five
033on the AP pre-calculus exam. My name is Travis Rotho and I made a five on the AP pre-calculus exam. >> My name is Parker Boon and I made a five on AP World History and AP pre-cal. >> My name is Jaylen Jordan. I got a five on the AP pre-calc. >> I'm Corey Emerson and I made a five on the AP World exam. >> My name is Elijah Belchure and I made a five on US history. My name is Joshua Miller and I made a five on US history and pre-COAL. >> My name is Rainey Wade and I made a five on the AP World History exam. >> My name is Brendan Barnwell and I got a five in AP pre-calculus, AP US History, and AP English Language. >> My name is Simeon Mitchell and
034I got a five on the AP environmental science exam. My name is Nate Springer and I got a five on pre-calc and gov. >> My name is Jaden St. Helier and I got a five on the AP pre-cal exam. >> My name is Stephanie Lorettes and I got a five on AP psychology exam. >> My name is Haley Glass and I got a five on the AP pre-cal exam. >> My name is Aubrey Kegley and I got a five on AP English language. >> My name is Josh Firestone. I got a five in AP psychology, pre-calculus, and chemistry. >> My name is Francesca Jones and I got a five on AP Lang. >> My name is Haley Maloney and I got a five on AP pre-cal. >> My name is Madison Nichols. I made a
035five on psychology and environmental science. My name is Derek Tran and I got a five on AP chemistry, AP pre-calculus, AP psychology, and AP English language exams. [applause] >> Hi, my name is Lily Hardy and I got a five on AP US History and AP Psychology. >> My name is Raven Purdue and I got a five on the AP US history and AP pre-calculus exam. My name is Sylvia Stinson and I made a five on my AP pre-calculus exam. >> My name is Arya Shannon and I made a five on the AP L exam. [applause] >> Students, we are so proud of you guys. Listen, I want you to do me a favor. These folks to my right and left paid for the AP exams. Let's thank them. [applause] All right. At this time, I'd
036like to invite our guest from the United Way of Central Georgia to join me up for a special check presentation. The Hston County School District has been a longtime supporter of the United Way of Central Georgia because we understand that our students can't focus on learning unless their basic needs are met. And let me tell you, these guys right here, they provide food at our Lindsay Student Support Center. That food goes to our families here in Hston County. So, our partnership with United Way, it is just powerful. They are they are changing lives. And I'm so proud of the staff and employees of Hston County for the amount of money we continue to raise each year that goes back into this local community. Because our challenge here is no matter why you move to Hston
037County, we're going to take care of your needs. Whether it's the most academic rigorous course or you need food on your table and that's our commitment to you guys. And I just at this time it is an honor to present a check to them. Get this. Our people did $24,46786. [applause] Now, let me say something about this guy right here. He's retiring from us >> from United Way. You can tell he's very sad about it. This is his last month, but he has been a a a changer. He has changed lives in the Middle Georgia area. And I challenge all the students in here. That should be your goal. Choose a profession where you can change lives. Where you look in that mirror and say, "I made a difference." And that's what he's done. And
038I'm so glad I get to go to his last meeting next week ahead of United Way before he sells off into retirement. We just had lunch together. Had a great time together. But listen, he likes to talk. So, I'm gonna give him the microphone for just a moment. >> So, your superintendent just violated one of the rules. Never give a microphone to a preacher or a fundraiser. [laughter] Um, I I do want to say one thing though. I went to college. I went to a little school in North Carolina, most of you probably never heard of, called Wake Forest University. And we actually we have a football team. Um, and their motto this year was built in the dark. And and what that symbolized was all the work that was done before they go out
039on the field and show you what you do. And this check right here was built in the dark. This guy right here, your superintendent, and Jennifer Jones back here, several years ago, they took over the United Way campaign at the school system down here. And Over the next several years, they have steadily built this to where you're now our third largest campaign in the whole United Way network. So Ricky, uh, or Dr. Rogers, uh, I want to give you a hand. Uh, or y'all should give him a hand. >> [applause] [applause] >> and and you mentioned the partnerships that we had uh with Lindsay Elementary. Uh we're doing our Reed United program now in four elementary schools in Hston County. And then uh the chairman of your board this year. Uh if you haven't seen,
040we're partnering with Hughes Honda this year for our auto raffle. And if I could put in a shameless fundraising ploy. Uh if you haven't gotten your raffle tickets, we're giving away two tickets to the Sugar Bowl. So get your raffle tickets, a chance to win a Honda, and maybe go to the Sugar Bowl. But all the work that we do is not possible organizations like you. So, uh, as I I'm not sailing. I'm going to the golf course, but, uh, thank you for all the work that you and Jennifer and all the staff, uh, with the school system has done. Again, it's just incredible the what y'all grown down here. Thank you. [applause] >> [applause] >> I want you to know I've already purchased my tickets for this car raffle from Hughes Hondao. Okay, how
041many of you guys talking to my high schoolers here? Who needs who needs a new car? >> All of you. >> And if you don't win, the money went to United Way. It's a win. >> Anyway, it's out right now. All right, guys. Finally, I'd like to call Mr. Jay Flesher. He's the manager of economic development for Flint Energies to come forward for a press a special presentation. We have a great great partnership with Flint Energies. We appreciate them. He's about to present a check and I just know it's going to be the amount of the check I just presented to someone. Let's see. We'll find out. >> This is actually a symbol of a lot longer relationship. Um, actually it's around 80 years worth of relationship that this symbolizes each year that we give
042back to you guys because this is your investment into the co-op which al also helps serves this community and serves your school system. So this year's uh donation is $85,000 or $82,000 and uh we appreciate the the partnership in that. [applause] And I hope I hope for those in here, you've heard a key word, partnership. Partnership. Let's work together for the betterment of this [snorts] community, guys. Thank y'all. [applause] Okay, moving right along. Okay, at this point in time, we will need to adopt our agenda, the business part of the meeting. Um, so Dr. >> Yes, Madam Chair. I move to adopt the agenda as published. >> Second. Okay, we have a motion by Dr. Unrew and a second by Mr. Nichols to adopt the agenda as published. Are there any questions or comments regarding
043the agenda? If not, all those in favor, please raise your hand. >> Motion approved 6. Okay. The next item will be our minutes from our previous meeting. Dr. Enrew. >> Yes. I move to approve the minutes from the previous meeting. >> Second. >> Okay. We have a motion by Dr. Enrew and a second by Miss Johnson to approve the minutes from our previous meetings. Um any questions, comments or corrections, additions? If not, all those in favor, please raise your hand. Motion approved. 6. Okay. At this point in time, we will have our board member comments. And Mr. Crockett, you I believe you have some comments for us today. Yes, ma'am. >> It's uh December, isn't it? The holiday season is a time for celebration. reflection and togetherness. It's a time to pause and find joy
044in being with those who matter most to us. To our students, you're the heart of everything we do. Your enthusiasm, curiosity, and dedication to learning are gifts that you share with us. As we break for the holidays, we encourage you to take time to recharge, reflect on your achievements, and set new goals for 2026. Remember, your potential is limitless and as a gift to you, we pledge our support in everything you do. To our parents, thank you for entrusting your child's education with us. Your gifts of partnership and involvement are vital to the success of your child and to the success of our district. We wish for you a wonderful holiday season with your family. To our dedicated support staff, you are a true gift. You are the backbone of the house and county school
045district. To our teachers, thank you for your gifts of passion, your calling to teach, and your commitment to our students. Your tireless tireless efforts in creating challenging and meaningful learning opportunities are priceless gifts you give to your students every day. We're grateful for your hard work and unwavering dedication. As we look forward to 2026, let us carry on the spirit of unity, resilience, and dedication that defines the House County School District. Let us continue to embrace the love for learning, embrace the diversity of our district, and strive for excellence in everything county. Together in 2026, we will overcome any obstacles that come our way, and we will continue to provide a worldclass education for our students. I'd like to close with this poem written by Helen Steiner Rice. What is Christmas? It's more than a
046day at the end of the year, more than a season of joy and good cheer. Christmas is really God's pattern for living to be followed all the year by unselfish giving. For in giving to others and and being kind, man finds true joy and peace of mind. and peace on earth will come to stay when we live Christmas every day. So on behalf of the entire board, we wish for you a joyful and peaceful holiday season. May it be filled with love, joy, and cherished moments with your family. [applause] >> Thank you, Mr. Crockett. You're always inspiring. Um Miss Johnson, would you like to share? Yes. Merry Christmas, everybody. Um, and thank you for being here and joining us. Um, Mr. Crockett said it beautifully, but I did just want to share um, a couple
047of sentiments. Um, and you'll have to bear with me because as I've gotten older, I've realized that as seasons change, seasons change. Um, they change what they mean to us. So, I just wanted to share this with you guys. Um, just a little different perspective. Not everybody loves Christmas. Although it might seem strange, some people don't dislike the fuss and long to rearrange the pressures of perfection, sensory overload, hearts that ache for absentees, heads threatening to explode, the lonely and the lost ones, the penniless and the poor, no presents, food or sparkling tree, no family at the door. So please don't think it's rude, ungrateful, self-absorbed. It's just at times these big events are easily ignored. Enjoy [clears throat] the day you're given. Love and understand that those who don't love Christmas might just need
048a helping hand. >> Thank you. Thank you. [applause] >> Okay. Anyone else would like to comment? Okay. Thank you to both of you. um both inspirational and meaningful at this time of year. Okay, get it together. All right. Um at this time, we have an intermission. >> Oh, Dr. Rogers. I forgot the most important. [laughter] >> I'm gonna get fired. It's okay. >> Y'all, she's my boss. [laughter] I will take over now. Hey, uh, I know this was already mentioned earlier, but congratulations. I should be up here soon to our North Side High School girls flag football team who recently won the region championship. Let me tell you [applause] this. It was so amazing to go watch this last night. I was trying to figure out the rules. I mean, I loved it and I
049was so proud of them. And so just if you can go out and see one of those, do it because it was an amazing evening. I'm proud of our north side eagles for making it that point. Uh to better meet the needs of our community. Hston County School District would now be accepting applications for enrollment in the Hston virtual on a semester basis. The application period for the spring 2026 semester is now open through January 9th, 2026. During this time, parents of 6th through 12th graders will have the opportunity to apply for their child to be considered for HTM virtual for the spring 2026 semester. So students in the room, if you feel that's better for you spring semester, here's your option to apply. To learn more information about the process and requirements, visit our
050website. All right, guys. Here's another great moment. Holiday give and go. Our district has been approved to offer free snack kits for children ages 18 and under during winter break. These kits include a variety of items such as crackers, cereals, juice, and more. These snack packs are perfect for traveling families or for kids who may need quick, easy snacks while adults are at work. Snack kits will be served at here's the three locations, guys. Bonire Middle School, Langston Road Primary School, and North Side Elementary. So those are the three locations. Friday, December 19th. So, our last day starting at 2:30 p.m. because y'all know the last day is a half a day. Don't cry or be sad about that. And it ends at 4:30 or until supplies last. Okay. I'm excited. I'm going to one
051of the locations. I believe our entire executive team. I've heard from a couple board members. It's just going to be a great time because remember, we're here to take care of all and some struggle with food when we're out of school for two weeks. So that's our that's why we're doing that. Talking about that winter break, the end of first semester is almost here. The last day of school before the break is December 19th, which is a half day. Our faculty and staff will return on Friday, January 2nd. And our students will return on Monday, January 5th. And students, a lot of faculty and staff would like to return on Monday, January 5th, too. Guys, you guys are lucky. I want to wish everyone a happy holiday. I hope our students and staff enjoy this
052well-deserved break and return refreshed and ready for second semester. Guys, we're proud of you. This has been an excellent first half of the year, and that's because of everyone in this room. So, go off to the break knowing we're proud of you. We're glad to have you in Hston County. You're an important part of this school district. Thank you. >> Thank you, Dr. Rogers. [applause] Okay, now at this time we will have a brief intermission for our students to return to school. Merry Christmas to all. Enjoy your holiday and see you next time. See you next year. Okay, thank you. Um, we will now return to our agenda. Um the next item on our agenda are our department reports. Um so are there any questions or comments from our board members regarding the department reports
053that they received over the weekend? I just have one and that is on the uh the districts and school effectiveness. We saw we got the CCPI scores very impressive as always. But I had a question right smack in the middle of that chart is 100. Does that mean 100%? And what does that exactly mean? system middle closing gaps. >> Okay. So, it's not that we don't have any gaps. It's just Sounds like a A+ to me. Sounds great. [laughter] Thank you, >> Dr. Ferson. Why don't you speak just a moment on like the elementary one, the way it it goes back and forth that we've discussed on our team. Overall, Okay, good questions. Anyone else have any additional questions? Okay, thank you to all for your hard work in preparing those reports. We do look
054at them and we do have questions from time to time. So, thank you for um your diligence. All right, now we'll move on to our new business and the first item will be our financial reports. So, that will be Miss Morris. Good afternoon. >> We'll try it. Okay, there we go. This afternoon, I bring before you the financial uh statements for October for approval. October general fund had assets of 114,942,000, liabilities of 33,467,000 and a fund equity of 81,475,000. General fund revenue for October was 25 29,969,000 and expenditures were 38,158,000. Debt service assets and fund equity were 7,92,000. Revenue for debt service for October was 3,288,000 with no expenditures. Our capital projects for October had assets and fund equity of 71,43,000. Revenue for capital projects was 510,000 with expenditures of 4,384,000. Other programs for October
055had assets of 17,78,000, liabilities of 1,821,000, and a fund equity of 15,887,000. Revenues for other programs were 5,426,000 and expenditures of 5,546,000. Our preliminary November information is as follows. For general fund assets were 119,238,000 liabilities of 36,574,000 and a fund equity of 82,664,000. General fund revenue for November was 35,837,000 and expenditures of 34,648,000. debt service for November and had assets and fund equity of 9,557,000 had revenues and debt service of 2,467,000 and now we are uh funded for the year for our debt service u program or fund and expenditures of $2,000 for agency fees. Capital projects for November had assets and fund equity of 69,53,000. Revenues for capital project was 1,165,000 and expenditures of 3,66,000. Other programs for November had assets of 16,87,000, liabilities of 1,914,000, and a fund equity of 14,1 72,000. Revenues for
056other programs were 2,491,000 and expenditures of 4,25,000. Next is our Adalorum tax receipts. As of November, we had collected 8,982,000, which is 12.15% of our budget. And just keep in mind, the majority of our collections will be in December and January. For sales tax, a local option sales tax calendar year receipts are 36,574,000. And for our education special purpose local option sales tax, our receipts are 36,594,000. For uh local option sales tax, we are 1.80% above prior year collections. And for our east loss, we are 1.86% over priority year collections for the same time period. And lastly is our title advalorum tax. Year-to- date collections is 4,93,000. This is 10.76% above last year's collections for the same time period. So that's the financial report for today. >> Okay. Thank you, Miss Morris. Are there any
057questions at this time for Miss Morris regarding the financial reports? Okay. If not, Miss Johnson. >> Okay. We have a motion by Miss Johnson and a second by Mr. Crockett to approve the October 2025 financial reports as presented. Um, any other comments? If not, all those in favor, please raise your hand. Okay. Motion approved. 6. Okay. Miss Morris, you have the next item. purchasing report. >> We have two items to present for approval on our purchasing report. [clears throat] The first item, we're requesting a new sound system for McConnell Talbert Stadium from DB Integrations for a total of $141,2528. The next item is to approve a contract with Sunb Belt Sports for the track project at Mossy Creek Middle School for a total amount of $249,14. And that includes the project cost plus a $10,000
058contingency for the track project for total uh estimated cost from general fund of $390,3568. >> Okay. Thank you. Um, are there any questions regarding the purchasing report from our board members? >> May I just say this sound system, we're excited about it for the Mac. >> It's the real deal. >> Yes. >> And it's going to make a big difference at the Mac. So, it's going to be good. Thank you'all for that. >> Are we looking at maybe doing same thing? >> Maybe maybe Freedom Field. We would never do Perry. [laughter] >> I knew that. You set me up for that one, coach. >> But Freedom Field, >> but on a serious note, yes, we're going to evaluate it here and then compare it to the other two stadiums. And you know, we want to
059take care of all. So, if need be, that'll be a project in the future. >> What about the flashing lights now? Got the flashing lights. >> You got the flashing lights. >> Some folks don't like that flashing lights. >> I like I [laughter] like it. So, you got the flashing lights. You should >> Okay. All right. Um, purchasing report, Mr. Nichols. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. I do want to say that myself and Mr. Trent went over and and were able to hear this system as it was as a a sample. And uh, it was amazing. It was absolutely amazing because for many many many years, and this is not a beatdown, it's just the truth. That system at McConnell Talbert Stadium has been pretty terrible. sound like a ten can, a tuna can, and
060you're trying to announce and play a little music. And anyway, it sounded like my old stereo on the shelf back in the day when I was 12 and 13. But we're finally going to get a a sound system at McConnell Talbert Stadium. So, I'm excited. So, I'll make a motion to accept the purchasing report with a financial impact of $390,3568 as presented. >> Second. Okay, we have a motion by Mr. Nichols and a second by Dr. Unrew to approve the December 2025 purchases. Any other comments? Okay. All those in favor, please raise your hand. Okay. Motion approved 6. All right. Now, the next item also, Miss Morris, surplus assets. >> Yes, ma'am. We are uh bringing before you 13 vehicles and trailers that we were asking for approval to surplus. And just to bring this
061to your attention, the 1999 Chevrolet farm truck is used by Northside High School for their a program. The sale of this vehicle will go back to their school to reinvest in their a program. All right. Any comments or questions for Miss Morris regarding the plus assets. I know a Georgia quarterback that has an old truck, too. So, [laughter] >> wow. >> Just thought I'd throw that in. >> Okay. >> Um anyway. Okay. Um Mr. Jackson. >> Yes, Madam Chair. I'd like to make a motion to declare the 13 assets as surplus. Each item has been taken out of service due to age, condition, or mileage. This asset will be sold through Governor's Deal.com. >> Second. >> Okay, we have a motion by Mr. Jackson and a second by Mr. Crockett to approve the um the
062declared the 13 assets as surplus. Um are there any other comments? If not, all those in favor, please raise your hand. Okay. Motion approved. 6. Okay. You're just real busy, Miss Mars. You're getting rid of some buildings, too. >> Yes, ma'am. [laughter] Finally, we are requesting to declare two portable buildings a surplus. These are located at Hston County High School. >> Okay. Any comments or questions for Miss Morris regarding these two portable buildings? Okay. If not, Mr. Crockett. >> Yes, Madam Chair. I move that we approve the request to declare two portable buildings located at Hson County High School a surplus. They will be demolished and removed from the asset inventory. >> Second. >> Okay. We have a motion by Mr. Crockett and a second by Mr. Nicholls to declare the two portable buildings as
063surplus that are at Hston County High School. Any other comments? If not, all those in favor, please raise your hand. Okay. Motion approve 6. All right, Dr. Stevens, personnel reports >> and good afternoon. >> Good afternoon. >> So, I present to you the personnel report for the month of December. So, for certified resignations and retirements, we have five. This time last year, we had nine. Certified transfers, we have three. This time last year, we had one. Certified new hires, we have two. This time last year, we had three. Certified vacancies, we have 11. This time last year, we had seven. For classified resignations and retirements, we have eight. Classified transfers, zero. Classified new hires, eight. And classified vacancies, we have 46. And this time last year, we had 55. >> Any questions for Dr. Stevens
064regarding the personnel reports? >> Okay. If not, um, Dr. Enroo. Yes, madam chair. I'd like to make a h motion to approve the monthly personnel reports. >> Second. >> Okay. We have a motion by Dr. Enrew and a second by Mr. Jackson to approve the personnel reports for the December. All those in favor, please raise your hand. Okay. Motion approved. 6. All right. I don't believe we have anyone who wants to talk to us today. All right. But we do need a motion to go into executive session for personnel m. >> We have a motion by Mr. Nichols and a second by Mr. Crockett to go into executive session. So we will all those in favor all that please raise your hand. Motion approved 6. All right. We will reconvene in about three to five
065minutes in executive session.