Savannah-Chatham County Public School System
Highlights from the November 6, 2024 Board Meeting
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Highlights from the November 6, 2024 Board Meeting
Updated
Dual Enrollment/Work Based Learning Update
At the Informal Meeting of the Board a report was presented on Dual Enrollment and Work-Based Learning in Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools. Some important points include:
- District-wide participation in dual enrollment has continued to increase since 2022.
- Students dual enrolled successfully completed 84% of courses attempted in the 2024 SY
- The number of students involved in work-based learning has risen in each of the last three years, along with the number of work locations.
https://go.boarddocs.com/ga/sccs/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=DA9L5U5464DD
Learning Recovery/E-Learning Guidance Following Storm Closures
Also at the Informal Meeting, a report on Learning Recovery and E-Learning Guidance following multiple storm-related school closures this semester was presented. A number of strategies were detailed that are designed to mitigate learning loss through daily high quality learning experiences. Learn more about these strategies in the full report:
https://go.boarddocs.com/ga/sccs/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=DA9L5X5478D5
Shuman Elementary Closure and Attendance Zone Modifications Approved
As part of the District’s commitment to resource stewardship in the management and planning for facility improvement and efficient use, Shuman Elementary School was approved for closure. The Board approved proposed attendance zone modifications to account for the closure of Shuman Elementary; modify attendance zones for the Early Learning Center at Formey, A.B. Williams, and the School of Humanities at Juliette Low; and adjust school configurations. The Superintendent shall implement a transition plan for identified students to attend the newly assigned schools.
https://go.boarddocs.com/ga/sccs/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=DAKNSE6152EA
Student of the Month Recognized
The Superintendent’s Student of the Month for October is Joana Da Silva Carvalho, a senior at Jenkins School. Congratulations, Joana!
https://go.boarddocs.com/ga/sccs/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=D7HNYH61B43D
Superintendent’s Professional Senate Report
A report from the latest meeting of the Superintendent’s Professional Senate was presented by our District Teacher and Instructional Support Persons of the Year.
https://go.boarddocs.com/ga/sccs/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=DA2NUL61A18E
Proclamation: American Education Week
The Board proclaimed November 18-22, 2024, as the 102nd annual observance of American Education Week. 2025 Teacher of the Year Emily Graham accepted the Proclamation on behalf of educators across the district.
https://go.boarddocs.com/ga/sccs/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=DA2NWY61FDBD
Proclamation: Retired Educators Day in Georgia
The Board proclaimed November 3rd, 2024, as Retired Educators Day and encourages our citizens to recognize the lasting contributions of retired educators all throughout the month of November.
https://go.boarddocs.com/ga/sccs/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=DA2NX86207A4
Literacy Leader Schools Recognized
The principals of fourteen SCCPSS schools recognized by the Georgia Department of Education as Literacy Leaders, received certificates from the Board.
2025 Legislative Priorities Adopted
The Board adopted 2025 Legislative Priorities placing a focus on early childhood education, student wellness, and resource allocations. The Legislative Priorities were discussed during the informal meeting of the Board on October 9, 2024. The priorities will be circulated among the Chatham County Delegation. The priorities will also be featured during the Board’s Legislative Breakfast scheduled on December 5, 2024.
https://go.boarddocs.com/ga/sccs/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=DA2NXQ6219F3
Policy First Reads
Policy CE – School Superintendent (Four Year Review – Changes Recommended) Pursuant to Board Policy BDE- Policy Review, District Administration has reviewed Board Policy CE and has determined changes are needed for improved language, clarity, and alignment to state law.
https://go.boarddocs.com/ga/sccs/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=D7HNYL61B440
Policy AA – School District Legal Status (Four Year Review – Changes Recommended) Pursuant to Board Policy BDE- Policy Review, District Administration has reviewed Board Policy AA and has determined minor changes are needed to clarify language references in Board Policy.
https://go.boarddocs.com/ga/sccs/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=DAKHFR485357
Policy BBAA – Election of Board Officers (Four Year Review – Changes Recommended) Pursuant to Board Policy BDE- Policy Review, District Administration has reviewed Board Policy BBAA and has determined changes are needed for improved language to clearly state roles as stipulated in O.C.G.A. 20-2-57 “Organization of county boards; chairperson and secretary”.
https://go.boarddocs.com/ga/sccs/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=DAKHJK48BC74
Policy DB – Planning Programming Budgeting System (Four Year Review – Changes Recommended) Pursuant to Board Policy BDE- Policy Review, District Administration has reviewed Board Policy DB and has determined revisions are needed for improved language.
https://go.boarddocs.com/ga/sccs/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=DA2NV361B689
Policy Adopted
Policy GAK – Personnel Records (Four Year Review – Changes Recommended) Pursuant to Board Policy BDE- Policy Review, District Administration has reviewed Board Policy GAK along with the supporting Regulation and has determined changes are needed to update titles and language in Board Policy. There are no changes recommended to the Administrative Regulation.
https://go.boarddocs.com/ga/sccs/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=DA9M2J5922CE
Other Board Actions and Updates
English Language Development Curriculum Approved
The Board approved the sole source 1 year contract of HMH Language Launch/English 3D in the amount of $132,831.00. Language Launch/English 3D is an explicit and interactive English Language Development curriculum designed for all English Learners. The goal of the program is to jumpstart academic language acquisition for English learners, support rapid acquisition for newcomers and beginning stage proficiency English learners, and re-engage long-term English learners in school through high-interest, engaging topics that are relevant to adolescents and teenagers.
https://go.boarddocs.com/ga/sccs/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=DA9LHH568950
Locally Instructional Materials Approved
The Georgia Early Literacy Act (HB538) requires that LEAs utilize high-quality instructional materials for K-3 Tier 1 literacy instruction that meet the following definition:
• “High-quality instructional materials” means instructional materials aligned to the science of reading that instruct students in foundational literacy skills and grade[1]appropriate English language arts and reading standards approved by the State Board of Education.
The Board certified compliance with the Georgia Early Literacy Act and authorized the Superintendent to provide appropriate state level reporting as prescribed by statute.
https://go.boarddocs.com/ga/sccs/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=DA9M2E591E97
Phase II Backup Generators Project Approved and Funded
Backup generators and transfer switches will be installed at Brock Elementary, Coastal Middle, Garden City Elementary, Heard Elementary, Hodge Elementary, Hubert Middle, Islands High, Low Elementary, May Howard Elementary, AB Williams Elementary, and the Whitney Complex Board Room as part of Phase II of the backup generators project. The scope of work includes a backup generator and transfer switches for the freezers and coolers for critical food preservation from any loss of power at school sites. Georgia Power will provide construction, supervision, inspection, labor, materials, tools, construction equipment and subcontracted materials as needed at a cost of $1,634,550. The Board also approved the transfer of those funds from the General Fund.
https://go.boarddocs.com/ga/sccs/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=DAAGZU45FD48
https://go.boarddocs.com/ga/sccs/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=DA9LGV566D75
ESPLOST UPDATES
Montgomery Swing Site Renovations Approved to Begin
The Board approved the start of the work at the Montgomery Swing School site and payment of up to $9,801,481 within the GMP to Balfour Beatty Construction, LLC for the work in RFP C24-05 (ESPLOST) CMR Services for J.G. Smith Elementary School Renovations.
https://go.boarddocs.com/ga/sccs/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=DA9LVE586336
FF&E Purchases for New Windsor Forest High & Bloomingdale Elementary Facilities Approved
The Board approved the purchase of Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment for the new Windsor Forest High School using the approved annual contract Bid C19-05, as well as Georgia Statewide Contracts for an amount not to exceed $1,985,827.
https://go.boarddocs.com/ga/sccs/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=DAKJBF4C5EF0
The Board approved the purchase of Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment for the new Bloomingdale Elementary School using the approved annual contract as well as Georgia Statewide Contracts for an amount not to exceed $1,557,609.
https://go.boarddocs.com/ga/sccs/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=DAKJBF4C5EF0
Personnel Moves
There were a several changes and promotions approved at the November Meeting of the Board:
Lamaudice Homes was named Executive Director - Controller in the Office of Finance.
Jason Waters was named Acting Principal at Pooler Elementary School.
UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS
Veteran's Day Holiday for All
Monday, November 11, 2024
Board Accountability Committee
Tuesday, November 12, 2024-3:30pm
Whitney Administrative Complex
Finance Committee Meeting
Wednesday, November 13, 2024 – 11am
Whitney Administrative Complex
Board Workshop: ESPLOST V Session
November 13, 2024 – 1pm to 3pm
Whitney Administrative Complex
Audit Committee Meeting
Thursday, November 21, 2024
Whitney Administrative Complex
Thanksgiving Holiday School Staff and Student
November 25-27, 2024
Thanksgiving Break for All
November 28-29, 2024
Capital Improvement Committee
Wednesday, December 4, 2024-9am
Whitney Administrative Complex
Top Out: Annex and Multi Campus
Monday, December 9, 2024 – 12:30pm
100 Priscilla D. Thomas Way Garden City, GA
December Informal BOE Meeting
Wednesday, December 18, 2024 – 11am
Whitney Administrative Complex
December Regular BOE Meeting
Wednesday, December 18, 2024 – 2pm
Whitney Administrative Complex