The Board Brief
October 22, 2020
This edition of The Board Brief is a summary of the information presented and actions taken at the Board of Education’s Board Meeting on October 22, 2020. The meeting took place via teleconference due to COVID-19.
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Actions
Board Authorizes Superintendent to Plan for Face-to-Face Instruction
On Thursday, October 22, Board members authorized Superintendent Dr. Curtis L. Jones, Jr. to recommend for some students to return to face-to-face instruction before the conclusion of the fall semester. On Friday morning, Dr. Jones will meet with Senior Cabinet, Principals and Directors to discuss and determine the procedure and details. An announcement with more information will be made later.
Earlier in the meetings, Board members reviewed a presentation detailing the District’s first semester performance thus far. The information included a summary of virtual instruction as well as information regarding preparation for an eventual return to in-person learning. To view the presentation, click here.
Board Approves Fee Payment for TAPP Support Program
On Thursday, October 22, Board members approved paying the fee that would continue the Teacher Academy for Preparation and Pedagogy (TAPP) Support Program within the Bibb County School District. The program was created in an effort to help qualified individuals earn their teaching certification and strengthen the District’s partnership with Middle Georgia Regional Educational Service Agency (RESA). The District’s Human Resources Department has worked consistently to help these teachers enter a program for certification.
In Fiscal Year 2020 (FY20), the Bibb County School District developed and approved the TAPP Support Program, which aims to provide tuition assistance for all non-certified teachers who were hired under Georgia’s Strategic Waivers School System (SWSS) Partnership Contract. These teachers have earned college degrees in an area that aligns with the curriculum, but they do not hold professional certification and are eligible for enrollment in the TAPP Program. During the past 3 years, the District has hired more than 200 teachers under the strategic waiver. For more information, click here.
Board Approves Sale of Surplus Property
On Thursday, October 22, Board members approved the sale of surplus property located at 2312 Shurling Drive, known as the former Ellsworth Hall Elementary School site. The school was taken out of service in 2015 and has not be utilized. For more information, click here.
Board Authorizes School Nutrition Procurement Plan
On Thursday, October 22, Board members authorized the District’s School Nutrition Department to move forward with its procurement plan as mandated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The plans are required to be based off local policies and procedures in conjunction with regulations from the USDA. The plan does not replace any of the District’s procurement policies or manuals currently in place. For more information, click here.
Board Approves School Nutrition Bid Extension
On Thursday, October 22, Board members approved a School Nutrition bid extension after guidance put in place by the USDA. The guidance permits extending existing contracts that would not otherwise be eligible for extension through June 30, 2021. The request was due to the current market and unavailability of food items with vendors because of the pandemic. The uncertainty of markets has caused School Nutrition to revise menus and menu dates based upon product availability. For more information, click here.
Board Reviews Policies
Board members reviewed various policies for first or second reading on October 22. Policies must be read twice before they may be voted on for final action. To review the policies, click here.
· PR-1 Revision of Policy DCCA – Budget Deadlines and Schedules (Second Reading)
· PR-2 Revision of Policy DIA – Accounting Systems (Second Reading)
· PR-3 Revision of Policy DIB – Financial Reports (Second Reading)
· PR-4 Revision of Policy FGC – Bids and Quotations (Second Reading)
· PR-5 Revision of Policy JBC – School Admissions (Second Reading)
· PR-6 Revision of Policy DJEAA – Board Approval (INFORMATION – First Reading)
· PR-7 Revision of Policy DJED – Bids and Quotations (INFORMATION – First Reading)
· PR-8 Revision of Policy EDDA – Special Use of School Buses (INFORMATION – First Reading)
· PR-9 Revision of Policy FGB – Site Acquisition of Procedures (INFORMATION – First Reading)
· PR-10 Revision of Policy JGFGB – Concussion Management (INFORMATION – First Reading)
Stakeholders are encouraged to review policies posted after first reading and make public comment via Simbli before the proposed policies are brought back before the Board for action the following month. Simbli may be accessed through the District’s website, www.bcsdk12.net, under “About Us” and “Simbli.” On Simbli, “Pending Policies” will appear on the right side of the screen.
Personnel Items Approved
On Thursday, October 22, Board members approved various personnel items. To view all personnel items, click here.
Information
Board Reviews Foothills Partnership Concept
On Thursday, October 22, Board members received information regarding Foothills Charter High School, which is housed in the W.S. Hutchings building on Riverside Drive in Macon. Foothills is a program for non-traditional students who are looking to earn their high school diploma. Foothills has joined a group of other charter high schools from around the state to form “The Network.”
The collaboration includes a request from “The Network” for contracts with individual schools to be amended to remove enrollment caps and to allow for future expansion. The proposal also includes considering the schools as “virtual” for state funding purposes. For more information, click here.
Board Reviews Monthly Financial Report
On Thursday, October 22, Board members reviewed the District’s monthly financial report. For more information, click here.
Board Receives Presentation from Capital Improvement Program
On Thursday, October 22, Board members received a presentation in regards to the 2011 and 2016 Capital Improvement Program, including information on expenditures and encumbrances. For more information, click here.
Board Reviews Investments, Investment Income and Bonds Report
On Thursday, October 22, Board members reviewed a presentation about the Investments and Investment Income report, as well as the monthly Bond report associated with 2020 project accounts. For more information, click here.
Awards & Recognition
Miller Principal Wins State Award
Jim Montgomery, Principal of Miller Fine Arts Magnet Middle School, was recently presented the Jerry Davis Georgia Distinguished Principals Award. This award is presented by the Georgia Association of Middle School Principals to principals in Georgia who have demonstrated strong leadership in guiding his/her school as an effective middle school as defined by state and national standards.
Miller Parent Named to Superintendent’s Advisory Council
State School Superintendent Richard Woods selects parents from across the state each year to serve on his Parent Advisory Council. The members of this group serve as a liaison between the local District and state-level administrators, and they can help shape policy decisions. This year, Miller Fine Arts Magnet Middle School parent Tera Edwards was selected as a member of this council.
Howard High Student Named to Superintendent’s Advisory Council
Recently, Howard High School junior Peter Chon was named to State School Superintendent Richard Woods’ Student Advisory Council. The members of this group serve as a liaison between their schools and state-level administrators, and they can help shape policy decisions.
Taylor Elementary Recognized for Digital Citizenship
Rosa Taylor Elementary School has been recognized as a Common Sense School by Common Sense Education. This honor highlights schools that demonstrate a commitment to creating a culture of digital citizenship. Taylor was specifically recognized for using Common Sense’s resources to prepare students for responsible online activity.
District Honored for Financial Reporting
The Bibb County School District has been awarded a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association. For the 21st consecutive year, the District’s Finance and Accounting Departments received this honor in recognition of their Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the fiscal year that ended on June 30, 2019. The award is based on the findings of an impartial panel, which makes its decision based on standards of disclosure and transparency. This is the highest award in the area of governmental financial reporting.