By Ansley Standridge

Board of Education Matters

A majority of these items were presented as first reads, meaning they’ll return to the Board next month for an actual vote. The policies and their proposed changes included:

  • Superintendent Relations: New language in this policy prevents individual Board members from discussing any individual personnel matter with the Superintendent or other school personnel.
  •  Educational Specifications: The SCCPSS will work with local law enforcement and emergency management agencies in the design process of any construction to ensure student safety (this change was made to align to the State Board’s policies).
  • Professional Personnel Time Schedules: New language clarifies remote work guidance for employees and to include updates regarding time and attendance procedures.
  • Compulsory Attendance Ages: New language clarifies truancy, which is 5+ days of unexcused absences. Attendance Recovery options are available through remote participation, and students who miss 10+ days that demonstrate proficiency may request an Attendance Waiver.

The Board voted to approve the 2025 Schedule of Meetings, as well as a contract with Alvarez & Marsal (A&M) Public Sector Services, LLC in the amount of $285,000 for Financial Assessment and Professional Consulting Services.

The contract prompted discussion from the Board due to the fact that it did not go through a formal RFP process, but was instead internally vetted. Dr. Hoskins-Brown voiced concerns at this process, but was assured by Dr. Watts that this firm was the best equipped for the job and that this process allows the work to be done faster.

Dr. Bringman suggested that future situations like this may benefit from revised language in the contract itself to provide clarity to the Board.

Financials

Financials began with a review of the year’s revenue and expenditures as of April, before Mr. Bill Huttinga came up to present the quarterly ESPLOST update.

Plans over the next two years include new schools, renovations to existing schools, and renovations/construction of multiple athletic facilities. The Board had a lengthy discussion following the presentation on projects happening at specific schools, but spoke primarily about the timing of ESPLOST projects and debated on if there’s a way to start them sooner. 

The Board approved two budget transfers and awarded multiple contracts for things like educational materials, milk products, and software agreements. 

Finally, the Board approved the tentative 2026 budget and the tentative tax millage levy. Both of these items will come back to the Board in July for a final adoption, giving the Board time to finalize the amounts and hear from the community. 

The tentative budget, totaling $944,042,360, comprises the following:

  • General Fund Budget for $659,511,639
  • Special Revenue Funds Budgets for $118,454,597
  • Other Funds Budgets for $3,952,635
  • Capital Projects Funds Budget for $162,123,459

The tentative millage is 17.481 mills, the same rate as the current millage.

Appearances

Raymond Watson was the only appearance, and came forward to praise the Board. He said this meeting marked one year that he’s been coming to the Board meetings and making appearances, and he’s used that year to advocate for better contracts and respect for teachers.

He specifically named Dr. Watts and thanked her for speaking with him and feels on the same page as the Board in wanting better for SCCPSS students. 

As always, the Consent Agenda was approved with one vote and consisted of a number of contracts and budget transfers.

Contracts:

  • Lifestyle Management Resources, LLC and Telus Health (US) Ltd. for an estimated annual cost of $118,320 for Employee Assistance Program Services.
  • Smyrna F, LLC dba Wade Ford in the amount of $386,640 for 8 campus police cars.
  • ClassLink, Inc. at a total cost of $131,851.35 for a software subscription renewal.
  • Thomas & Hutton at a total cost of $197,250 for Professional and Design Professional Services for Savannah High School Baseball & Softball Field Improvements.
  • Learning Legends at a total cost of $110,075 for digital Curriculum Planning and District assignment software.
  • Imagine Learning at a total cost of $502,431.16 for the Edgenuity digital libraries comprehensive site licenses and online tutoring services.

Purchases:

  • New playground equipment for Windsor Forest High School Pre-K 3 at a cost of $130,148.79 from PlayPower LT Farmington, Inc. c/o Playworx Playsets, LLC.
  • Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment for Marshpoint Elementary School at a cost of $257,653.59 from Mason, Inc., HNI Workplace, Krueger International, and OFS Brands.
  • Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment for Butler Elementary School at a cost of $220,936.22 from Mason, Inc., HNI Workplace, Krueger International, and OFS Brands.
  • Garrison K-8 storefront windows at a cost of $268,000 from Scott Development Group Construction Services, Inc.