HCS Board of Education Meeting – November 11, 2024

Board Member Updates

Board Chair Sophe Pope provided an update on the Whole Board Training held on October 31^st. She expressed her gratitude to the leadership team who organized the training. Dr. Donna Hinton presented information to the Board on the importance of community culture on governance teams.

Board Vice Chair Annette Edwards provided an update on the Whole Board Training held on October 31^st. Mrs. Edwards noted that the training session included information on state and local accountability as well as board legislative priorities. Additional information was presented to the board on Policy JBCA: Resident Students.

Mrs. Edwards also noted that she attended the Georgia School Board Association district regional meeting, and two topics were at the forefront: House Bill 581 and the insurance rate for classified staff.

Superintendent’s Welcome

Superintendent Pace provided recognition for the following celebrations in the month of November:

• Veteran’s Day- a celebration of our service members
• Kindness Week- a time to foster empathy and respect through a commitment to kindness
• National School Psychology Week- recognition of our school psychologists for their dedication and compassion for our students
• HCS Future College Awareness Week- an opportunity to promote post-secondary opportunities for our students
• Education Support Professionals Day- to honor all those who play supporting roles in our schools such as paraprofessionals, bus drivers, front office staff, substitutes, nutrition workers, and clinic aides
• National STEM Day- a recognition of the important role STEM plays in providing challenging experiences for our students

Dr. Pace also recognized State Superintendent Richard Woods’ visit to Henry County Schools to recognize 14 schools leading the way in Literacy and Math.  

INFORMATIONAL ITEMS

1. Core Business of Student Learning 

1. 1. Fine Arts Update, Mrs. Termerion McCrary, Chief Learning and Performance Officer

Mrs. McCrary provided an update on fine arts initiatives and investments. Choral programs are now available to students at all levels. The HCS Board of Education has invested $650,000 in orchestra programming, which is now available in 91% of high schools and 60% of middle schools, which is on pace with the strategic plan timeline. The Academy for Advanced Studies now offers Dance, Music Technology, Technical Theatre, and Visual Arts. Theater programming is now available at every high school, with more than $500,000 in Board investments. Additional investments of over $1 million have been made in band equipment and uniforms, $440,000 in middle and high school chorus, and $1.6 million in visual arts equipment. With over 12,000 students enrolled in Fine Arts courses across the district in grades 6-12 and a 20% increase in the number Fine Arts Pathway completers, Henry County Schools is actively engaged in realizing the community’s vision identified in the Strategic Plan. Students across the district have participated in multiple events to showcase their skills, which will continue to expand to support access and opportunities for students. 

2. Ensuring Operational Effectiveness  

1. 1. September/October Construction and E-SPLOST Report, Mr. Barry Miles, Executive Director, Facilities and Maintenance

Mr. Miles provided a report on September and October construction progress.

1. School Electronic Message Signs

Installation of electronic signs has been completed with only Hampton Elementary still in progress. Training for school personnel is ongoing.

2. New Administration Office Facility & Renovations to Existing Administration Office Facility

Installation of drywall and glass, as well as interior painting is in progress at the new facility. Roof replacement is in progress at the existing facility.  

3. New Transportation Facility & Renovations to Existing Transportation

Installation of windows, sod, and fencing continues, with interior painting also in progress.

4. Renovations, Modifications, and Additions for Ola Middle School

Laying of the foundation has begun, with electrical and plumbing in the slab also underway.

5. STEM High School

Demolition of the current site has begun with site utility removal.

6. Additional Updates

• The punch list items for Birch Creek Elementary are in progress. 

1. 2. October 2024 Financial Reports, Mrs. Shanika Clay, Chief Financial Officer

 October Financial Report

• General Fund Assets and Total Cash on Hand - The total value of general fund’s assets at the close of October totaled $101.5 million, while Cash on Hand across all funds during this reporting period totaled $285.6 million.

• E-SPLOST VI - There were expenditures of $5.8 million in the month of October with the majority of those funds toward technology devices and construction projects.

• Capital Accumulation - There were expenditures of $19,407.12 dollars with investments in furniture growth and replacement and athletics facilities being the key drivers in the month of October.   

1. 3. Fiscal Review of Local Legislation, Mrs. Shanika Clay, Chief Financial Officer

Mrs. Clay provided a review of local legislation and fiscal impacts on the school district. Two measures related to tax exemptions were recently on ballots, and Mrs. Clay focused on one of those measures: House Resolution No. 1022. This legislation is related to House Bill 581 and will be effective January 1, 2025. It establishes a statewide floating homestead exemption to help reduce individual’s property taxes by reducing the assessed value of property, which also reduces the local taxing capacity and therefore local revenue. Had this legislation been in place over the last few years, Henry County Schools would have lost $7.5 million in 2021, $27.7 million in 2022, and $34.7 million in 2023, with a total decrease in funding of over $70 million in a 3-year period. As the largest employer in Henry County, these funds were used to make investments in the Community Inspired Strategic Plan, to include employee compensation, hiring of staff to support STEM and fine arts, the addition of campus safety monitors, and additional staffing and compensation needs such as health insurance increases. Henry County Schools is currently assessing how this new legislation may impact local funds in the future. 

1. 4. Safety and Security Report, Mrs. Mary Ann Suddeth, Chief School Leadership Officer

Mrs. Suddeth provided a report on safety and security, covering HCS Board of Education actions and investments to support campus security, student and staff safety, and conduct expectations. Examples of the Board of Education’s $30 million investments in campus security include school resource officers, campus safety monitors, campus alert system, cameras, door ajar alarms, and weapons detection systems at large events. Safety practices include the implementation of school safety plans, training for staff, safety drills, and student and parent advisories on safety. The code of conduct is implemented in conjunction with training for students and staff, mentoring programs, and conflict resolution initiatives. As a result of research and feedback received at Cluster Community Conversations, the district will enhance communication protocols while planning to soon implement pop-up security screenings with weapons detection, requirements for student ID cards, and K9 searches in select locations. 

1. 5. Comprehensive Policy Review, Mrs. Summer Cox, Chief of Staff

Mrs. Cox presented information on the Comprehensive Policy Review, which will occur throughout the 2024-2025 school year in alignment with Board Policy BD: Policy Development, which states the Board will conduct a review of policies every 5 years. Of the ten policies reviewed for the month of November, two are recommended for revision: Policy DFL- Investment Earnings, and Policy JBD- Absences and Excuses. Both policies are available for public review and comment here.

BUSINESS ITEMS

1. Comprehensive Policy Review

The Board of Education approved the revised policies (HCBOE Policies DFC, DFK, and JBCB) with a vote of 5 to 0. 

2. Trustee Appointment to the Henry County Public Library System Board

The Board of Education approved the Trustee appointment to the Henry County Public Library System Board with a vote of 5 to 0.

3. 2025 Legislative Priorities

The Board of Education approved the 2025 Legislative Priorities with a vote of 5 to 0.

4. Addition to Dutchtown Middle School Bid Tabulation

The Board of Education approved the bid tabulation for the addition to Dutchtown Middle School with a vote of 5 to 0.

5. HVAC Replacement

The Board of Education approved the purchase of HVAC replacement equipment with a vote of 5 to 0.

6. E-SPLOST Year Four Bus Purchase

The Board of Education approved purchase of 28 school buses for year four of E-SPLOST with a vote of 5 to 0.

7. Furniture/Equipment Growth and Replacement

The Board of Education approved the furniture/equipment growth and replacement purchases with a vote of 5 to 0.

8.  Instructional and Technical Infrastructure: K-12 Visual Arts

The Board of Education approved the K-12 Visual Arts purchase of materials with a vote of 5 to 0.
 

INSPIRATION

Inspiration for the November Board Meeting was provided by Austin Road Elementary School Students. The students recited the poem, “I Am Old Glory”, by Master Sergeant Percy Webb, USMC.  The fine arts teacher is Ms. Anastasia Baxter, and the principal is Ms. Lois Barney.

 

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
View Full album Here 

Superintendent’s Art Gallery – Middle School

Austin Road Middle School:

• Isabella Maria Sukhra
• Samantha Nelson
  
  
• Libra Brittian, Principal
• Elliott Ingram, Teacher
  
  

Dutchtown Middle School:

• Rashi Patel
• Malachi Reyes

• Crystal Williams, Principal
• Stephanie Caldwell, Teacher

Eagle’s Landing Middle School:

• Jamiah Smith
• Ty’Shayuna Askew
• Mekayla Hosten
• Ja’cobi Raybon-Faniel

• Cynthia McCray, Substitute Principal
• Shantelle Thomas, Teacher

Hampton Middle School:

• Uriel Brittian
• Draven Wright

• Lydia Williams, Principal
• Jazmin Drayton, Teacher

IMPACT Academy:

• Micah Panting
• Shayla Hernandez
• Riley Watkins

• Delphine Patterson, Principal
• Kyle Robertson, Teacher

Locust Grove Middle School:

• Myanna Richardson
• Chris Gorman

• Melissa Thomas, Principal
• Darsha Jackson, Teacher

Luella Middle School:

• Julianna Mehrjooya
• Jadon Brown

• Mary Carol Stanley, Principal
• Christine Thompson, Teacher

McDonough Middle School:

• Cayden Robinson
• Jakira Hughes

• Kimberly Kessinger, Principal
• Gregory Wynn, Teacher

Ola Middle School:

• Peyton Mathis
• McKenna Brant

• Christine Anderson, Principal
• Catherine Park, Teacher

Stockbridge Middle School:

• Sumi Woodruff
• Ambyr Reese

• Yvette Christian, Principal
• Saniqua Thompson, Teacher

Union Grove Middle School:

• Suzie Lagunas
• Mikaela Terrell

• Dwayne Richards, Principal
• Christy Mortimer, Teacher

Woodland Middle School:

• Isaiah Griffith
• Milan Howard
• Autumn Chaney

• Michelle Wilkerson, Principal
• Daena Isenberg, Teacher

Superintendent’s Art Gallery – High School

Academy for Advanced Studies:

• Sarah Garrison
• Kamran Olsen
• Keami Morales
• Si’ana Whiteside
• Matias Paramo

• Douglas Blackwell, Principal
• Melissa Wood, Teacher

Dutchtown High School:

• Leyna Vo
• Madison Pham

• Nicole Shaw, Principal
• Zerric Clinton, Teacher

Eagle’s Landing High School:

• Taylor Engram
• Ethan Pittman
• Ashia Davis
• Megan Weldon

• Chere’ Lewis, Principal
• Jessica Gemmill, Teacher

Hampton High School:

• Alissa Blige
• Ella Dial

• Quinton Ward, Principal
• Joni Bowen, Teacher

Locust Grove High School:

• Makayla Emmett
• Katelin Carter

• Anthony Townsend, Principal
• Michael Sawecki, Teacher

Luella High School

• Dane Jones
• Korden Do

• Brandi Hardnett, Principal
• David Carroll, Teacher

McDonough High School:

• Maria Dominguez
• Pakeeza Azhar

• Monica Blasingame, Principal
• Andre Thompson, Teacher

Ola High School:

• Hannah Mock
• Keagan Kimball

• Nick Ellis, Principal
• John Wood, Teacher

Stockbridge High School:

• Gabrielle Miller
• Armani Davis

• James Thornton, Principal
• Kellee Robertson, Teacher

Union Grove High School:

• Kara Benson
• Maritza Olivera
• Skylar Walker

• LaTonya Richards, Principal
• Emma Mitchell, Teacher

Woodland High School:

• Jada Ellis
• Carissa Wood

• Purvis Jackson, Principal
• Alison Wall, Teacher

 

PERSONNEL

Name	New Position	Previous Position
Monica Militello	Family & Student Support Services Coordinator	Newton County Schools School Psychologist
Rashida Culver	McDonough Middle School Assistant Principal	McDonough Middle School Instructional Effectiveness Facilitator
Jenae Colling	Hampton Elementary School Assistant Principal	Red Oak Elementary Instructional Effectiveness Facilitator
ShayKele Holsey	Eagle’s Landing Middle School Principal	Eagle’s Landing High School Assistant Principal
Brentius Watts	Human Resources Director of Employment	Butts County Schools Director of Human Resources
Barry Miles	Chief Operating Officer	Facilities & Maintenance Executive Director
David Carter	Chief Information Officer	Information Services Executive Director

 

BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS

District Board Member	Comments
District 1, Dr. Pam Nutt	Dr. Nutt congratulated the Ola Lady Mustangs Softball team for finishing their season in the Elite 8.   Dr. Nutt congratulated Unity Grove Instructional Coach Erin Pringle for being named Georgia Farm Bureau’s Teacher of the Year for the State of Georgia.   Dr. Nutt thanked the Henry County School Psychologists for helping students be the best they are meant to be!    Dr. Nutt recognized the Henry County Schools Honor Chorus for their most recent performance.   Dr. Nutt recognized the Veterans.   Dr. Nutt wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!
District 2, Annette Edwards (Vice Chair)	Mrs. Edwards congratulated Austin Road Middle School 6th grader Elijah Atkins for his 1st place win in the Henry County Water Tower competition.   Mrs. Edwards congratulated Austin Road Middle School for winning the ALPHA STEM Grant.   Mrs. Edwards thanked the Henry County Schools Educators as we honor each of you during the upcoming American Education Week (November 18-22).    Mrs. Edwards recognized the ParaFest event that was recently held at the Henry County Learning and Support Center for HCS paraprofessionals.   Mrs. Edwards recognized the schools that were represented during the visit by Superintendent Woods.   Mrs. Edwards wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!
District 3, Holly Cobb	Mrs. Cobb congratulated Woodland High School Senior, Rihanna Tape for being admitted with honors to the Student Bar of Georgia at the 2024 Law Academy.   Mrs. Cobb congratulated Eagles Landing High teacher Mr. Bryan Thompson for being nominated as Young Teacher of the Year by the Georgia School Council of Social Studies.   Mrs. Cobb congratulated Rock Spring Elementary students for collecting over $8,000 for the American Heart Society through the Kid’s Heart Challenge.  Rock Spring Elementary was the top earning school in Henry County.   Mrs. Cobb wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!
District 4, Sophe Pope (Chair)	Mrs. Pope congratulated the Georgia Storm Wheelchair Sports Handball team as they competed in the playoffs this past Saturday.  Henry County Schools has not had a handball team since 2019.   Mrs. Pope recognized the schools that were represented during the visit by Superintendent Woods.  Also, she recognized Ola Middle School for being the only school to receive both math and literacy leader awards.   Mrs. Pope recognized the Veterans.   Mrs. Pope recognized World Kindness Day and her desire for that to be the standard each and every week.   Mrs. Pope wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!
District 5, Mackenzie McDaniel	Mr. McDaniel congratulated Dutchtown Middle School for winning the Henry County Schools Middle School football championship!   Mr. McDaniel congratulated Birch Creek Elementary for being recognized as a National Beta School of distinction.   Mr. McDaniel congratulated Locust Grove Middle School Computer Science and Engineering teacher Mr. Bykofsky.  Also, Locust Grove High School Physics’ teacher Ms. Grillo for being awarded the Snapping Shoals Bright Ideas Grant.   Mr. McDaniel recognized the schools that were represented during the visit by Superintendent Woods.   Mr. McDaniel recognized the Girls Volleyball team from Luella High School.   Mr. McDaniel recognized Atlanta Motor Speedway and Freddie Falcon (Atlanta Falcons) for their contribution to Oakland Elementary and Wesley Lakes Elementary.   Mr. McDaniel thanked all Veterans.   Mr. McDaniel wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!