001Yeah, we haven't we haven't had it in a couple months. >> It was good going around seeing everybody. Our school nutrition folks regular meeting of Tuesday. I'm very excited to be here with all the chatter in the room. So, thank you for being here. As per our customary procedures, if you would please silence your cell phones at this time or any electronic devices that you might have. And as we usually begin our meetings, we begin with a moment of silence just to kind of calm our spirits and our thoughts and just um reflect on our many blessings and also the opportunities that we have during this meeting today. So a moment of silence, please. Thank you. Okay, at this time we will have two of our students from Bonire Primary. We have Hazel Parker and
002Ava Hughes coming forward to help lead us in the pledge of allegiance. So if if everyone will stand, they will lead us in their pledge. To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands. One nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Great job. Thank you so much, Hazel and Ava. You are going to be real leaders. Okay, as we begin our meeting at this time, we will hear from five of our school principles who have brought special guests to introduce and we always enjoy this time in our meeting. Um, we will begin with, as I said, Bonire Primary and their principal is Dr. Ashley Watkins. So, Dr. Watkins. Hi, good afternoon everyone. I am the proud principal of Bonire Primary and I have the honor of bringing
003with me three extraordinary guests today. I'll begin by introducing Miss Ava Hughes. Ava is the daughter of Dalon and Aaron Hughes. And let me just say Ava is the epitome of a girl boss. Okay, I'm pretty sure I could hand her my keys and walkie and she could run the place. Um, she keeps us all in line and on our toes and she looks amazing while she does it each and every day. This is her fourth year at Bonaire Primary. And a fun connection that I have with both of these girls is that we started at Bonire Primary at the same time. So I became principal when they started prek and we have just really grown together. So um Ava's favorite subject is reading. She said because of all the emotions that books can make
004you feel, she would love to be a nurse when she grows up. And her favorite thing about Bonire Primary are attending the um pause parties or behavior celebrations. Okay, this is Miss Ava Hughes. Right, up next we have Miss Hazel Parker. Hazel is the daughter of Stan and Amanda Parker. Again, she has been at Bonner Primary all four years. She's in her um second grade, one of our GTE classes. Um her favorite subject is science because of all of the experiments. She hopes to become a team USA soccer player one day. Um, and Hazel is just known for being such a good and kind friend. Both of these girls are members of Anchored for Life and so they help welcome new students into our building. I will say when I first started, so um, Hazel
005was in prek. She came up to me one day and she looked at me and she was like, "You know, you're the boss of the whole school, right?" And I was like, "Hazel, why did you just tell me that now? Now I really feel the pressure." So, um, she reminds me each and every day of the important job that I have there, and they are two of the reasons why I love my job. So, Miss Hazel Parker. All right. And then last, but certainly not least, we have my teacher of the year, Miss Michelle Sergeant. Let me just say, every school needs a Miss Sergeant. She is not only our teacher of the year, she is a gifted lead for our school. She is on the ELA and social studies curriculum writing team for the
006county. She helps out with the new teacher trainings for the county. And in her spare time, although I have yet to understand how she has any, she um loves to golf, swim, she attends Green Bay Packers games, and she is quite the regular at the Masters each year. I don't understand how she always wins in the lottery, but um she is still willing to take any unused tickets. So, if you have any tickets that you're not wanting for the next year, she will gladly go in your place. Um, she is above all um a mom and a wife to a beautiful family. Her husband is Cody Sergeant and they have two beautiful kids, Aaron and Ally. She is a soccer mom and she just goes in her room each and every day and builds relationships
007with the students, the parents and our faculty. And this is why greatness starts here. So again, Miss Michelle Sergeant Thank you so much, Dr. Watkins. Now, we will move along. We next we have um Facen Mill School and their principal is Mrs. Elizabeth Foster. >> Good afternoon, everyone. Um we are so excited to be here and thank you for this opportunity. Um I'm excited to introduce two of our outstanding eighth graders at our school. um being the new principal at Fagan Mill um I don't know anybody as well and so reached out to our teachers and our faculty to get some recommendations about what two students that they felt like would represent our school the best and both of these students names just came up over and over not just from eighth grade teachers but
008from both the sixth and seventh grade teachers and so I'm excited to introduce um y'all to them. So first up is Miss Reagan Nolan. So Reagan is an eighth grade student. Um and Reagan is involved in many different activities at Fagen Mill. She is a peer leader for sources of strength. She is also currently our FCCLA president where she was a very big part last year in our chapter winning a national award for financial fitness. She also is a game squad cheerleader for eighth grade for both football and basketball cheerleading. And this year we have a new news team and she serves in that capacity as well. Then we also have with us today Mr. Jonah Carter. So Jonah is also an eighth grade student. Jonah is also a peer mentor for sources of strength.
009He is part of the chorus program at Fagenill Middle School and he actively participates in that by being part of our spring musical every single year. He's a member of FCA. He is also a member of the eighth grade football team and he does theater making outside of school. One thing so important to note about both of these students is that they excel academically in the classroom, but also they exhibit our Wolfway characteristics every single day and are student leaders in our building. and we are just so thankful to have both of them as part of our Wolfpack family. Then I have our teacher of the year, Mr. Dustin Rainey. Mr. Rainey is currently an eighth grade math teacher. He has been a teacher for 19 years. All of those 19 years have been at
010Fagamill Middle School. um 18 of those years he has taught math with one lone year as a social studies teacher and then came back to math. He wears many many hats for us at Fagan Mill and serves as a teacher leader on our leadership team. He is a very important part of our PBS team PBIS team and leading those Wolfway celebrations and he also serves as a team leader. He has been a PLT leader and a coach. But I want to say the most important thing about Mr. Rainey is that he builds positive relationships every single day with all of the students in our school. Whether they're on his team, on another team, in another grade, he is a mentor and we are so lucky and appreciative of everything that he does for us at
011Fagen Mill. Thank you. Thank you, Miss Foster, and for bringing your Fagan Mill wolves to see us today. We appreciate that. Um, our next group of visitors come from Lake Joy Elementary and their principal is Dr. Tammy Godwin. Yes. Thank you so much. And Miss Hughes, like you said, it's a blessing to be here and I could easily talk about Lake Joy because we do have many, many blessings. Um, and today is no doubt any different. So, first I brought my teacher of the year, Miss Clug. Miss Clug, if you'll stand. Miss Klug is that I can do anything and everything teacher. If she sees a task that needs to be done, she does it sometimes without even asking her to do anything. Um, she has served on so many clubs, I have no idea
012how many to count. And often, you know, teachers just serve help host one club on numerous years. She has served multiple clubs. So, she is quite busy with Lake Joy in the classroom and out. Um she has been a fourth grade teacher with us for six years and taught a wide variety of students and has been um a wonderful asset to our school. Um her students always have great numbers. Um she does a great job with her parents and within our school. Um the most important thing I would say today is she is going to bless us in December with a lion cub. So we're super excited about that too. So she is just all around a wonderful asset to have at our school. So, thank you so much. Now, we always say at Lake
013Joy, come over here, baby, that we are the Joy. And this is Joy Thomas. And she truly exemplifies, if you can see that, Grin, this is how she is all the time. I have watched her in the classroom, out of the classroom, and the lunchroom. Um, students just migrate to her. She is accompanied today by her mother, Jade Thomas, who you may recognize as a former teacher of the year. the district former teacher of the year and currently the runner up for the state teacher of the year. So, we're not surprised Joy is standing here with me today with those leadership qualities. And she does have those qualities. Um students, as I said, rally to her no matter what area of the school that she is in. She um can handle any task no matter
014how challenging. And her teachers shared with me that in fourth grade um her reading and math grew um exponentially. So, we're so proud of her and the work that she is doing here at Lake Joy. And next, I have Jamir Brunson. He is accompanied today with his dad, Mr. Brunson. Jir is that quiet leader, a natural-born leader, that scholar that truly inspires others. He too has students that just migrate to him as a leader. Um, he has such great potential in this world. and I both of these uh students here I tell them all I look forward to them taking care of me one day um and I know they're going to do just wonderful wonderful things. So we could not be prouder of these three at Lake Joy. Thank you. Thank you Lake Joy
015Elementary Lions and Dr. Godman. Thank you for bringing them today. All right. Next we have um Langston Road Elementary and their principal is principal Ms. Kean Cobb. >> Good afternoon everyone. Thank you for having us here today. We're so excited to have three special guests here to represent Langston Road Elementary. Our first that we're going to introduce is Kingston Sharter. He will stand up. Kingston. Kingston is a remarkable fifth grade student who strives to always do the right thing. You will never catch him doing anything besides that. He sets a great example for others. He has a positive attitude. Um he's always respecting the rules and has kindness towards his um students, other students and teachers. Kingston is just a well-rounded student who excels both in and outside the classroom. His favorite subject is social
016studies. Um outside of the classroom, he enjoys drama club and Fortnite and Roblox, basketball, football. Um, and you know, his consistent effort, integrity, and smile will always light up a room anywhere he goes. So, if you're ever in a bad mood, just find Kingston. He will definitely make you feel better. He is a true Langston Star student. Thank you, Kingston. Next, we have Charlotte Gladen. Charlotte is a shining example of a Langston Star student. She's a fifth grade student who brings a positive attitude and a bright smile to everything she does. Whether she's performing in the drama club, singing her heart out, she loves to sing, or talking about her love for horses, Charlotte's joy is contagious. She truly loves all things school. What's your favorite subject, Charlotte? Everything about school. She just got to
017be there and approaches every subject with excitement. Known for giving the best hugs, she can turn anyone's day around. Charlotte is a ray of sunshine and who will make school a happier place just by being herself. Thank you, Charlotte. And last, but certainly not least, Miss Palma, my teacher of the year. Um, I could stand here all day and talk about Miss Palma, but I will not. Um, she is our PE teacher. um for the last two years, but Miss Palm Amazon has taught for the last 18 years. It's her 19th year in teaching. Um she is known around the building for building relationships with students. Every student she touched, they love Miss Palma, they go to her to talk to her about things and she really cares for our students and they know that
018she's always very reflective of her practices. What can I do better? How could I have done that better? We have these conversations all the time like you did wonderful, Miss Pomon. No, what can I do different? So, she's always wanting to grow and learn. Um, excuse me. Beyond school, she is a wife and two have two beautiful children that keep her busy with sporting events all the time. She loves to work out and to read um and to um coach when she can spare time. We can always count on Miss Palma to do anything around the building. We know she's dependable, hardworking, committed, and positive. and we are so thankful to have her as part of our team. Langston, thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Cobb. And thank you for bringing those smiles and joy
019uh into our building today. That really are, if you could see it from up here, it's amazing. Okay, and finally, our last group of visitors comes from Shirley Hills Elementary, and their principal is Mrs. Kristen Brooks. >> Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you for having us and we are so excited to not be last but to share our our outstanding people. So first I have Miss Shayla Mendes and fun fact I taught her sister in second grade and she was in Miss Herren's class in second grade. Shayla is one of our newscasters. She's also a member of our junior PBS team. She is a part of our junior master gardener class uh club. I apologize. As well as a member of our recycling club and our flag. So she, as little as she may be, she
020gets up and she makes sure that the flags are changed as much as she can. As you see with her smile, she is always smiling and she is a peer leader. She loves science. So I can't wait to see the great things she's going to do in the future. And we just love her cuz she's so sweet. Next up, we have our student athlete, Mr. Shamarion Robertson. He not only excels in the classroom by being one of our honor students as well as he is a I want to make sure I get this correct. He is a third place boys triple long jump winner as well as he ranked number eight in the state for his triple jump as well as he is a ambassador for the nextgen department at his church which is Bula
021Lamb Bible's church and he shows leadership dedication friendship compassion companionship as well as just being an overall great kid. He loves to help others whenever I need him. He's like can I help you? Can I help you? and I'm like, "Yes, please take care of this for me." So, we are so glad to have Shamarian as a part of our outstanding team. Great job. And next, we have Miss Heron, our teacher of the year. She did not want to come because she does not like to be acknowledged. However, she does an absolute amazing job. Her students love her. Even today, when Shayla found out she got to go with Miss Heron, she gave the biggest smile. You can catch her watching Alabama football games. Boo. Correct. But not only that, you can catch her cheering
022on her classmates, her students from the sidelines. She will go out and outreach with her parents. Um, one quote that I do want to share, she wrote in her teacher of the year packet that together she believes with parents we can create a nurturing learning environment that empowers every student to thrive. And so, not only does she work collaboratively as a teacher leader in our building, as a leader of her collaborative team, but she works handinhand with parents. She calls them, she sits with them, she has them come in to help them to figure out what the best fit is for their student and to give them exactly what they need. She does a great job and she's willing to help out whenever we need it. And she is good to say, "Hey, you need
023to go home. Hey, you need to do this." And so, I appreciate everything you do. Thank you for having us today. Thank you, Mrs. Brooks, and for bringing your Mustangs to our meeting today. Um, at this time, I will turn our meeting over to Dr. Rogers, who will recognize today's other guest. >> Good afternoon. It's good to see everyone. I want to thank you all for being here. And, you know, I was looking out just thinking this is why our school district's so great, this community support right here. So, thank you for being here and just appreciate it. Takes all of us to make it happen. So, thank you for that. Um, I'd like to invite Mr. Tom Walmer, our director of transportation forward. Um, and our friends from Fagen Mill and Huntington Middle to
024join us up front. We're going to recognize a student who was recently named the winner of the, get this, national school bus safety poster contest. Good afternoon. I didn't realize I was coming up. I'd already given everything to uh Gina, but Jace, congratulations. Congratulations, sir. And uh you see this says state winner. When we planned for him to come today, we knew that he won the state competition. And I have a certificate for him for that. And I have a check from the Georgia Association for People Transportation for $100. So each year we we have these competitions with Georgia Association for People Transportation and they have a theme related to bus safety and we send that to all of our elementary and middle school students and we were so proud of Jace to win the
025state and had him scheduled for today. And then Jana got an email last week or telling her that he had won the National Association for Future Transportation. So, we're so proud of Jace and uh demonstrating the House to County Way in this competition. And again, have a check today for $100 for him. And the National Association has mailed him a $250 check to his house. Congratulations. All right. So, last school year, each school nutrition lunchroom received three health inspections. That means our 39 lunchrooms received a total of 117 health inspections countywide. But guess how many were perfect? scored a 100. And I was thinking about Yes. You know, I was reading in the media yesterday about three local restaurants that earned a C. And I thought right here, I won't name those three out loud,
026but this group right here, it's hard to get a hundred and they consistently do it. And what we're going to recognizes those who have received it, 10 years to 20 years consecutively, 100, three a year. Think about that for a moment. So for 10 years, and when I call your name in school, come forward. A perfect health scores, we got Thompson Middle, Diane Tar. Let's hear it for her. And I believe, do we have anyone here from the health department today? >> There we go. Thank you. We appreciate you being here and showing that support. All right, guys. For 11 consecutive years of perfect health scores, we've got CB Watson Primary, Gretchen Guber, and Lakesster Road Elementary, Robin Web. All right, for 12 consecutive years of perfect health scores, we got Kings Chapel Elementary, Norma
027Hernandez, and North Side Elementary, Antinet Gordon. >> What year are we on now, y'all? >> Oh, I like it. I like it. All right. 13th consecutive years, Perry High School, Jennifer Howard, and Russell Elementary, Jay Weatherford. for 14 years of perfect health scores. Eagle Springs Elementary, Sharon D, North Side High, Morgan Hamill, North Side Middle, Pat Rice, and Pearl Stevens Elementary, Nicole Richber. for 15 years. We have Fagan Mill Rose runners. What year are we on? >> 17. Is there something behind? >> Thought you guys were smart. All right. Parkwood Elementary. Let's hear it for Mary Lane. All right. For 18 years, we have Hston County High School, Trisha Nicoloi, and Perry Middle, Sharon Arnold. And at 19 years we have from Huntington Middle, Josephine Durham. >> Let me tell y'all about this lady. She
028was at Huntington way back when I taught there. We go way back. She fed me. So if I'm overweight, No, just I and Wellrun Elementary Britney McCullum. And for 20 years, perfect scores three times a year. Lake Joy Elementary, Jessica Hampton and Warner Robins Middle, Brandy Smith. All right, this is the highest one we have, guys. 22 years. Miller Elementary, Steve Ascu, Purdue Primary, Britney Williams, and Tucker Elementary. Zack Giver. Let's give all them there. So for our community you can trust eating in our lunchrooms. Right >> there we go. All right. Finally, right here in my front here, we have some friends, our premier sponsors. We're grateful for the community partners whose generosity makes it possible for us to celebrate and recognize our teachers and staff. Since taxpayer funs can for these purposes. Their
029donations allow us to host special recognition events and show our appreciation for the incredible work our employees do each day. So today, we'll recognize our 25 26 premier district sponsors who either gave a financial donation or an inkind service totaling over $5,000. Let's hear for this group right here. And several of these organizations also support our teachers and employees of the year and they support our district in many other ways. As I call your company's name, please come forward to be recognized. And I think the other part, guys, is just the friendships we have with them, the partnership here. So, thank you all for that. All right. So, at this time, we've got the Development Authority of Hston County. Next we have Emory Healthcare and they provide an inkind donation of five athletic trainers and
030EMS services at our sporting events. This is such an important partnership for our school district because it supports the safety of all of our students. Next we have Flint. Energy keeps our lights on, guys. Let's hear for Flint. And we have our HA federal credit union. That's for our teachers and staff. And our PBK architects. and Parish Construction. And the guy who gave his own shoes up one time for our students, the Roger group here. Let's hear it for him. and I don't believe South's here. However, they um you know they offer their church every year for opening session guys and that is such a big service to us. So please keep that in mind. We do have Totem here. Come on down. And lastly, the Yansancy bus cells right here. Let's hear it for
031them. To each of our sponsors, we just want to thank you again. You provide money that allows us to love our employees. So, thank you all for that. Let's give them one last round of applause. All right, we will now continue with the business part of our meeting. Okay, the first item we will have is item number four, Dr. Unrew to adopt our agenda. >> Yes, I move to adopt the agenda as published. >> Second. >> Have a motion by Dr. Unrew and a second by Mr. Nichols to adopt the agenda as published. Are there any questions or comments before we approve this motion? Not. All those in favor, please raise your hand. The motion approves 70. Okay. The next item, Dr. Unrew. >> Yes. I uh move to adopt the minutes from the previous
032meetings. >> Okay. We have a motion by Dr. Unrew and a second by Mr. Crockett to approve the amendments from our previous meeting. Are there any questions or comments or corrections to the minutes? If not, all those in favor, please raise your hand. Motion is approved. Seven to zero. The next piece of paper. I know it's here. Hope it's here. Okay. The next um item on our agenda is our board member comments. And today, Mrs. Lori Johnson has some comments to share with our audience. >> Yes. Thank you and welcome everybody. It is nice to see everybody back again. and um our summers are kind of slow with our meetings. So, we love having all of our visitors. Um so, therefore, welcome back. We had an amazing opening session. I know lots of hard work
033went into that and it was awesome. Um I've already heard lots of good things about this school year. Um we had the privilege to visit several of our campuses last week and we saw lots of hard work already going on um and lots of learning. Um, I love the excitement that the back to school vibe brings. Um, and I do wish everyone to have a very successful year. Um, all right. I would like to take just a moment to address some misinformation that may have been shared on social media regarding the proposed millage rate. It has been reported in a way that may lead people to believe that the board of education is raising everyone's property taxes by 12%. And that is simply not true. Last year, this board um approved a roll back of
034the millage rate and it is important to keep in mind that we have had the same rate of 11.719 and that is the lowest it's been since 1992. As board members, we take our responsibility as stewards of taxpayer dollars very seriously. Every decision we make is with the goal of keeping our community strong and ensuring that our students graduate ready for whatever comes next, whether that's college, a career, or the military. By keeping our millage rate one of the lowest in the state while continuing to invest in our schools, we are protecting both the financial well-being of our taxpayers and the future success of our students. Um, thank you to those that took the time to read, research, and ask questions regarding the millage rate. Please know that you have seven board members up here
035um that do take our job seriously and we are committed to making decisions that are always in the best interest of our district and our community. We live here too and we are always available for conversations and I know I speak on behalf of my colleagues when I say that. Um all right, changing the subject a little bit. I would like to say a very big thank you to all of the first responders, law enforcement, the police department, the sheriff's department, and especially our Perry High faculty, staff, and family. You handled a very serious situation in an exemplary manner last week. The response to the threat against the safety of our students and faculty was handled with commendable urgency and remarkable composure. Thank you. Um so I'd like to close with a quote from Ketta
036Scott King. Um which I think kind of sums up everything I've said. The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members. Thank you. Thank you, Miss Johnson. Very well said. And you speak on behalf of all of us. Um are there any other board members that would like to make any comments at this time? Okay. If not, we will have um the superintendent's report. Dr. Rogers, >> you know, if I may, I'd like to begin with the principal of Perry High is here. If Dr. Art Billings will stand up for me. You know, he's a new principal this year. You know, we've had two what you could consider major incidents this year, and it's been under his watch just as he just as he started this year, and
037he has handled them so professionally, beautifully, taking care of the students and staff, which is what we're committed to. So, our buildings, I just want to thank you for your leadership at Perry High School. We have both teachers. support. You know, our theme this year is together we can. And we have been living that this year. And we're going to keep living that because together we're much stronger. And I like to say together we can and together we will because we can. Uh guys, every year our first day of pre-planning begins with opening session. On July 23rd, we celebrated the successes of last school year and review goals for this year. We embrace the theme of >> and discuss the Hston County way forward, which is a new emphasis on nurturing relationships and supporting one
038another. Um, the butterflies were debuted if you were there. That was such an amazing performance. And I'll tell you in a moment how you can come see them again. We announced our district-wide teacher of the year. Congratulations to Miss Amber Washington from Centerville Elementary School for being selected as the Hston County Teacher of the Year. Guys, she's a star. She's a star. I've been in her classroom. Just so proud of her. We also announced Bana Howard from our transportation department as a district level support person of the year. and Stephanie Brown from Thompson Middle School as a school level support person of the year. Congratulations to all these honores. I want to personally thank everyone in our schools for the work they did to make our first few days of school year a success. Our
039board members visited several of our schools last week and we saw students and teachers who were excited about the learning taking place in their classrooms. We're all looking forward to this school year and I keep saying this is going to be the best school year and we're going to make sure of that. Um, I'd like to also talk for a moment about the millage rate, but I'm actually really talking to our board members here. I live in the community as well. Last year, you as board members voted a large roll back of the millage rate. You gave our taxpayers meaningful relief while protecting the quality of education for our students. I know this year it's important to maintain that commitment by keeping our millage rate the lowest since 1992. I thought about that. that I
040was sitting in middle school in 1992 and it's the lowest since then. Not many people know our school district has one of the lowest in the state of Georgia. Out of 180 school districts, only 14 in the entire state has a lower rate than 11.719. I want to personally thank each of you, these board members, for your commitment to this community and to the quality education that you're providing these students because you're balancing it very well. And every now and then we hear comments about our reserves. It's only two months, right over two months worth. That's all. So that means right now if no money came into the school district, we could only pay our employees for two months before we go broke. So our reserves are exactly what they need to be. And I
041just thank you for your commitment to this school district. Over the past several weeks, I've visited our schools. I've seen highly qualified teachers who choose to work in Hston County because they know they have a board that supports them. leaders who voted to give them a raise even when the state did not give a raise. I walked through classrooms that are designed to strengthen the STEM education and given our students the science and technology skills that will prepare them for some of the region's hardest to fill jobs. These skills will boost our local economy for years to come. We've been able to provide additional assistant principles for discipline for elementary schools, assistant athletic trainers for our high schools and middle schools, a new curriculum to support our learners. We're doing all that while keeping taxes
042low for this community. One of the top reasons families choose to move to Hston County is because of our school district and is vital that we continue to invest in our students and staff to ensure our community remains the best to raise a family. I'd like to share with y'all about some exciting upcoming events we have. We've got some meet and greets. We're hosting two community events where our residents can meet the Hston County Board of Education Executive Cabinet. And uh one will be held on August 26 at the Lindsay Student Support Center. And we're excited about this meet and greet because it's also a time to showcase the Lindsay Student Support Center and how we're there to meet the needs of of all of the families. If they need food, we have a food
043bank. If they need clothes, we we have clothes there. if they need computers, we offer technology, but this center will be open for tours and the for the 478 with Southside Baptist, they're actually going to provide free sack meals to our families. So, we hope if you're free that you'll come attend. Our second one is going to be held at the annex here at Perry. It's right in front of Perry High School. And this is when if you miss the butterflies, you can come see them. Butterfly Project will perform at 5:30 that day. Both of these events are drop in events. You don't have to be there the whole two hours. Just drop in from 4 to 6 pm. And I'll tell you what I really like about it. It's just a time to talk
044and build a relationship. You can walk up to these board members, executive cabinet here on the front row to me, ask questions, shake our hand. If you have a concern, ask us about it. We want to be open. We want to be transparent. We want to communicate. And we want this community to have access to us. So, that's another reason why we're doing these two events, and we hope to see you guys at one or both of them. And lastly, guys, there's a friend on this table that's got a birthday August 19th. If you'll help me celebrate John Nichols, got a birthday coming up. >> Happy birthday, >> Madam Chair. I'll turn it over to you. >> Okay. Thank you so much, Dr. Rogers. Um, at this time, it is time to have our brief
045intermission for our students to return to school. So, if you will exit and um then we will return to our business shortly. >> All right. Hey, thanks for your support. Free changes be >> Oh, man. You know, you know what that means. >> Okay. 826. Thank you very much. September >> fourth. >> Okay. >> Thursday, September 4th. >> Okay, perfect. Okay, thank you. >> Smile, Billy. Aren't you having fun? >> Awesome. I appreciate you. >> Yes, absolutely. Thank you. >> I might have rolled down there somewhere. Okay, we're going to return to our business portion of the meeting. Okay. Um the next item on our agenda are our department reports. and we had a brief moment to um have questions or comments last night, but are are there any additional questions or comments for regarding
046the department reports? >> Just thank you for your hard work. >> Exactly. Um lots of great info and they uh prepare it and share it with us every month. So, we appreciate all of your hard work. All right. Now, we'll move on to our new business. Okay. And the next item will be our second hearing. had our first last night on the millage rate for the calendar year 2025. So, at this time, I will turn the meeting over to our board attorney, Mr. Billy Gurles, and he will conduct the hearing. >> Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Um, as uh the chair stated, the Georgia law requires three budget hearings uh in order to set the mill rate under the circumstances where the board is at the moment. uh they have a a decision to make
047and uh this is the opportunity for the public to give their input. The way we would conduct the hearing is that I will call for speakers uh who are first in favor of the proposed military uh that the board uh is considering. Uh we will go through all of those speakers and then uh anyone who had desire to speak against the proposal uh we would go through them. Uh so at this time I call the public hearing to order. Uh are there any uh persons that desire to speak in favor of the promoted millage rate as presented? Miss Morris, if you would please uh identify yourself for the record. Uh and with comments be able to hold their comments to around three or five minutes. We would be able to move quickly. >> I'm Michelle
048Morris. I'm the chief financial officer for the Hston County School District. The purpose of these hearings is The purpose of these hearings is that the state law requires that if a district does not lower the millage rate to offset property value growth set by the tax assessor's office, we must advertise it as a tax increase and hold three public hearings, even when the mill rate itself has not changed from the previous year. As stated, today is our second hearing. Our third hearing will be Monday, August 25th at 3 p.m. The 2025 proposed millage rate is 11.719 mills. It is the same millage rate as last year. In 2024, in 2023, our millage rate was 13.183. And then in 2024, we reduced our millage by 1.464 mills to the 11.719. And this year we are requesting
049that it remain unchanged as 2024 and keep it at the 11.719. This remains lower than any actual millage rate since 1992. So that is 32 years that it is um it has remained lower. So for calendar year 2024 the school district's millite ranked 165th out of 180 districts. So this means that property owners in 64 school districts faced higher millage rates and likely resulted in higher property taxes. Even though the millage rate is not going up, overall uh commercial and residential property values are increasing. Values mean that the state considers it a tax increase. This result in a roll back rate of 1.226 mills and requires us to have the three public hearings. Only property owners whose reassessment went up would see a tax increase. For owners with no reassessment, taxes would remain the same.
050And if a reassessment went down, their taxes would decrease. This slide shows the effect of homeowners attributed to the 1.226 mills. Uh the example shows the ranges of home values from 100,000 to 250,000. the 100,000 the annual uh amount would be $494 with a monthly amount of $48 and $250,000 home value would have an annual amount of $122.60 with a monthly amount of $1021. Some additional information to note is that the Hston County School District is the 12th largest school district in the state of Georgia with over 30,800 students and growing. We are also the second largest employer in Hston County. We are a large organization with a 470 million general fund budget and a fund balance equal to approximately two and a half months of our expenses. Due to a decrease in federal funding
051from prior years, more expenditures are now being paid by local funds. Next are some examples of what our property taxes help pay for. Some examples are personnel cost so that we can attract and re retain the most highly qualified teachers and support staff, our school resource officers and other school safety and security initiatives, instructional materials, technology, transportation costs, 100% of our state health insurance employer costs for our classified employees. And some examples of that is our bus drivers, our custodians, and our paraprofessionals to name a few. And also recurring expenses for over 45 facilities. So in summary, the proposed 2025 millage rate is remaining unchanged from 2024 at 11.719 mills, the lowest actual millage rate since 1992. The millage rate is not increasing. This lower millage rate by 1.4 464 mills in 2024 and our
052millage rate ranks 165th out of 180 school districts from last year. This time I want to commend our board of education for continuing to prioritize transparency and responsible stewardship for taxpayer dollars and while meeting the needs of a growing student enrollment and a growing community. Thank you. Thank you, Miss Morris. Is there anyone else uh who would like to speak in favor of the proposed military? Hearing none. And seeing none, is there anyone here to speak against the proposed military? Hearing none. And seeing none, then we will conclude the public hearing. Uh the uh third hearing will be held on August the 25th at 300 PM. Thank you, Madam Chair. >> Thank you, Mr. Jurels, and thank you, Miss Mars, and thank you for anyone that is here today that maybe had some concerns and
053hopefully those concerns were addressed. Um we will move on now to the next item, which were our financial reports and they are actually preliminary for June and July. Um so there will be no action taken on the this item today. Um that will be approved at our um September meeting. Okay. The next item we have is our purchasing report and Mr. Crockett, I believe you have that motion. >> Yes, Madam Chair, I move that we approve the August 2025 purchase report as presented. The financial impact of 2,785,31569 coming from the general fund. Okay, we have a motion by Mr. Crockett and a second by Miss Johnson to approve the purchasing report as presented. Um, any additional questions or comments? Okay, there being none, all those in favor, please raise your hand. Our motion is approved
054seven to zero. Okay, the next item is item D and that would be Mr. Nichols or surplus vehicle. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. I recommend that we uh surplus bus number 2303. It was involved in an accident and it has a financial impact revenue from insurance settlement of 113,712.50. >> Second. >> Okay. We have a motion by Mr. Nichols and a second by Mr. Crockett to approve the vehicle that was requested to be surplus because it was involved in an accident. Um, are there any additional questions or comments? If not, all those in favor, please raise your hand. Okay, that motion is approved. Seven to zero. Okay, our next item will be our personnel reports. And Miss Johnson, I believe you have those. >> Yes, ma'am. I would like to make a motion that we
055approve the personnel reports as presented yesterday. >> Second. >> Okay, we have a motion by Miss Johnson and a second by Mr. Ivory to approve the personnel reports as presented. Um, are there any questions or comments regarding the personnel reports for August? If not, all those in favor, please raise your hand. Motion is approved, seven to zero. Okay. We have one additional uh personnel matter. And Mr. Nichols, I believe you have that item. >> Yes, ma'am. Thank you, Madam Chair. I recommend the termination of Mr. Curtis Warren's employment as a maintenance team worker due to job abandonment. Mr. Warren began working at the House County School District uh on April 28th of 2025. >> Second. >> Okay. We have a motion by Mr. Nichols and a second by Mr. Crockett to approve the superintendent's recommendation
056that we um accept the termination of Mr. Warren. Um are there any questions or comments? If not, all those in favor, please raise your hand. Motion approve seven to zero. Okay. The next item we have are some new positions. Mr. Ivory, I believe you have that one. >> Uh, yes, Madam Chair. I'd like to make a motion uh to approve the request for three new classified positions for the 2025 2026 school year. These are a result of student growth. >> Second. >> Okay. We have a motion by Mr. Ivy and a second by Dr. to approve the request for three new classified and three new certified positions for the this current school year, the 202526 school year um as a result of student growth. Are there any questions or comments? >> Well, as I said
057last night, I do want to make mention of the growth we've already had this year of over 200 and something students um that's really showing up in our elementary schools. Um thank y'all for being on top of that, sir. Okay. Any other comments? If not, all those in favor of approving the new positions, please raise your hand. Motion approved. 70. Y'all are ahead of me. Okay. All right. Um the next item, Mr. Nichols, are is the volunteer student laptop theft insurance? >> Yes, ma'am. I make a a motion that we approve Smart Tech um to offer voluntary theft insurance coverage to our students for the 2526 school year. Um this has no financial impact to our school district. >> Second. >> Okay. We have a motion by Mr. Nichols and a second by Mr. Crockett
058to approve the smart tech, which is the volunteer student laptop death insurance. Um, are there any questions or comments regarding the insurance plan volunteer? Okay. If not, all those in favor, please raise your hand. Okay. Motion approved. Seven to zero. All right. Next, we have item H, Mr. Rocket. >> Yes, madam chair. I move we approve as presented the FY26 local plan for improving CTA programs. >> Second. >> Okay. We have a motion by Mr. Crockett and a second by Mr. Ivory to approve the fiscal year 26 local plan for improving our career technical and agricultural education program CTA. Okay. Any questions or comments? If not, all those in favor, please raise your hand. Okay. Motion approves seven to zero. Okay. The next item we have um the item I Mr. Ivory. >> Yes, madam
059chair. I move that we approve the agreement between Flet Electric Membership Corporation and Hston County School District regarding regarding the overhead and underground uh right-of-way easements to service proposed traffic signal at Parkwood Drive and Green Street with the financial impact of $1. >> Okay. >> Second. >> All right. We have a motion by Mr. Ivory and a second by Dr. UNRO to approve the Flint overhead and underground right-of-way easement um to service the traffic signal. Um hopefully that will help um clear up some of the traffic issues that occur on um Green Street um and Parkwood Drive. So um are there any questions or comments? If not, all those in favor, please raise your hand. Okay. Motion approved seven to zero. Okay. Then we have item J. Miss Johnson. >> Yes. I'd like to make
060a motion to to approve the agreement between Middle Georgia Membership Corporation and the Hston County School District regarding the overhead and underground right ofway easements to service properties along Whitfield Road financial impact $1 to >> second. >> Okay, we have a motion by Miss Johnson and a second by Mr. Ivory to approve the Middle Georgia Electric Membership Corporation overhead and underground ride ofway easement for Whitfield Road. Um, any questions or comments? If not, all those in favor, please raise your hand. Motion approves seven to zero. All right. Um, next item, Mr. Jackson. >> Yes. Before I make the motion, I'd like to say something about um the two coaches that we're going to name the um Talbert Fieldhouse after. >> Yes, please do. >> To me, this is a scoreboard moment. Put this down. In
061the long history of our town, your name shine brighter than coach Robert Davis and coach Conrad Nicks in our great city. Between them, they brought home more wins than any other coach in our history. But their true legacy isn't just trophies in the case. It's the young people they've me mentored, the confidence they've built, the sense of pride they've inspired in this community. Coach Robert Davis is the third winning as coach in our state history with a style built on discipline and determination. Taught our athletes that hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard. Coach Conrad Nicks with a heart full of courage and the belief in second chances show that team spirit can carry further than anyone could ever think possible. They've coached in the rain. They coached in the heat in the
062face of doubters and impossible odds. And through it all, they prove that winning is sweeter when it is done with integrity. Today, we thank them not just for the seasons they've led or for the generous and the and the reasons they've shaped our community. Because here in Housey County, victories fade, but legacies live forever. Today, this gives me great pleasure to make a motion to name McConnell Talbert Fieldhouse after two champions, two leaders, two pillars of our town's proud history, Coach Robert Davis and Coach Conrad Nicks. So, Madam Chair, I'd like to make a motion to um name McConnell Tober Fieldhouse after coach Robert Davis and Coach Conrad Nicks. >> Second. >> Okay. >> Third. >> All right. We have a motion by Mr. Jackson. And we have a second by Mr. Ivory. And I
063will add that Mr. Jackson was coached by Mr. Davis. >> If I get that correct, Mr. Ivory actually coached with Mr. Nicks. >> Bingo. I got him. >> It takes me a while, but you know. >> Hey, Coach Dave's daughter's here. >> And we are so glad that you're here and this is a great honor. And I'm getting off my you know what I'm supposed to do. So, but anyway, um we have a motion and we have a second. Motion by Mr. Jackson, second by Mr. Ivory to approve the naming of the fieldhouse at McConnell Talbert. Um to the Davis Nicks Fieldhouse after the two former head coaches that inspired so many people in our community, Mr. Robert Davis and Mr. Conrad Nicks. So, all those in favor, please raise your hand. Didn't ask if
064you had any questions or comments, but I don't think you do. So motion approved seven to zero. >> In the words of Coach Davis, it's about darn time. >> So I know this means a lot to your family, but it also means a lot to this community because of the legacy that um your father left behind and that Mr. Nick is is still with us leaving behind will leave behind. That makes sense. But anyway, all right. Um now we'll go on to the next item um which is item L and that's Mr. Crockett. >> Yes, Madam Chair, I move we approve as presented the 2025 House and County Board of Education meeting calendar revision. >> Second. >> Okay. We have a motion by Mr. Crockett and a second by um Mr. Nichols to approve the
065revision to the 25 Hston County Board of Education meeting calendar, which is just a change for our December meeting. We just have one meeting instead of two. So, are there any questions or comments? December is a busy kind of time of the year. So, um all those in favor, please raise your hand. Motion approved seven to zero. And then the last item will be our item M and that is Dr. Enroo. As Madam Chair, I move to approve the 2026 uh House and County uh Board of Education meeting calendar. >> Second. >> Okay. We have a motion by Dr. Enrew and a second by Mr. Crockett to approve the 2026 House and County Board of Education meeting calendar. We're already thinking about 2026. Okay. Any questions or comments? If not, all those in favor, please
066raise your hand. Okay. Motion approved. Seven to Z. Okay, I think we've taken care of everything on today's agenda. Okay, so we need a motion to adjurnn. >> Motion second. >> Okay, we have a motion by Mr. Nichols and a second by Mr. Crockett to adjurnn. All those in favor, please raise your hand. Motion approves seven to zero. So, have a great afternoon and great rest of your week and look forward to seeing you next time. >> That's right. That's right.