Savannah-Chatham County Public School System
Highlights from the July 2026 Board Meeting
![Two flags, one American and one Georgian, flank a circular emblem for Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools on a wall.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1711639848/spsccpsscom/ldazii2s7gzxb1mjap3o/board.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1711639848/spsccpsscom/ldazii2s7gzxb1mjap3o/board.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1711639848/spsccpsscom/ldazii2s7gzxb1mjap3o/board.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1711639848/spsccpsscom/ldazii2s7gzxb1mjap3o/board.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1711639848/spsccpsscom/ldazii2s7gzxb1mjap3o/board.jpg","width":1440}])
Highlights from the July 2026 Board Meeting
Updated
Board Approves New Technology Initiatives to Enhance Efficiency and Improve Student Outcomes
College and Career Readiness Platform Contract Approved
The Board approved the award of RFP 26-25 College and Career Readiness Platform to MaiaLearning, Inc. for a total cost of $110,000 for the initial term with an option to renew for two (2) additional one (1) year terms. The company will provide a districtwide College and Career Readiness platform to support a comprehensive K–12 student success ecosystem comprised of a centralized system for career awareness, academic planning, social-emotional learning, goal setting, and postsecondary readiness, ensuring all students have access to personalized pathways and future-focused learning experiences.
Illuminate SchoolCity Formative Assessment Platform Contract Approved
The Board approved the Illuminate SchoolCity implementation/purchase for a total cost of $237,877.20. Illuminate SchoolCity will be implemented through a phased Year 1 launch focused on GMAS-tested grades, subjects, and courses. The Year 1 scope includes planning and design, district capacity building, leadership training, teacher launch, benchmark administration, reporting, implementation monitoring, and mid-year refinement. This implementation establishes a coherent district assessment system that supports standards alignment, instructional decision-making, district monitoring, and continuous improvement.
Abre District Data Intelligence Platform Contract Approved
The Board approved the Abre District Data Intelligence Platform for a total cost of $311,790.00, pending formal procurement and licensing process. SCCPSS is implementing the Abre District Data Intelligence Platform as a districtwide, role-based data hub and single source of information that brings academic, human resources, finance, operations, and Strategic Plan performance data into one unified environment. In Phase 1, the platform will provide dashboards for the Superintendent, Cabinet, departments, and principals; in Phase 2, access will expand to the Board of Education and the public. The platform is intended to provide timely, accurate, and actionable data, reduce manual reporting burden, improve visibility into district performance, and support executive decision-making.
Policy First Reads
Policy Update Will Mean More Personal Days/Extended Maternity Leave for Staff –
Policy GARH – Employee Leaves and Absences (Mid Period Review – Changes Recommended) District Administration has reviewed Board Policy GARH and has determined updates are needed in policy to reflect House Bill 1118 for an additional 3 weeks of paid maternal birth leave and Senate Bill 148 that extends accrued sick leave for personal use from 3 days to 5.
Policy GAEB – Sexual Harassment of Employees (Four Year Review) • No Policy Changes • Recommended Regulation Changes Pursuant to Board Policy BDE- Policy Review, District Administration has reviewed Board Policy GAEB along with the supporting regulation. There are no changes recommended for Board Policy. Administrative Regulation changes have been provided to update current department titles. Complaint processes and timelines have also been added to include clarification that the timeframe does not apply to the Sexual Harassment Grievance Protocol process.
Policy JCDAF – Use of Electronic Devices by Students (Mid Period Review – Changes Recommended) Policy action is aligned with legislation that prohibits personal electronic devices for students. Beginning in school year 2026-2027, students in PreK-12 shall not be allowed to use personal electronic devices while in school subject to allowable exceptions as provided by law. Updates have been provided to the Administrative Regulation to ensure alignment with House Bill 1009, Distraction-Free Education Act, that extends the prohibition of personal electronic devices for students to include grades 9-12.https://sccpss.community.diligentoneplatform.com/document/30956/?splitscreen=true&lastModified=639189438975500000&attachmenturl=%2Fdocument%2Fa16cf7fb-3ebd-4f2f-b8be-e7d143d12d3b
Policy BCAE – Public Hearings (Four Year Review) • Policy Changes • No Recommended Regulation Changes Pursuant to Board Policy BDE- Policy Review, District Administration has reviewed Board Policy BCAE and provides updated language at the recommendation of the Board attorney. No Administrative regulation changes are recommended.
Policy BDA: Policy Development System (Four Year Review – Changes Recommended) Pursuant to Board Policy BDE-Policy Review, District Administration has reviewed Board Policy BDA and provides updated language at the recommendation of the Board attorney.
Policy Adopted
Policy BA – Goals and Objectives (Mid Period Review) Second Read Adoption • Policy Changes Recommended District Administration has reviewed Board Policy BA to include a specific reference to language that supports the Board’s commitment and focus on literacy. This policy section aligns to state requirements, maintains literacy as a fundamental component of current and future strategic plans, and provides requirements for an established literacy plan. This policy has also been updated to reflect the adoption of the 2026-2031 Strategic Plan.
Policy ICC – Curriculum Research (Four Year Review – Changes Recommended) Pursuant to Board Policy BDE- Policy Review, District Administration has reviewed Board Policy ICC along with the supporting regulation ICC-R and has determined changes are needed to update departmental titles and to align all references to current Georgia curriculum requirements.
Policy BDD – Policy Dissemination (Four Year Review – Changes Recommended) Pursuant to Board Policy BDE- Policy Review, District Administration has reviewed Board Policy BDD. Language has been updated for appropriate references to the official record of the Board Policy Manual and that it is located on the District’s website.
Policy BHB – Nepotism (Mid Period Review ) District Administration has reviewed Board Policy BHB and determined changes are needed to update formatting and to add a section related to procedural requirements for the Employment of Immediate Family Members as per O.C.G.A. 20-2-58.1.
Policy BH – Board of Code Ethics (Mid Period Review - Recommended Changes) District Administration has reviewed Board Policy BH and has updated certain language related to social media per the recommendations of legal counsel.
Policy JAA – Equal Education Opportunities (Four Year Review – Changes Recommended) Pursuant to Board Policy BDE- Policy Review, District Administration has reviewed Board Policy JAA along with the supporting regulation and has determined changes are needed to update titles in policy and to notify the community in the regulation that the 504 Coordinator contact information may be found in the Student Code of Conduct, Parent/Guardian Notifications, and on the District website.
Other Board Actions and Updates
Enterprise Document Management System Approved
The Board approved the award of RFP 26-07 Enterprise Document Management System (EDMS) to Harvest Technology Group, Inc. for the initial annual estimated amount of $2,195,752 to scan and digitalize student records for the District. The contract shall be for an initial one (1) year term with options to renew for two (2) additional one-year periods.
Board Approves Use of General Funds for School Nutrition Program Budget Deficit
The Board approved an operating transfer in the amount of $1,600,000 from the General Fund balance (Fund 100) to the School Nutrition Program (Fund 600), for School Year 2025 2026, along with the corresponding budget amendment. During School Year 2025–2026, the program experienced increased operating costs, including food, labor, supplies, equipment, and other required service delivery expenses. These cost pressures, combined with programmatic and operational factors impacting revenue, resulted in an operating deficit requiring support from the General Fund.
Board Approves Use of General Funds for Increased Utility Costs
The Board approved a budget amendment to provide additional funding for utility expenditures in the amount of $2,000,000 from the General Fund (use of Fund Balance) for School Year 2025-2026.The Fiscal Year 2026 budget for utility services has proven insufficient to meet actual expenditures associated with electricity provided by Georgia Power. Throughout the fiscal year, the District has experienced utility costs that exceeded original budget projections due to increased energy consumption, higher-than-anticipated electricity rates, and continued operation of District facilities.
ESPLOST UPDATES
Charles Ellis Montessori Renovations Design Project Scope Expanded
The Board approved professional service agreement change order #02 to Pond & Company in the total amount of $375,531 for an additional fee in design services for the Charles Ellis Montessori Renovations Project. In programming and development, a work scope was added to the project that was not anticipated in the original scope. This includes a new air conditioning system that will provide full coverage to the building in lieu of just a replacement of existing units; fire alarm and electrical service upgrades; replacement of all interior doors and hardware; replacement of cabinetry; bathroom improvements; and replacement of exterior windows, brick repair and exterior painting.
Change Order Approved for Hubert Middle School Renovation
The Board approved GMP change order #2 in the amount of $1,026,822 for RFP C26-03 CMR Services for Hubert Middle School Renovations to Samet Corporation for civil and landscaping additions for permitting approval and increase the total GMP to $19,734,115. The changes include a larger size and quantity of underground storm collection system and storm drainage improvements to alleviate flooding on the fields; additional concrete retaining wall and sidewalks; and added landscaping, planting and lighting.
West Chatham Project Design Approved to Move to 2nd Phase
Hussey, Gay, Bell & DeYoung, International, Inc. has successfully completed the first phase of the contract and is ready to proceed with the design and construction administration for the project. A SCL of $186,951,000 has been established from the master plan resulting in a design and construction administration fee of $8,880,173.
UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS
Board Millage Rate Public Hearing #2 (Tonight)
Wednesday, July 8, 2026 – 6pm
Whitney Administrative Complex
Board Millage Rate Public Hearing #3
Wednesday, July 15, 2026 – 6pm
Whitney Administrative Complex
Special Board Meeting (Recommended Millage Rate and Final Adoption)
Wednesday, July 15, 2026 – 6:30pm
Whitney Administrative Complex
First Day of School-Welcome Back Students
Monday, August 3, 2026
August Informal Board Meeting
Wednesday, August 12, 2026 -10:30am
Whitney Administrative Complex
August Regular Board Meeting
Wednesday, August 12, 2026 - 2pm
Whitney Administrative Complex
Capital Improvement Committee Meeting
Wednesday, August 19, 2026 – 3:30pm
Whitney Administrative Complex
Audit Committee Meeting
Thursday, August 27, 2026
Whitney Administrative Complex