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1 day ago

Muscogee County board debates extending $2,000 retention stipend as members fret over reserve draw At its April 13 work session, the Muscogee County School District board discussed making the governors $2,000 retention supplement broadly equitable for district employees, a move staff estimated would raise district costs by roughly $3.7 million and require drawing on fund balance; a final vote is scheduled for next week.

Muscogee County School District is weighing a $2,000 retention stipend for employees, but concerns over budget reserves could change everything!

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#GA #CitizenPortal #EmployeeRetention #FiscalStewardship #GeorgiaSchools #BudgetTransparency

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1 day ago

Dougherty County board adopts updated Internet acceptable-use rule and governance policy The board approved updates to the district's Internet acceptable-use policy (including social-media language required under state law) and separately approved the updated BAB school board governance policy; both items were presented by Dr. Phyllis Finley and passed by voice votes.

Dougherty County School Board just modernized its policies to better align with state laws and the district's core beliefs—find out what changes are in store for students and social media use!

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#GA #CitizenPortal #EducationPolicy #DigitalSafety #GeorgiaSchools

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2 weeks ago

Board OKs $2.94M middle school device refresh for 4,094 devices Glynn County Schools authorized a $2,935,560.10 purchase to refresh middle school computing (4,094 devices including 14-inch student devices, carts, licensing and repair service), funded from eSplos funds; board approved the contract unanimously.

Glynn County Schools just approved a staggering $2.94 million investment to upgrade over 4,000 devices, aiming to enhance learning experiences for middle school students!

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#GA #CitizenPortal #DigitalInclusion #DeviceRefresh #GeorgiaSchools #EducationTechnology

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2 weeks ago

Glynn County Schools approves $1.7 million local top-up so eligible staff receive $2,000 bonus The Glynn County Board of Education approved a $1,702,000 local contribution to ensure employees not fully covered by a state bonus receive a one-time $2,000 payment; substitutes are excluded and the payment will be issued on a separate check before spring break.

In a unanimous vote, the Glynn County Board of Education has approved a $1.7 million local boost to ensure over 2,100 employees receive a $2,000 bonus before spring break!

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#GA #CitizenPortal #PublicEducation #GeorgiaSchools #WorkforceRetention #EmployeeBenefits

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2 weeks ago

Senators debate and pass bell-to-bell high‑school cell‑phone restriction After hours of debate and a failed amendment to allow limited phone access between classes, the Senate passed House Bill 1009 to require local school systems to adopt bell‑to‑bell rules restricting personal electronic devices for grades 9–12.

Georgia's Senate just passed a groundbreaking bill to limit cell phone use in high schools, igniting a fierce debate on student safety and classroom focus.

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#GA #CitizenPortal #LocalControl #ClassroomDisruption #GeorgiaSchools #StudentSafety

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2 weeks ago

Votes at a glance: key measures advanced or passed by the Georgia Senate on March 24, 2026 The Senate adopted multiple committee substitutes and passed numerous House bills and resolutions on a busy floor day. Notable items include HB1009 (student device restrictions), HB1030 (Math Matters Act), HB1085 (forestry tax credits), HB154 (time‑change petition), and HB1020 (DA pay parity).

The Georgia Senate made headlines by passing a slew of significant bills, including new math standards and a proposal to end seasonal clock changes!

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#GA #CitizenPortal #EducationReform #EconomicDevelopment #GeorgiaSchools #PublicPolicy

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3 weeks ago

Gun Found at Hillgrove High School: Student Arrested
A 15-year-old was detained after a firearm was found at Hillgrove High School in Cobb County, triggering a 12-minute ...

#HillgroveHigh #CobbCounty #SchoolSafety #GeorgiaSchools #GunOnCampus
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4 weeks ago

Senate approves house substitute to SB 179, adds amendment on civic organizations’ access to schools The Georgia Senate voted 48–3 to agree to the House substitute to SB 179 as amended, advancing changes to student-record transfer deadlines, a planned computer science high-school graduation requirement, virtual-school fee adjustments and an amendment that would require local school systems to allow certain civic organizations to meet with students during school hours under notice and superintendent approval.

The Georgia Senate just approved a significant amendment to SB 179, paving the way for civic organizations to engage with students during school hours—could this reshape how civics is taught in schools?

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#GA #CitizenPortal #EducationReform #StudentAccess #GeorgiaSchools

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1 month ago

Superintendent warns bill substitutes could limit property tax growth and shift local funding options The superintendent briefed the board on state legislative activity, including a signed $2,000 one-time supplement for certain school employees and proposed bills that would create a local homestead option sales tax, convert existing local sales taxes, and impose a 3% cap on property tax revenue growth with referendum or local-assembly approval requirements.

Major changes are on the horizon for Dougherty County schools, with new legislative proposals that could reshape local funding and property tax growth.

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#GA #CitizenPortal #LegislativeUpdates #GeorgiaSchools #EducationFunding #PropertyTaxReform

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1 month ago

United Way urges Dougherty County Schools to invest $50,000 in Albany Summer Collective Orson Burton Jr. of United Way of Southwest Georgia asked the Dougherty County School System for a $50,000 contribution to a $350,000 Albany Summer Collective that aims to coordinate summer programs, subsidize fees for the neediest students and provide internships and shared enrollment infrastructure.

United Way's Orson Burton Jr. is calling on Dougherty County Schools to invest $50,000 in a groundbreaking summer initiative that could transform opportunities for 1,500 low-income students!

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#GA #CitizenPortal #CommunityCoordination #YouthDevelopment #GeorgiaSchools

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1 month ago

Senate committee approves bill letting districts offer Teachers Retirement to school support staff A Senate committee voted to advance SB209 (LC560619S), which lets local school boards opt to allow certain school employees to join the Teachers Retirement System; supporters said it helps low-retirement workers, while opponents warned of long-term state and local costs.

A Senate committee has advanced a bill that could transform retirement options for school support staff, raising both hopes and concerns over future costs.

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#GA #CitizenPortal #GeorgiaSchools #RetirementSecurity #LocalEconomy #EducationEquity

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1 month ago

Forsyth County schools financial report shows lower month-end cash, improved collections Finance presenter Larry Hamill told the board the district started January 2026 with roughly $318–$319 million and ended the month at about $301.3 million, noted year-to-date expenditures of about $457.5 million (59.82%), and said several tax and transfer revenues came in stronger than prior months.

Forsyth County schools report a dip in cash balances but a promising surge in tax collections—what does this mean for the district's financial future?

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#GA #CitizenPortal #CommunityInvestment #GeorgiaSchools #EducationFinance #BudgetTransparency

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1 month ago

GSBA leads Decatur board through norms, communications and community‑engagement training Georgia School Boards Association facilitators reviewed governance domains and norms with the City Schools of Decatur board; discussion focused on communications procedures, consultant oversight, the paused K‑2 facilities study, and how the board will use community input going forward.

The City Schools of Decatur board confronts communication gaps and governance norms, paving the way for improved community engagement and strategic planning.

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#GA #CitizenPortal #CommunicationClarity #GeorgiaSchools #GovernanceTraining

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1 month ago

Georgia Senate passes bill to opt into federal scholarship tax credit after heated debate The Georgia Senate voted to opt into a federal scholarship tax credit program (SB 446) after hours of debate over accountability, accreditation and who qualifies. The bill passed 31–21 and codifies the state's participation while setting rules for scholarship-granting organizations.

The Georgia Senate just approved a controversial bill that could reshape educational funding, sparking fierce debate over its impact on public schools and accountability.

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#GA #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #EducationReform #GeorgiaSchools #PublicPolicy

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1 month ago

The Pickens County School District is revving up for growth with a $515,741 investment in new buses and a major construction project for junior high!

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#GA #CitizenPortal #EducationReform #CommunityDevelopment #PublicSafety #GeorgiaSchools

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1 month ago

Panel advances statewide school-finance oversight bill with audit requirements and public reporting House Bill 1164 would create a statewide fiscal monitoring system, require annual audits or third-party audits submitted to the Department of Audits, public posting of financial-condition statements, a four-tier risk designation for districts, and nonvoting DOA and state-charter representatives on a state-board audit committee; the committee advanced the bill by voice vote.

A new bill is set to revolutionize financial oversight in Georgia's schools, promoting transparency and proactive support rather than punishment.

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#GA #EducationAccountability #FiscalOversight #CitizenPortal #AuditTransparency #GeorgiaSchools

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1 month ago

Panel advances bill to limit out‑of‑district enrollment by locally run virtual schools House Bill 12 59 would prevent locally authorized virtual schools with statewide enrollment from accepting out‑of‑district students if they have failed to maintain a two‑year average CCRPI of 70; sponsor cited Jenkins County Virtual Prep’s large out‑of‑district enrollment, a 24.3 CCRPI and revenue flows to a private operator.

A new bill aims to tighten the reins on out-of-district enrollment in virtual schools, spotlighting shocking performance disparities in Georgia's education system.

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#GA #VirtualLearningRegulations #CitizenPortal #EducationReform #GeorgiaSchools #AccountabilityInEducation

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2 months ago

District outlines nearly $1 million school‑based mental‑health spending and contracts for speech/nursing services Dr. Traquilla Nelson explained a $537,745 contract increase for counseling consultants (This Works) using school‑based mental health grant carryover, citing a federal grant freeze that delayed hiring; finance also reviewed renewals/increases for speech, nursing and vendor services (Soliant, Outdoor Solutions).

Muscogee County School District is poised to invest nearly $1 million in school-based mental health services, driven by a significant funding increase for counseling consultations after a federal grant freeze.

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#GA #CitizenPortal #GeorgiaSchools #EducationFunding

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2 months ago

Coweta schools preview bus‑tracking app to show parents when students scan on and off Transportation Director Fayd R. Simmons demonstrated a parent-facing bus-tracking app that uses QR codes or student IDs to record scan‑on/scan‑off events, offers a school view for staff, and notifies parents when a bus is within a mile radius; staff said the system will improve safety and help analyze routing issues.

Coweta County schools are rolling out a revolutionary bus-tracking app that promises real-time updates on student safety and bus locations, easing parents' minds!

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#GA #DataAnalysis #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #GeorgiaSchools #TransportationInnovation

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2 months ago

Glynn County Schools shifts attendance monitoring under new state law; chronic absenteeism reported at 15.53% Under Senate Bill 123, Glynn County Schools is focusing on chronic absenteeism (missing 10%+ of days). District rate was 15.53% as of Jan. 26; staff outlined daily monitoring, attendance review teams, pre‑K interventions and a compliance deadline of 06/01/2026.

Glynn County Schools is taking a bold new approach to tackle chronic absenteeism, aiming to reduce it from 15.53% to 10% or less by implementing daily monitoring and community engagement strategies.

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#GA #ChronicAbsenteeism #CitizenPortal #EducationReform #GeorgiaSchools

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2 months ago

Catoosa County staff report Run/Hide/Survive drills; district tightens monthly checks after false alarm District safety staff told the board the district completed multiple Run/Hide/Survive drills this month and is increasing hardware/software checks after a false alarm revealed system gaps; the updates emphasized collaboration with the sheriff's office and law enforcement partners.

Catoosa County's schools are ramping up safety drills and tightening checks after a false alarm revealed critical gaps—find out how they're enhancing security for students and staff.

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#GA #CitizenPortal #CrisisManagement #PublicSafety #CommunityCollaboration #GeorgiaSchools

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2 months ago

House unanimously OKs bill to expand AED and 'Stop the Bleed' kits in Georgia schools HB 629 removes the physician requirement for automated external defibrillator programs in elementary and middle schools, adds Stop the Bleed kits, and uses trauma commission funds for equipment; the measure passed 168–0.

Georgia lawmakers just passed a groundbreaking bill to enhance school safety by expanding access to life-saving AEDs and trauma kits, ensuring every child has a better chance at life!

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#GA #CitizenPortal #EducationReform #PublicSafety #GeorgiaSchools #HealthAccess

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2 months ago

Barrow County schools outline FY2027 budget timeline as insurance and pension costs rise District staff presented the fiscal year 2027 budget and millage timeline, reported a December SPLOST receipt of $2,104,279, and flagged a 1.8% TRS pension increase and a projected 7% rise in state health insurance costs for employees.

Barrow County schools are gearing up for a pivotal FY2027 budget, but rising health insurance and pension costs could impact teachers and staff.

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#GA #CitizenPortal #GeorgiaSchools #PublicFinance #FiscalTransparency #EducationBudgeting

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2 months ago

Subcommittee advances bill extending school cellphone ban to high schools amid safety and equity debate House Bill 1009 would extend an existing K–8 bell‑to‑bell cellphone ban to grades 9–12, with exceptions for medical needs and off‑campus programs; supporters said district data show improved focus and fewer disruptions, while some members sought clear reunification protocols for emergencies and uniform enforcement to avoid disparities.

A new bill aims to extend the cellphone ban to high schools, citing improved grades and reduced disruptions, but will it truly enhance student safety and focus?

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#GA #CitizenPortal #GeorgiaSchools #SchoolSafety #CyberbullyingPrevention

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2 months ago

District presents CCRPI results; leaders point to instructional rounds and literacy work for gains Instructional Services presented the district's 2024–25 CCRPI performance, highlighting gains in content mastery, progress and readiness at multiple schools and next steps focused on instructional rounds, leadership capacity, and monthly data reviews.

Bibb County School District showcases impressive gains in the latest CCRPI results, with several schools surpassing targets thanks to innovative instructional strategies!

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#GA #EducationReform #InstructionalSupport #CitizenPortal #DataDrivenDecisions #GeorgiaSchools

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2 months ago

Newton County Schools to finalize literacy blueprint after state law raises standards District officials told the board the Newton County Schools Literacy Blueprint will be completed this spring to align classroom practice with House Bill 307 (Georgia Early Literacy and Dyslexia Act) and new K–12 ELA standards; the plan emphasizes educator training, family engagement and measurable fidelity checks.

Newton County Schools is set to unveil a comprehensive literacy blueprint this spring, ensuring classrooms align with new state standards and empower educators for effective reading instruction.

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#GA #EducationReform #LiteracyInstruction #CitizenPortal #GeorgiaSchools

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3 months ago

Finance director reports November revenue, SPLOST receipts and clean audit for year ending June 30, 2025 The district reported November revenues of $45.7 million, expenditures of $15.8 million, a fund balance of $53.8 million (about two months of operating expenses), SPLOST receipts of $1.9 million, and a clean audit for the period ending 06/30/2025; staff also described a proposed SPLOST 7 bond timeline that could close in May if the board approves.

Carroll County's financial report reveals a robust $45.7 million in November revenues, a clean audit, and ambitious plans for SPLOST 7 projects that could reshape the district's future.

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#GA #SPLOSTFunding #FinancialTransparency #PublicEducation #CitizenPortal #GeorgiaSchools

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3 months ago

Carroll County Schools describe upgrades from state grants, active shield system and new SRO partnerships District staff said a governor's grant of $1.1 million has funded strategic safety upgrades and SRO support, a one‑time $500,000+ award is funding access control and fencing, a $190,000 Bay Springs shield system is online, and the district has new SRO partnerships with Temple and the sheriff's department.

Carroll County Schools are making significant strides in safety with over $1.6 million in state grants funding advanced security upgrades and new school resource officer partnerships!

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#GA #CrisisManagement #PublicSafety #CommunityPartnerships #CitizenPortal #GeorgiaSchools

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3 months ago

Barrow County Schools report midyear safety upgrades and new mapping tool for first responders Deputy Superintendent Doctor Thompson and safety staff updated the board on midyear safety work including Syntegix mapping for first responders, threat-assessment tracking, StopIt anonymous reporting, SchoolDawg entries and expanded drills; district said mapping was completed ahead of the July compliance deadline.

Barrow County Schools have launched cutting-edge safety upgrades and innovative tools that promise to transform emergency response and student protection.

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#GA #EducationReform #PublicSafety #CitizenPortal #CivicAccountability #GeorgiaSchools

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3 months ago

District police: student injured in apparent accidental firearm discharge at Hubert Middle School; investigation ongoing Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools'board police said a Dec. 30 after-school practice at Hubert Middle School involved an apparent accidental firearm discharge that injured a student; investigators from the district, Savannah Police Department and the district attorney's office are reviewing the incident and the district will conduct an after-action review.

A student was injured in a shocking accidental firearm discharge during after-school practice at Hubert Middle School, prompting an urgent investigation into safety measures.

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#GA #EducationReform #PublicSafety #CitizenPortal #CivicAccountability #GeorgiaSchools