[{"_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",6225103,"mediaKeyId","3540847-08d81d2cab8fd959c41887e3c4ada5d8","parentId",3540847,"title","Board moves Code of Conduct to consent; SchoolDOG app to expand countywide at no added cost","audioSeconds",152,"startMs",516000,"endMs",668000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3540847-08d81d2cab8fd959c41887e3c4ada5d8&start=516&end=668","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3540847-08d81d2cab8fd959c41887e3c4ada5d8/thumbnail_516000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6225103/Georgia/Board-moves-Code-of-Conduct-to-consent-SchoolDOG-app-to-expand-countywide-at-no-added-cost","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6225103-16fc4deb75516f861724e8da30700c9a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153359&Signature=NTrd8U06eIRoYcLamR-7LzXCbSTsVm4cpif7veWP29T0NzA9L8H~0K64Y3x95E0ThAnWIzaFiwVvEC~8yKEiJWQbnaCFrTCPHnvIvMjKSYzImFkyDw0ouqUKGclmgl2e0wW7qVz0RNDP~sSMUy8qmk-qd5dF7bvZjXto0sOma7L5nDkTYktKhCkPhe4CFYCYfnTOXecwaE0x6IDk4-c4PGdkjT~vm5xCifRbhWadDoul2DnZN4zst-xdh39rS9zy3-hv5QEvbVffrCu~WthSzdy7dST38TATuYbV~uNZq7lSY9QVjUs7Z9CnP2GZ7cQSBz2P72zDczKNsYhIAG2APw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-05-28T11:11:20Z","article","The Barrow County Board of Education on May 27 heard a presentation about the district’s proposed code of conduct for the 2025–26 school year and an update on a school-safety app pilot.

Dr. Darby asked the board to move the proposed FY2026 Code of Conduct from public review to the consent agenda, noting the document was left open for an extra 30 days “because of, no response,” and that staff had received one email referenced by Dr. Bowen before concluding the code “does cover what was needed.” Dr. Darby asked if there were any questions; none were raised in the excerpted discussion and the item was set to move forward to the consent agenda for board action.

On school-safety technology, district staff reported the pilot of the SchoolDOG app at four schools had been successful and that SchoolDOG is providing the app at no additional cost for another school year. Staff said the district will roll the app out to all schools and utilize it countywide next year.

Why it matters: the Code of Conduct sets behavioral and disciplinary expectations for students; expanding a safety and communication app districtwide affects how schools communicate safety information to staff, students and families.

What’s next: the Code of Conduct was presented for placement on the consent agenda; staff will roll SchoolDOG out to all schools next year and return with implementation details as requested by board members.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","BCSS Work Session 5/27/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The board received a briefing on the proposed FY2026 Code of Conduct and staff said the SchoolDOG safety app, piloted at four schools, will be rolled out districtwide next year at no additional cost.","taxTitle","Barrow County, School Districts, Georgia","taxId",15313,"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},6225109,"Barrow County seeks approvals for IT refresh: workstations, charging stations and backup solution",510,3210000,3720000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3540847-08d81d2cab8fd959c41887e3c4ada5d8&start=3210&end=3720","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3540847-08d81d2cab8fd959c41887e3c4ada5d8/thumbnail_3210000.jpg","/articles/6225109/Georgia/Barrow-County-seeks-approvals-for-IT-refresh-workstations-charging-stations-and-backup-solution","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6225109-6557ec24b7a5342cee7e90186faf7c3e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153359&Signature=DWwM-9r1aqoS0MKcXnyxd5TtqfRx~am4fkhmp2uB13cOBXii0j96iM1vyoUSL1esGG4XLyC8y1be5dOlKH4RFOSfO2f3FTzt6g2INcmU3MG8Z7nvD2JN4-uDSyUmzqGw~iyzteMzlpNBTLhRqwNTdtjqyWuX0Js0upkHZ5KQFT-Ikya3T5veETToqQorwkLEDdZJu2h9GHwOtCzHZsTvvJQYOFSveuXC4rFJIM0nTlp1UqJ3vuXxqYgXGtZBoUDdQSS~CDSdJyeoNdpFFa5ezdryI1IYXBus3sUSbnmbrd4d-ekOGRy0bUPJMh3CWic1zsMaqYxRRON1igo~9fgKog__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Barrow County technology staff asked the board May 27 to approve several IT purchases as part of the district’s refresh and 1-to-1 Chromebook program.

ITS staff recommended purchase of 120 high-end graphics workstations from Hypertech USA at $997 per unit, for a total of $119,640, to replace five- to six-year-old desktops in advanced graphics labs such as audio/video and CAD classes. Presenter Mr. St. Clair said references for the low bidder were checked and returned positive comments.

For the district’s 1-to-1 Chromebook deployment, staff proposed purchasing JAR Systems charging stations (6- and 12-bay configurations) from Conquest of Snellville, Georgia, at an initial cost of $330,305 from SPLOST 1-to-1 support funds. The charging stations would give each middle and high school classroom a six-bay charging station and provide larger 12-bay stations for media centers, staff said.

Technology staff also presented a proposal to replace the district backup system with a Cohesity backup solution and recommended Sherlock Technology (also referenced as Kopeski/Sherlock) as low-bid respondent. The packet showed a year-one ITS fund impact of $90,577 and an estimated five-year total of $329,387; in the recommendation text the presenter stated a year-one amount of $757,577 and an expected five-year total of $329,387. Staff said any renewal-year costs exceeding the estimate would be competitively quoted under board purchasing rules.

Why it matters: the purchases support classroom instruction (graphics workstations), the 1-to-1 device program (charging stations) and district data continuity (backup solution). The charging stations and workstation purchases were presented with funding sources and authorization to use the RFP responses for additional purchases through July 31, 2025 if needed.

What’s next: staff recommended awarding contracts and asked the board to authorize use of the RFP responses for additional purchases through July 31, 2025, subject to normal reporting and approvals.","District staff recommended purchases for 120 high-end graphics workstations ($119,640), JAR charging stations ($330,305) and a Cohesity backup solution with multi-year renewal estimates; RFPs and vendor references were discussed.",{"_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},6225113,"Barrow County board briefed on classroom pod, CFIT renovations and athletics construction timeline",393,1837000,2230000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3540847-08d81d2cab8fd959c41887e3c4ada5d8&start=1837&end=2230","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3540847-08d81d2cab8fd959c41887e3c4ada5d8/thumbnail_1837000.jpg","/articles/6225113/Georgia/Barrow-County-board-briefed-on-classroom-pod-CFIT-renovations-and-athletics-construction-timeline","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6225113-896b2c7d0f8c3725ef55f38a664604d1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153359&Signature=E1vZ2H0SrcTD1BBS4bxqbjCbobuJlcR0ow099huGAyJqHq84O1uEQNvi5eh9T57SXGA56B9l5wvgvmU16w1wSM8UoCXEHOF8a2~OKTU6m0oz37Mtt5ZJaUmdJe5bzCuEv5BQrWiHFTf3SSHl4VghfARJByoCm3zwDstZKo7GB2CT7~oplNnPSR901LLvGFrmHGsZ3bW7ws7Y5mUxezZaO0XSQwb64VyTkEIMfCXnBn5iXCRyLfFC392iJhB~QRjUt5O~d20yJaxFEDh054iWHKmzquMiPTSLQ90ZEOgDfzrveJQTVvsM0xgV0Lftm56bPlr3NAU4Qjze94uPCTMolg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","System operations staff told the Barrow County Board of Education on May 27 that several facilities projects are progressing and that staff seek a one-year extension to the district’s local facilities plan.

Operations director Mr. Purnau reported the classroom pod at Winder Barrel High School is on schedule: site work continues, interior finishes are in progress and greenhouses are expected on site in June. When asked, staff confirmed the greenhouses would be ready by the next school year.

The board was asked to accept a guaranteed maximum price of $241,478 for renovation work at the CFIT building to create a secure vestibule and make door and window modifications; staff said the project would be funded through SPLOST. The presentation noted projects over $25,000 require board approval.

On athletics improvements, the district named Cunningham, Fortean, Matthews and Moore as the architect team and has advertised a request for proposals for a construction manager. A mandatory pre-proposal meeting is scheduled for May 29 and proposals are due June 10; staff expect to recommend a construction manager at the June 24 work session.

Operations also recommended a one‑year extension to the district’s local facilities plan, moving the completion date to spring 2027. Staff said the extension would allow the district’s strategic planning process to inform the facilities plan development, that there is no financial impact and that state dollars continue to accrue under DOE rules during the extension.

Why it matters: the updates cover active capital projects, safety upgrades and the scheduling of procurement steps that shape construction timelines and future school capacity planning.

What’s next: the board will consider action items on CFIT renovations and the facilities plan extension; staff expect a construction-manager recommendation for athletics at the June 24 work session.","District operations gave updates on a classroom pod at Winder Barrel High School, a CFIT lobby security renovation funded by SPLOST, an athletics improvement package seeking a construction manager, and a requested one‑year extension to the local facilities plan.",{"_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},6225117,"Barrow County seeks up to $2.74M in contracts to cover special-education staffing shortfalls",364,2422000,2786000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3540847-08d81d2cab8fd959c41887e3c4ada5d8&start=2422&end=2786","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3540847-08d81d2cab8fd959c41887e3c4ada5d8/thumbnail_2422000.jpg","/articles/6225117/Georgia/Barrow-County-seeks-up-to-274M-in-contracts-to-cover-special-education-staffing-shortfalls","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6225117-fee0de61ca71283deaa4d42bb6f0e9b3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153359&Signature=Z25L8dx1aWFBRjxD4uYxhfdXsyV4o57e9mOE9O4oz4qEa5fW9twVGqzWtj4637AzKPG1lWdLZVHnmraZbJHzyKNxu9~5gc9wlz0Ts5CR35YE5El64i1-POo9zWDjxL9aLbIm615EJXgOM3BfR4uMnKQeMBt3y1EDCMMmBIsz~HcJ7m0k1pK2XFaGfWMCrBL4IdVjoYUtg-AV9vT8GTzgaV-HURaOzRZOUvogaH-OWAF3yECVucFiB~yIpnTCd89BIgcRn5m-3e7Q0pvNDBrFlSf9S9ronkP3v~x7OfQYbKNMaksiSsv8GirO5JBH9DkELnz0yNWpkDwO8Re6AenVsQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Barrow County School System staff asked the board May 27 to authorize contracts with multiple vendors to provide special-education evaluations and services for FY2026, citing persistent staffing shortages that have left key positions unfilled.

Amy Wadley, presenting for special education, said the district had unfilled openings as of May 20 that included 13 special-education teacher positions, 1.5 speech-language pathologist (SLP) positions, one school psychologist and about 10 paraprofessionals. Wadley told the board the applicant pool is limited and the district wants vendor contracts available if internal hires are not secured before the school year starts.

The superintendent’s recommendation is to contract with Celiant Health LLC, The Stepping Stones Group, CARES Rehabilitation, Bridals Schools, Emeritus Staffing and Expressive Pediatric Therapy to provide evaluations and services for up to $2,740,840. Wadley provided maximum-rate examples included in the packet: 1.5 SLPs at a maximum of $90 per hour (cost example $205,200) and one school psychologist at up to $105 per hour (cost example $159,600). Wadley also requested permission to hold a 1-to-1 nurse on reserve should a student with that need enroll; nursing services would be funded through Medicaid reimbursement if used, and registered behavior technicians would be funded through the IDEA grant as noted in the presentation.

Wadley said the district used 14 contracted positions this past year: one nurse (kept in reserve and not needed), three SLPs, five contracted teachers, one registered behavior technician and four paraprofessionals. The packet included a maximum-cost estimate across all contracts of $2,740,840; the recommendation asks board authorization to enter contracts up to that aggregate amount.

Why it matters: the district cited rapid growth and a small applicant pool as drivers of the request. Staff framed the contracts as contingency authority to ensure services required by students with disabilities will be available at the start of the year if candidate searches do not fill vacancies.

What’s next: the superintendent recommended contract authority; the board will act on the item at the consent or action portion of upcoming agenda as presented.","District staff asked the board to authorize contracts with multiple vendors up to $2,740,840 to provide evaluations and special-education services as staffing shortages continue.",{"_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},6225121,"Barrow County schools propose $213.3M budget, face $10.6M gap; tentative millage vote set for June",1150,725000,1875000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3540847-08d81d2cab8fd959c41887e3c4ada5d8&start=725&end=1875","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3540847-08d81d2cab8fd959c41887e3c4ada5d8/thumbnail_725000.jpg","/articles/6225121/Georgia/Barrow-County-schools-propose-2133M-budget-face-106M-gap-tentative-millage-vote-set-for-June","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6225121-bd91cfb1fdf5b9d59dfbedfb43d94a8b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153359&Signature=gh1nH4sxqG7oMboASROnCdVLQGbyZPGkrwsAOeXw3fhRNqCtuSHCeCw3fY32WK3Zp5WcV734AEvxxd8QKHxSAOJ4SqTuNFuBo-tB-f6VQM4dzGI3Fc1otiPdC-gtvViZeWQDXcLKFmGMt-selhSKGrj~reh5NUAXOp4jx~KcYNc4a340BcWPpFzF7EZJn2dRKXI9Q8h6k5TZmDJRCsuSlTzLS9Z0m0UQ-C06-67V-R00l56Y5eVs5A~CKV1mLjvYLtlP55fWN0FzwC~bzBowwHapWfBpFUO7H3ibyjugO62QYZkHYgZk6gkml3JrFNSyIVkcI9nTmTOextelGgwMrw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Barrow County School System officials on May 27 presented a FY2026 general fund budget that estimates $213,300,000 in revenues and $224,000,000 in expenditures, leaving a projected operating gap of about $10,600,000.

Business services presenter Miss Houston told the board, “We budget to bring in $213,300,000 which is an increase of $7,700,000 from the previous year.” The presentation set out major revenue assumptions — a 3% net increase in the tax digest, an estimated $3.2 million increase in state QBE funding, and additional revenue from car taxes and higher interest income — and explained that most district spending is personnel-driven.

The budget presentation said 88.62% of the district’s budget is salaries and benefits and that state mandates such as teacher retirement and health insurance account for large shares of the outlay. The district projects a June 30, 2024 fund balance of about $89,000,000 and a projected unassigned fund balance at the start of FY2026 of $67,000,000 after assigning $16,000,000 for future needs (including $12,000,000 for capital projects, $2,500,000 for future literacy materials and $1,500,000 for security enhancements). The superintendent’s plan would reduce the unassigned fund balance by the $10.6 million deficit to an estimated $56,300,000 at the end of FY2026.

Officials recommended several next steps on the public calendar: the board will consider the FY2026 general fund presentation and a tentative millage rate at the June 3 meeting; the district will hold public hearings (presenters cited June 12 and June 23 for budget hearings); the board was told it could adopt the final budget on June 24 and the final millage rate is scheduled for adoption on July 8 so the county can process its roll.

The presentation also included a separate, staff-recommended transfer of $117,000 from an unfilled position in the FY2025 general fund into the capital projects fund to buy instructional band instruments: “We will transfer these funds over to the capital projects funds and bring back the bids, once we identified the needed instruments for board approval,” Miss Houston said. That transfer was presented as a consent agenda item for board action.

Why it matters: the board’s choice of millage rate will affect property taxpayers and determine how much the district must draw from reserves to balance recurring expenses. The presenters noted state and federal funding uncertainties and recommended keeping a substantial fund balance in the event of downturns.

What’s next: the board will consider a tentative millage rate June 3, hold public hearings in mid- and late-June, and is scheduled to act on the final millage on July 8 and the final budget on June 24 if the process proceeds as presented.","Barrow County School System presented a $213.3 million revenue plan for FY2026 and a $224 million spending plan that would create a roughly $10.6 million gap; board to consider a tentative millage rate June 3 and hold public hearings before final millage vote.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board moves Code of Conduct to consent; SchoolDOG app to expand countywide at no added cost

Barrow County seeks approvals for IT refresh: workstations, charging stations and backup solution

Barrow County board briefed on classroom pod, CFIT renovations and athletics construction timeline

Barrow County seeks up to $2.74M in contracts to cover special-education staffing shortfalls

Barrow County schools propose $213.3M budget, face $10.6M gap; tentative millage vote set for June