Budget Workshop
At the Informal Meeting, the Board received an update on expected impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the district in the next school year and beyond. Information about CARES Act I and II, and the American Rescue Plan Act funds were shared along with top investment priorities which include addressing learning loss, purchasing technology and other activities to maintain continuity of K-12 services.
http://go.boarddocs.com/ga/sccs/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BZ9KET508C88
Extended Learning Opportunities – Summer Learning
Also at the Informal Meeting, the Board learned more about the District's Summer Learning Plan and the opportunity for our students to “EMBRACE Learning". It will be the most robust summer learning program the district has ever offered, encompassing Credit Acquisition, Acceleration and Enrichment for all students.
http://go.boarddocs.com/ga/sccs/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BZTTMA7801F3
EMBRACE Summer Learning Video - https://youtu.be/FVl4Jj4cgIc
New Hampstead K-8 Officially Named
In accordance with Policy FDC and Administrative Regulation FDC-R, Naming Facilities, a team was appointed by the Superintendent to provide three proposed names for the new K-8 School constructed in western Chatham County. Three proposed names were read at the March Board Meeting and were voted on at the April meeting. The school's official new name will be New Hampstead K-8.
http://go.boarddocs.com/ga/sccs/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BZ9KYC53DE86
New Hampstead K-8 Opening Update
The Board also received an update on the opening of the new school. It was scheduled to open in time to receive students for the 2021-22 SY. Unfortunately, construction has been significantly impacted by both weather and the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, opening of the school facility will be delayed and is now projected for opening in the second semester of the 2021-22 SY. In the meantime, students identified for attendance at the new school will come together in a “Swing Site" concept on the Godley Station K-8 Campus for the fall semester before moving to their new school in January of 2022.
http://go.boarddocs.com/ga/sccs/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BZUPQS659C8F
New Hampstead K-8 Attendance Zone Set
The Board approved the proposed attendance zone modifications for Bloomingdale Elementary, West Chatham Middle, and Godley Station K-8 to create a new attendance zone for the New Hampstead K-8 School. Godley Station K-8 includes the largest number of students identified for the new attendance zone. This approach aligns with the District's goal to address capacity concerns at that school.
http://go.boarddocs.com/ga/sccs/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BZUPQU659EA8
Superintendent's COVID-19 Operational Update
An Operational Update was provided during the Superintendent's Report to the Board to include District planning to have students back in the classroom five days a week when the 2021-22 SY starts on August 4th.
http://go.boarddocs.com/ga/sccs/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BZ9KME5253DE
A Return to In-Person Graduations!
Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools are planning to hold in-person graduation ceremonies this year after holding virtual ceremonies last school year due to the pandemic. Board members were provided an update on the schedule for the ceremonies to be held at T.A. Wright Stadium in May.
http://go.boarddocs.com/ga/sccs/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BZTTNU783D44
2021 Graduation Video Message - https://youtu.be/1D8JUAJZ20o
Administrative Regulation Modification for SY 2020-21
Regulation IHE-R: Promotion and Retention Requirements The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System recognizes the extraordinary circumstances and unique challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic has created and its impact on the teaching and learning landscape. To this extent, overall academic achievement in relation to the mental ability and overall physical and emotional wellbeing of the student must be carefully considered and will remain a key factor for making promotion and retention decisions during SY 2020-2021. The District will waive certain criteria used for making Promotion and Retention decisions for grades 1-5 and grade 6-8. All other aspects of Administrative Regulation IHE-R shall remain unchanged.
http://go.boarddocs.com/ga/sccs/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BZTTVY793368
District Lead Nurse Lisa Wilson Honored
Ms. Christine Doran, Territory Manager of AED Brands, presented an award to District Lead Nurse Lisa Wilson for her ceaseless efforts in promoting, implementing, and managing AED response programs and making Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools and our surrounding communities a safer place. Nurse Wilson is the first to receive the newly created “In It For Life" award!
Student of the Month Recognized
The Superintendent's Student of the Month for March is Ash'ana Burns, a Senior from Grove High School. Congratulations, Ash'ana!
http://go.boarddocs.com/ga/sccs/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BZ9KMP5253E7
Professional Senate Report
A report from the latest meeting of the Superintendent's Professional Senate was presented by our Teacher of the Year and Instructional Support Person of the Year.
http://go.boarddocs.com/ga/sccs/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BZ9KMT5253EB
First Reads
Policy AC - School District Organization Plan (Four Year Review – Changes Recommended) Pursuant to Board Policy BDE- Policy Review, District Administration has reviewed Board Policy AC and has determined a change is needed to accurately reflect the configurations of schools and measurements of annual achievement methods. This Policy has been reviewed by the Board Attorney and the Superintendent and is being presented for first reading.
http://go.boarddocs.com/ga/sccs/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BZ9KNB5253FB
Policy EGD – Liability Insurance (Four Year Review – Changes Recommended) Pursuant to Board Policy BDE- Policy Review, District Administration has reviewed Board Policy EGD – Liability Insurance. Changes have been made to update the names of the responsible parties within Board policy and to clarify the actions of the District. This Policy has been reviewed by the Board Attorney and the Superintendent and is being presented for first reading.
http://go.boarddocs.com/ga/sccs/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BZ9KVR53345F
Bell Time Schedule for SY 2021-22 Approved
In support of the Board's effort to maximize resource efficiency within the District's Pupil Transportation program, staff is proposing bell time modifications beginning in the 2021- 22 School Year for Heard, May Howard, Marshpoint, and Jacob G. Smith Elementary Schools to better align them with other elementary schools in their geographic area. In addition, a bell time of 7:50am to 2:50pm has been established for the New Hampstead K-8 to align it with the school's neighboring high school. http://go.boarddocs.com/ga/sccs/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BZTTVZ79342F
GSBA Legislative Priorities Endorsed
The Board voted to endorse positions that the Georgia School Boards Association has taken on a variety of issues that would require Legislative Action. Those positions are determined and voted upon by representatives of each of the organization's 180 members.
http://go.boarddocs.com/ga/sccs/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BZ9KY953DDA2
Policy Adoptions:
Board Policy ABD – School Superintendent Legal Status has been reviewed by District Administration and a need has been determined for changes to the policy to include more defined language of the Superintendent's functional relationship with the Board. It was presented for first reading on March 3, 2021.
http://go.boarddocs.com/ga/sccs/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BZ9KQM525445
Policy and Regulation AFC- Emergency Closings has been reviewed by District Staff who have determined a need for changes in order to identify the responsible person(s) and actions taken for the opening, delay, or closing of the District's facilities. It was presented for first reading on March 3, 2021.
http://go.boarddocs.com/ga/sccs/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BZTTZ879BD88
Policy JG (1) Video Surveillance and New Regulation JG (1)-R District Administration has reviewed Board Policy JG (1) Video Surveillance and created Board Regulation JG (1) – R to enhance and improve video surveillance, monitoring, and preservation protocols. In addition, the supporting links within the Board Policy are recommended to be removed from Board Policy, as they are no longer valid. It was presented for first reading on March 3, 2021.
http://go.boarddocs.com/ga/sccs/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BZTU5D7A5DD2
Board Policy EGAG – Unemployment Compensation (Four Year Review – No Changes Recommended) Pursuant to Board Policy BDE- Policy Review, District Administration has reviewed Board Policy EGAG. No changes are recommended.
http://go.boarddocs.com/ga/sccs/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BZ9KNP525407
Summer Food Service Program
The Board approved the School Nutrition Program's opportunity to provide meals for the City of Savannah Recreation Department's Summer Feeding Program. It is anticipated the summer program will provide an estimated 40,000 meals over a thirty-eight (38) day period.
http://go.boarddocs.com/ga/sccs/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BZTU5J7A61A1
SCCPSS and Garden City Intergovernmental Agreement Approved
The Board approved the District entering into an Intergovernmental Agreement with the city of Garden City. The agreement provides the parameters of the cooperation between the City and SCCPSS for the development of property located within Garden City formerly housing the Groves High School facility. The full performance of this agreement will result in, among other things, a Multi-School Project including Groves High School and athletic facilities pursuant to a Master Plan.
http://go.boarddocs.com/ga/sccs/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BZTU5L7A6377
International Teacher Recruitment Services (Annual Contract) – Renewal
The Board approved the renewal of contracts issued under RFP 20-33 International Teacher Recruitment Services (Annual Contract) to the firm Intalage, Inc. as the primary provider, and the firm TPG Cultural Exchange, LLC as the secondary provider with an estimated annual expenditure of $3,000,000 for School Year 2021-2022
http://go.boarddocs.com/ga/sccs/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BZTUCM7B6E19
Upcoming Meetings
BOARD AUDIT COMMITTEE MEETING
Thursday, April 22, 2021 – 8:00am
Whitney Administrative Complex - Building G
2 Laura Avenue
BOARD ACCOUNTABILITY COMMITTEE MEETING
Tuesday, April 27, 2021 - 3:30 PM
Whitney Administrative Complex - Building G
2 Laura Avenue
