[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6082434,"mediaKeyId","2938371-991970961470687932f8a03b3cd713df","parentId",2938371,"title","Board certifies voter approval of continuation of E-SPLOST; resolution adopted","audioSeconds",250,"startMs",13380000,"endMs",13630000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2938371-991970961470687932f8a03b3cd713df&start=13380&end=13630","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2938371-991970961470687932f8a03b3cd713df/thumbnail_13380000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6082434/Georgia/Board-certifies-voter-approval-of-continuation-of-E-SPLOST-resolution-adopted","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6082434-f62ad3f8088284370920f9f0ef2bdd58/orig.mp4?Expires=1774821004&Signature=KGx0jQPNaCkvkhKaY6lGK428eSY1pJKTg5zgRq7CxOMJw9MHdHllx6neDFeJgHKNjCnyMQmHpzs~efScG-snKXRDgHqAuTg7QY34YFkB2-hcIUnSbmoYJwI-3Fo0rFiPPDDKFlkUYcdRB6mnnXJnPF8S~mEo3P~9AF9eyvPO2eROwHMxsmBUgxlyhcD1qrr16Y8Yi~gXuABi02eN2xfWzX0Kynb3Bu6wmqzcU5RP7uw93bclT2rGBvx-fbekTC3bQICKm3qmls8xxuErOny8v4WgHPrpJzNUB2foGfIRV3zwkuNFqO~CAIJNRhufBucGsHDeCvgb7yrFMXr9MbffCA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-04-10T00:32:15.253Z","article","The Savannah-Chatham County Board of Education adopted a resolution on April 9 certifying the March 18 election result that continued the district's education special-purpose local-option sales tax (E-SPLOST V).

What the vote does: The resolution formally records voter approval of the continuation of the one-cent E-SPLOST and authorizes board officers to provide certified copies of election results as needed for financing and project implementation.

Why it matters: Continuation of E-SPLOST funds supports capital projects including school construction, renovations and technology investments. Superintendent Denise Watts thanked voters and said the proceeds will fund district priorities on a schedule developed by staff and the board.

Board action: The resolution passed with a roll call and the board authorized staff to execute documents and provide certifications to appropriate agencies. Trustees and the superintendent described the approval as enabling previously planned projects, including ongoing construction and future school improvements.

What's next: Staff will provide certified election documents to relevant agencies and proceed with planning and procurement required to implement E-SPLOST-funded projects.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Regular Board Meeting - April 9, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Trustees adopted a resolution formally recording Chatham County voters' approval of continuing the Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (E-SPLOST V), enabling the district to proceed with planned capital projects and financing.","taxTitle","Savannah-Chatham County, School Districts, Georgia","taxId",15361,"location","Georgia","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6082439,"Board rejects recommended $30,000 EEOC settlement; motion fails 4-5",187,8670000,8857000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2938371-991970961470687932f8a03b3cd713df&start=8670&end=8857","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2938371-991970961470687932f8a03b3cd713df/thumbnail_8670000.jpg","/articles/6082439/Georgia/Board-rejects-recommended-30000-EEOC-settlement-motion-fails-4-5","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6082439-eff3d504e67bd65d79831f2f64462c3c/orig.mp4?Expires=1774821004&Signature=KctOtxrCLe1fc8OlB3xcr2eWd9CUInJCv0kT5Y60KDeX1PlJM0EuaIgRAD2wVOkpUoPmHoGVi~rJdMyjiesumkCC8TaOAgXUNCDxufg9~1hXqlmvQoVfgSEsrnUxyrEmIdwnHLafqWVEKNBYEG4dtUcCn91pHvn2YH2oGGbb4ooAhdmJSwFipZ~ICjnwWPdDXA7v4KlYTWQMIgBGYj91p7zDz0S45gJaWLnCz0MkOLTNjtUKjjOsiARWvy1Z-V~5CmFelpSEf~iOEAvqHRTQKTG~RX2F0g3WLKXrCguTZ~Gi5IqteGnA7niB3nLQ4uNb7ppTKKiGXkQpmkq0uZNpRQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Savannah-Chatham County Board of Education voted down a proposed settlement to resolve an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission charge brought by a former employee.

The superintendent recommended approval of a settlement agreement resolving EEOC charge number 415202400434 for a payment of $30,000 and no admission of liability by the district. The recommendation followed a settlement conference facilitated by the EEOC, staff said.

Board action and outcome: After brief discussion, the motion to authorize payment failed by a recorded vote of 4 in favor and 5 opposed. The district attorney and superintendent had recommended the settlement; the board declined the proposed payment and the matter will proceed according to the district's and EEOC's next steps.

Why it matters: EEOC settlements resolve potential legal exposure and may affect budgets and personnel practices. The superintendent had asked authority to execute the agreement if the board approved; denial leaves the claim unresolved.

What the motion said: The resolution would have authorized payment of $30,000 to the claimant in exchange for a release of EEOC claims related to prior employment, with no admission of liability by the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System.

What's next: Because the board did not approve the settlement, staff said they will follow up with legal counsel regarding next procedural steps under EEOC rules and any additional board action if required.

","Trustees voted down a superintendent-recommended settlement of an EEOC charge alleging employment claims against the district. The proposed payment of $30,000 would have resolved charge number 415202400434; the motion failed 4-5.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6082444,"District posts modest gains on state accountability measures; leaders point to literacy gains and long recovery horizon",663,10880000,11543000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2938371-991970961470687932f8a03b3cd713df&start=10880&end=11543","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2938371-991970961470687932f8a03b3cd713df/thumbnail_10880000.jpg","/articles/6082444/Georgia/District-posts-modest-gains-on-state-accountability-measures-leaders-point-to-literacy-gains-and-long-recovery-horizon","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6082444-5ee2d211d0c43aa4fa2dfb99149d186b/orig.mp4?Expires=1774821004&Signature=FJ3Tr8erlDTQas4eqjarG0LOSuMMJgL198Rfa2ySRF3hhwSA2Fxuau5vYAdNPcw-OKOmhpxWUvcqAKiEwhuLE4UPR7dXxLtNawWC5b1gudIDYBrpmIZ884w-AJpApJHP-EPBw-QhokJj2gB7kE3czDdXVXpb-l5T3RGKQFpEXZf5mmbcWGgDSsZwc-I8CSTIvo5vG5qLcEWLGMrbytaWDjoG8shOOuN7u7BR36MmIniD19fUyyxd01y1QmqKU6gwLIpA2ELPKuSIDYNrD5F-UEU-Ho2JpQp5rw7wM3V-iIoIf35POcGN4gmCTjMmWoM6M7l7X4Etdy6Q327FSWoYgg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District officials presented the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System's 2024 College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI) to the board on April 9, reporting gains in several components while noting the district remains below the statewide average in some content-area measures.

Results summary: The district recorded year-over-year gains in content mastery and readiness across grade bands and notable increases in progress measures at middle and high school levels. Graduation rate dipped slightly due to a fall in the four-year adjusted cohort rate but remains above comparison districts, officials said.

Why it matters: CCRPI components combine achievement (Georgia Milestones scores), growth (student growth percentiles), closing gaps, readiness indicators and graduation rate. Superintendent and assessment staff emphasized that the district's recent investments in literacy (including rollout of a new core literacy resource) and targeted interventions contributed to stronger growth metrics, but they also cautioned that the state will roll out new ELA standards next year and that prior math-standard changes influenced recent scores.

Board discussion: Members asked why the district trails statewide content mastery averages and whether graduation and achievement results are inconsistent. Assessment staff explained that demographic differences across the state and higher concentrations of economically disadvantaged students account for part of the gap and that graduation rate and standardized-test snapshots do not always correlate (students may pass courses and graduate without scoring at the highest achievement band on a single day'long standardized test).

What's next: District leaders described ongoing actions including HMH literacy implementation, principal coaching, tiered intervention blocks, formative assessments and professional development such as LETRS training for literacy coaches and teachers. Staff warned that transitions in state standards will likely depress scores next year statewide and urged focusing on multi-year growth rather than single-year comparisons.

","Officials presented the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System's 2024 CCRPI results, showing growth in several measures but gaps versus state averages. District leaders highlighted gains in progress and reading interventions while warning standards changes will affect year-to-year comparisons.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6082449,"Board approves plan to offer free breakfast and lunch to all students under USDA Community Eligibility Provision",584,8113000,8697000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2938371-991970961470687932f8a03b3cd713df&start=8113&end=8697","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2938371-991970961470687932f8a03b3cd713df/thumbnail_8113000.jpg","/articles/6082449/Georgia/Board-approves-plan-to-offer-free-breakfast-and-lunch-to-all-students-under-USDA-Community-Eligibility-Provision","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6082449-9d04d23edf3be28b0a18e3908d873a56/orig.mp4?Expires=1774821004&Signature=gNuiLHSkRLWTLGEVQLeU2dVdQbzmG0cQjwLEic5AsPPzwY88sP1Q0qkNX9zWK9M5Hny2o4B2fBCQHACecBzCWyNX4UCrnht2pMvBXTmRPkpYe~nc~4-hEcubK-otpWSGieLIbsGEmTeheUH2-WGvEAjTpEgU~svtRrf2GnH7AH4MmA3dtiA4eprq~qB~A2YPR4T-BDBCV4PPqF~YeSo61jqMuja0W7S3QU8OZZKjNEBGO4wMRmtrtzZuiH4XIP3Omwrn2-BwCuDL7dY4EUMgp5nK8j5-K531Q-V41YVOjn6Ml0wMfLACVyLfU3WlJ3upJVK4oqoO41Le~79iH3rieA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Savannah-Chatham County Board of Education voted April 9 to adopt a resolution enabling the district to participate in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), which allows qualifying schools to offer breakfast and lunch at no cost to every enrolled student.

The superintendent recommended adopting CEP for the 2025-26 school year with a waiver period of up to four additional years subject to renewal. Staff told the board the program reduces stigma around free meals and covers two of the school system's core objectives: increasing student nutrition and simplifying meal administration.

Why it matters: District leaders said CEP will reduce paperwork for families, eliminate point-of-sale fees for students and could increase participation in school meals. Trustees and staff discussed operational questions including how increased participation would affect food production, supply and staffing; the nutrition team said it is adjusting preparation methods to reduce waste and is monitoring equipment and labor needs.

Board action: The board approved the superintendent's resolution to proceed and authorized the superintendent or designee to sign required documents and make notifications to state and federal agencies.

What's next: Staff will implement required notifications and prepare the district to begin CEP in the 2025-26 school year. No dollar figure was attached to the board motion; staff said the program is funded by federal reimbursement formulas administered through the Georgia Department of Education.

","The board authorized district staff to implement the USDA Community Eligibility Provision starting in 2025-26, allowing eligible schools to provide breakfast and lunch at no charge to all students for up to five years.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6082454,"Savannah-Chatham board begins planning for new state limits on student cellphones",616,4335000,4951000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2938371-991970961470687932f8a03b3cd713df&start=4335&end=4951","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2938371-991970961470687932f8a03b3cd713df/thumbnail_4335000.jpg","/articles/6082454/Georgia/Savannah-Chatham-board-begins-planning-for-new-state-limits-on-student-cellphones","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6082454-fb7a7026b3cdd7934e65f291644cb110/orig.mp4?Expires=1774821004&Signature=mAKsXueOXAA3NyBd5pnBn4JoZ5UMohAyL-xTxvledwGMeCZoMkk6AqxNzoVnaIkxqLQH0Xof5eaE4woR6E2saHcMKd95mK8Wqg-JuReUPp6kl2TXOuEfYYqlr47PJtevUzM1GxUD67-c-NqeMWCrhHxzFWZemmG0Ylgqj7dRY9FPhvD-gtZUGVP8sJL80oE~YVPzTa0AAASC1WyFzThT9REq9GBlg-qm6WKpe7a0cXuu~gNhgveMjzzIkg9gc5wB4louzBnMixLt2NpcSlAgOmskT2wBgHVaxhK5CsvdczHurGmDZ15djEZUoCwU6FiDyBj2EA4a8lWvkBEfpDMfrg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Savannah-Chatham County Board of Education members spent an extended discussion on April 9 preparing for a newly passed state bill that would restrict student access to personal electronic devices in kindergarten through eighth grade.

The district told the board it is monitoring HB 340 (the Distract-Free Education Act), which would prohibit K-8 students from accessing personal devices during the school day no later than July 1, 2026 if the governor signs the bill or allows it to become law. Superintendent Denise Watts said the district's current policy already gives teachers authority to control phones in class, but the new law would require districtwide procedures and a community communications effort.

Why it matters: The proposal would affect thousands of students, alter daily operations at schools that use phone-lock systems, and may increase disciplinary incidents while schools and families adjust. Board members pressed staff on logistics including storage options (classroom lock boxes v. central phone lockers), high-school exemptions for instructional uses, special-education and IEP accommodations, and parent pushback.

District staff described pilots already under way at several high schools and at Oglethorpe Charter, where phones are stored in classroom lockers or taken to a central location each morning. Some principals reported success: phones are collected at the start of the day and redistributed before dismissal. The district said cost is a consideration if schools purchase phone lockers or other storage systems, but noted some schools had financed equipment through school-level funds or business partners.

Board members expressed differing views about extending any prohibition to high schools. Several trustees said they support a K-8 ban and want the district to move quickly. Others urged more study of high-school use cases (band tuners, yearbook photography, accessibility and safety communications) and the potential need to provide district-owned devices or accessories. Superintendent Watts said the district will await guidance from the State Board of Education and the governor while preparing a communication and operational plan to present to the board.

What's next: Staff said they will return with recommended policy changes and implementation details once the bill's state-level guidance is released. The board did not take a formal vote on policy at the April 9 meeting.

","Board members and staff discussed House Bill 340\u0000(the \"Distraction-Free Education Act\") and possible local implementation steps if the measure becomes law, including exemptions, storage options and communications to families.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board certifies voter approval of continuation of E-SPLOST; resolution adopted

Board rejects recommended $30,000 EEOC settlement; motion fails 4-5

District posts modest gains on state accountability measures; leaders point to literacy gains and long recovery horizon

Board approves plan to offer free breakfast and lunch to all students under USDA Community Eligibility Provision

Savannah-Chatham board begins planning for new state limits on student cellphones