The Board Brief
July 7, 2020
This edition of The Board Brief is a summary of the information presented and actions taken at the Board of Education’s Called Meeting on July 7, 2020. The meeting took place via teleconference due to COVID-19.
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Actions
Opening of School Delayed Until After Labor Day
On Tuesday, July 7, Board members received an update on the District’s plans to reopen school for the 2020-2021 school year. Following executive session, a decision was announced by Superintendent Dr. Curtis Jones to delay the start of the school year until after Labor Day. Labor Day holiday is scheduled for Monday, September 7.
An announcement about whether or not school will be held virtually or in-person will be delayed until two weeks prior to the start of the school year, Dr. Jones said. The decision will be based on COVID-19 data for Bibb County and guidance from public health safety officials.
To view the presentation outlining details of the various instructional models that were presented to the Board for consideration, click here.
To watch a recording of the Called Meeting and to hear detailed information about the reopening of schools, including an update on COVID-19 from the North Central Health District, click here.
Bibb County School District Superintendent Dr. Curtis Jones will host a live Q&A with parents on Thursday, July 9, at 5:30 p.m. to discuss the reopening of schools. In order to join the virtual Q&A, parents should log on using the following link: https://bit.ly/3gyKcjj. The event will be recorded and a link to view the recording will be shared following the event.
The Superintendent also will meet virtually with employees on Wednesday, July 8, at 1 p.m. He will meet with community and business partners on Thursday, July 9, at 11 a.m.
Update on 2020 Graduation Ceremonies
On Tuesday, July 7, the Bibb County School District and Board members announced that 2020 graduation ceremonies will be held virtually on July 29-30. This decision is based on current data and guidance from the North Central Health District. Further details about graduation ceremonies will be released in the coming days.
Board Gives Tentative Approval of FY 2021 Budget
On Tuesday, July 7, Board members voted to give tentative approval of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 Recommended Budget. The budget includes a 10 percent reduction in State QBE Revenue. This 10 percent reduction in State QBE Revenue comes in place of previous indications from the state that reductions would be equivalent to 14 percent, which was later reduced to 11 percent.
The Board of Education will hold two public hearings regarding the FY 2021 Budget. Those public hearings will be held Tuesday, June 14, and Thursday, July 23, at 5 p.m. The Board will vote on the final adoption of the FY 2021 Budget on Thursday, June 23. All hearings and meetings will take place by teleconference due to COVID-19.
To view the presentation, click here.
Board Authorizes Renewal of Bright Bytes Software Suite
On Tuesday, July 7, Board members voted to approve the renewal of the Bright Bytes Analytic Software, which includes 21st Century Learning & Early Insights Suite, Interventions and the Whole Child Modules. These modules enable the District and schools to identify and monitor students in need of support early and link the students with appropriate resources. For more information, click here.
Board Authorizes Renewal of Infinite Campus
On Tuesday, July 7, Board members voted to approve the renewal of Infinite Campus, the District’s Student Information System, for the 2020-2021 school year. For more information, click here.
Bibb County School District is located in Macon, GA, with about 22,000 students.