HCS Board of Education Meeting – September 9, 2024

HCS Board of Education Meeting – September 9, 2024

Superintendent Swearing-in Ceremony

Dr. John Pace was sworn in as the new Superintendent of Henry County Schools by Judge Kelly Powell.

Superintendent’s Welcome

Dr. Pace acknowledged the recent event in Winder, GA at Apalachee High School with a moment of silence. Our thoughts and prayers are with the students and school community.

Dr. Pace’s thanked the Board for welcoming him as the new Superintendent of Henry County Schools and trusting him with this role.  He is honored to be working alongside the Large District Governance Team of the Year, and he is excited to work toward exceptional opportunities and access for every student in Henry County.

In recognition of National Day of Service and Recognition, Dr. Pace thanked first responders for their partnership with Henry County Schools and the valuable role they play in keeping our schools and community safe. 

INFORMATIONAL ITEMS

1. Strategic Plan 

1. 1. Annual Report Year 3, Mrs. Summer Cox, Chief of Staff

Mrs. Cox presented information on the Strategic Plan’s Annual Report for Year 3. The report included information on progress toward the tactics for each of the five Strategic Actions, investments made by the Board, Priority Student Outcomes, and areas of focus for the 2024-2025 school year.

Strategic Action1: Reading, advanced coursework, robotics and coding, elementary STEM labs, CTAE and fine arts were all areas of progress for Year 3.

Strategic Action 2: The highly effective leader framework, accountability systems, parent engagement opportunities, and data management systems saw progress in Year 3.

Strategic Action 3: Connectivity and engagement for students, employees, families, and community partners was improved in Year 3 by the development of Henry Partners, streamlined immunization processes, and planning and growth activities.  

Strategic Action 4: Support structures for student and employee health and wellness were improved through work on wraparound services, professional development in therapeutic behavior interventions, single entry buzzer systems, and the additional of HVAC units in elementary gyms.

Strategic Action 5: The high-performing operational culture of Henry County was advanced with the implementation of a new Enterprise Resource Planning system, improvements in data reporting models, energy management initiatives, and growth and replacement activities for furniture, fine arts and athletics.

Overall, the Board has invested $46 million dollars to date in Strategic Plan initiatives.

Priority Student Outcomes for Literacy Proficiency, Readiness to Learn, and College, Career, and Life Ready will continue to guide the work through the completion of the Strategic Plan in 2026.

2. Core Business of Student Learning 

1. 1. Henry Reads Update, Mrs. Termerion McCrary, Chief Learning and Performance Office

Mrs. McCrary presented information on Henry Reads. She began with a review of the updated Priority Student Outcomes for Literacy Proficiency, which focuses on reading growth from grade to grade and reading at or above grade level. Georgia’s Early Literacy Law was also reviewed as it requires training for K-3 teachers in the science of reading, structured literacy and foundational literacy skills, with high quality instructional materials and universal screeners. Henry Reads aligns with these requirements and will consist of six components:

1. 1. 1. 1. Highly Effective Literacy Instructions for All Students
         2. Core Resources
         3. Balanced Assessments
         4. Intervention
         5. Professional Learning
         6. Family and Community Engagement 

With a clear goal of improving literacy outcomes for all students, Henry Reads ensures teachers and staff are receiving the necessary professional development, resources and support to provide high-quality reading instruction with appropriate monitoring and interventions.

3. Ensuring Operational Effectiveness

1. 1. August Construction and E-SPLOST Report, Mr. Josh Malcom, Chief Operations Officer

1. School Electronic Message Signs

Installation of electronic signs has been completed at all schools with the exception of HES, PGES, and HMS. Training for school personnel is in progress.

2. New Administration Office Facility

Installation of exterior sidewalks and steps is in progress, and interior painting has begun on the first floor. The HVAC units have also been installed.

3. New Transportation Facility & Renovations to Existing Transportation

Permanent fencing has been completed at the OKE playground, paving of new parking lot continues, and installation of lifts in the bus maintenance area is ongoing.  

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

Site-mobilization has begun, with temporary construction fencing being installed and the set up of the office trailer in progress.

5. STEM High School

Contracts have been sent to the general contractor for execution, and the notice to proceed will be issued after contract execution and acceptance.

6. Additional Updates

• The punch list items for Birch Creek Elementary are in progress.
• An upcoming HVAC replacement project will come to the Board in October for approval.
• The Dutchtown Middle School addition is in design right now.  
• The Ola High School addition design starts later this month.
• The Wolf Creek Elementary School design process will begin in March.

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

1. August Financial Report

• General Fund Assets and Total Cash on Hand - The total value of general fund’s assets at the close of August totaled $116 million, while Cash on Hand across all funds during this reporting period totaled $295.7 million.
• E-SPLOST V – There were expenditures of $1,095.44 during the month of August, with investments in school construction, buses, learning devices and technical infrastructure, Performing Arts Center renovations, and high school turf fields over the life of this fund. 100% of the funds in this account have now been expended, and this will be the final report for this fund.

• E-SPLOST VI - There were expenditures of $11.3 million in the month of August with the majority of those funds toward construction projects.

• Capital Accumulation - There were expenditures of $5 million with investments in furniture growth and replacement being the key drivers in the month of August.  

1. 3. 2025 Board Meeting Time and Place, Mrs. Summer Cox, Chief of Staff

Mrs. Cox presented the proposed schedule of board meetings for 2025, which aligns with the current schedule with all regular meetings occurring on the second Monday of each month. Times will align with the current schedule as well, with study sessions beginning at 4:00 pm and business meetings beginning at 7:00 pm. The proposal also includes dates and times for special called meetings. This document will be made available for public review and comment prior to board action at the October board meeting and can be accessed here. 

1. 4. 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 which states the Board will conduct a review of policies every 5 years. Of the ten policies reviewed for September’s review, three are recommended for revision: Policy DC- Annual Operating Budget, Policy GANA- Infectious Diseases, and Policy IDE(3)- Comprehensive Interscholastic Activities (Grades 6-12). All three policies are available for public review and comment here:

Public Review of Policy DC: Annual Operating Budget

Public Review of Policy GANA: Infectious Diseases

Public Review of Policy IDE (3): Competitive Interscholastic Activities, Grades 6-12

BUSINESS ITEMS

1. Board Governance Training Plan 2024-2025

The Board of Education approved the 2024-2025 Board Governance Training Plan with a vote of 5 to 0.

2. Instructional and Technical Infrastructure: Marching Band Uniforms

The Board of Education approved the purchase of marching band uniforms for Dutchtown High School and Ola High School with a vote of 5 to 0.

3. Instructional and Technical Infrastructure: Adaptive Software

The Board of Education approved the purchase of adaptive software for with a vote of 5 to 0.

4. FY25 Budget Amendment

The Board of Education approved the FY 25 budget amendment of with a vote of 5 to 0.

5. GaDOE FY26 Capital Outlay Application

The Board of Education approved the Georgia Department of Education Capital Outlay application with a vote of 5 to 0. 

6. State of Georgia Employees Retirement System
   1. Amendment to State of Georgia Employees Retirement System Administrative Agreement- The Board of Education approved the amendment to the State of Georgia Employees Retirement System Administrative Agreement with a vote of 5 to 0.
   2. Resolution for Executive Deferred Compensation- FY24- The Board of Education approved a resolution approving the amendment to the Administrative Agreement with the Georgia Employees Retirement System for FY24 with a vote of 5 to 0.

INSPIRATION

Inspiration for the September Board Meeting was provided by the Oakland Elementary School.  The students performed spoken word with instrumentals, “I Remember”. Oakland Elementary School’s principal is Andre Johnson.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
View full album here

Peachtree Road Race High School Elite Runner

Kristopher Strong from Stockbridge High School placed 1st in the High School Elite Division of the Peachtree Road Race. Twenty males and 20 females from among the fastest in the Georgia classes of 2025, 2026 and 2027 were selected by the Atlanta Track Club to compete. They were invited to line up among the professional athletes at the start line. They also were invited to the hospitality room at the pre-race banquet and to press events to engage with professional athletes.

• Kristopher Strong, Stockbridge High School
• James Thornton, Principal 

PERSONNEL  

Name	New Position	Previous Position
Michelle Williams	Principal Hampton Elementary School	Assistant Principal Hampton Elementary School
Johnathan Farley	Assistant Principal Dutchtown Middle School	Teacher DeKalb County Schools
Dr. Tiffany Wheeler	Assistant Principal Birch Creek Elementary School	Teacher Eagle’s Landing High School
Mr. Steve Loumakis	Network Coordinator Information Services	Senior Systems Engineer Information Services

BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS

District Board Member	Comments
District 1, Dr. Pam Nutt	Dr. Nutt recognized Emergency Preparedness Month, and Education Learning and Development Month.   Dr. Nutt expressed her condolences to the Barrow County/Apalachee High School Community.   Dr. Nutt congratulated the Locust Grove High School Varsity football team on their win over Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy.   Dr. Nutt congratulated to Vandy McDonald (Luella Cluster) for receiving the September Bus Driver of the Month Award.
District 2, Annette Edwards (Vice Chair)	Mrs. Edwards expressed her sympathy to victims & families Apalachee High School.   Mrs. Edward recognized September 17th for Information Technology Support Professionals Day.   Mrs. Edwards recognized Austin Road Middle for receiving the Peter Marching Foundation Grant in the amount of $1, 250.   Mrs. Edwards recognized Dr. Malik Douglas (ELM) for hosting the Grits and Grands event in honor of Grandparents day.
District 3, Holly Cobb	Mrs. Cobb congratulated the Henry County Schools students that attended the National History Day in Washington DC: Madison Reardenz (OHS) – Champion (third year in a row) and placed 4th in the nation for the senior individual exhibit Michael Peterson (OMS) – First place in the state/top 10 in the nation in the Junior group category Kennedy Reardenz – 1st in the state/top 10 in the nation in the Junior group category Kayla DeBlois (OMS) – 2nd at the State level and received the American Labor History Award for Junior Group Nevaeh Dowell (OMS) – 2nd at the State level and received the American Labor History Award for Junior Group Chana Oden (OMS) – 2nd at the State level and received the American Labor History Award for Junior Group Morgan Walker (OMS) - 2nd at the State level and received the American Labor History Award for Junior Group Arianna Smith (WMS) - 2nd at State Level and qualified to participate at the Junior level category   Mrs. Cobb congratulated Brandy Hudson, Media Specialist at Timber Ridge Elementary, for being among eight librarians honored by “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” author Jeff Kinney during his All-Star Librarian weekend this summer .   Mrs. Cobb expressed her appreciation to all of the school and community law enforcement professionals, and her condolences to the Barrow County community and Apalachee High School.   Mrs. Cobb recognized Chief Operations Officer Josh Malcom for his service and leadership to Henry County Schools.
District 4, Sophe Pope (Chair)	Mrs. Pope recognized the many HCS celebrations for Grandparents Day last week.   Mrs. Pope expressed her appreciation to Dr. Pace and school administrators for the recent school visits.  These visits have been and will continue to take place as Dr. Pace joins Henry County Schools as the Superintendent.   Mrs. Pope expressed her condolences to Barrow County Community and Apalachee High School.   Mrs. Pope expressed her appreciation to all of the first responders.   Mrs. Pope recognized Chief Operations Officer Josh Malcom for his service and leadership to Henry County Schools.
District 5, Mackenzie McDaniel	Mr. McDaniel congratulated Zaena Harris (LHS) for being awarded the August Athlete of the Month.   Mr. McDaniel congratulated Athletic Director Michelle Ahmad (LHS) for being awarded the 2023-2024 Cooperative Spirit Award.   Mr. McDaniel mentioned the PSAT testing date will be Wednesday, October 16th.   Mr. McDaniel expressed his appreciation to all of the first responders, and his condolence to the Barrow County Community and Apalachee High School.   Mr. McDaniel expressed his appreciation to the community, family and student(s) for speaking at tonight’s board meeting.