[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-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",[32,76,88,100],{"_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":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6655752,"mediaKeyId","5374346-404c0e2799a73498e83ae99e8ed54414","parentId",5374346,"title","Superintendent: $2M in federal education funds frozen; district reprioritizing spending","audioSeconds",73,"startMs",2367000,"endMs",2440000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5374346-404c0e2799a73498e83ae99e8ed54414&start=2367&end=2440","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5374346-404c0e2799a73498e83ae99e8ed54414/thumbnail_2367000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6655752/Georgia/Superintendent-2M-in-federal-education-funds-frozen-district-reprioritizing-spending","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6655752-1b2e315029e135bea6bb17c83497f750/orig.mp4?Expires=1771171840&Signature=HMeS3pF3SH6kq1NiJN3JybH-9NTjKvZV38iHK-LAZeJ9eQBx5NF~i56F~AttInIwrfonn8Hc6oE6z4Gh1ZpnvAAtr~UkrCeZ2JEQCPlXMSupnSeih2Qysa0HAgVeEx2hlG2K3GJDsitL9vjAlSoY3VjSvwpplb8dXHON6tCxcbL45sBr4RheIpNmolnCe6LruuVKDM-fzKhSIq3qpS~Sxp1sXz~ItnUgF7xke3no6FgXGnO-8bJb3eKkkSsHZM4gGBo~opNLSd1kypWzP4-Mw5eUp-q32virU8X37UiBo~pSkg5Kqk3mvHfVvX24Nczy-9A5kxXcOGU13rqkIzEC2Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","School Board of Georgia ","date","2025-07-11T14:45:29Z","article","Superintendent Cheshire told the board that certain federal funding streams are temporarily frozen and that the district is taking immediate steps to limit disruption to programs and personnel.

Cheshire said that Title II (teacher training), Title III (English learners), Title IV (student support and enrichment) and the 21st Century Community Learning Centers grants are currently on hold at the federal level. Cabinet member Joyce (named in the presentation) calculated the district exposure at more than $2,000,000, Cheshire said. The board was told to halt spending from those accounts until the district receives further federal guidance.

The superintendent said the district has begun reprioritizing and identifying alternative funding to cover critical services. As an example, staff said some positions funded in Title IV were being moved into comparable vacant positions elsewhere in the district to avoid layoffs; the superintendent emphasized no employees had lost their jobs as of the meeting. Administrators also noted they were reviewing allowable uses of other funds, including Title I and safety-net dollars, to preserve high-priority services such as afterschool programs, tutoring and counseling while the freeze remains in effect.

Board members asked who is monitoring the federal action and how long the freeze may last. Administrators said cabinet members are monitoring DOE guidance and national developments and will update the board as the situation evolves. The superintendent added that professional learning budgets (cited in the meeting as approximately $659,000) and other training allocations are affected, forcing rapid replanning for pre-service and training events.

No formal board vote was taken on the funding issue during the work session; administrators said staff would continue to provide updated financial guidance and contingency plans to the board as new information becomes available.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","07-10-25 RCPS BOE Work Session Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Superintendent Cheshire told the board that Title II, Title III, Title IV and 21st Century grant funds are currently frozen at the federal level, representing over $2 million in funds; the district has instructed teams to hold spending and is reassigning affected staff to vacant positions while it evaluates contingency plans.","taxTitle","Rockdale County, School Districts, Georgia","taxId",15315,"location","Georgia","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6655757,"District presents purchases for metal-detection units and school furniture; board to consider on consent agenda",170,1302000,1472000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5374346-404c0e2799a73498e83ae99e8ed54414&start=1302&end=1472","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5374346-404c0e2799a73498e83ae99e8ed54414/thumbnail_1302000.jpg","/articles/6655757/Georgia/District-presents-purchases-for-metal-detection-units-and-school-furniture-board-to-consider-on-consent-agenda","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6655757-cbbe8fd289bf607e2e4877325433b336/orig.mp4?Expires=1771171840&Signature=n~JflVYzm1gA4z5H0nIksH3jbUoSGgGqcPrcsYRY5lR3-PMZe15EYe1YiCxK8u3jY1Pg8AWQlPie0VwStU~STSMEQucaARHX37UmGH6erI7XnZpJ3apLln1luVFAglQe9zUbEgVcqSa5QAgAfWlYV4ruiGezx87BPD1KGH5Os0gXaXQlyIBgEjuKb-MG3jl7qO0gUYYGVyogfQFWGTPqO7HJxP13-e4c0sgo6292s8KHQE82jKlmMUQwjG7BYE~hxihQS5yzhFUP~-9~U5S7Q3z5EhVqUyAof1PBt3yVXo1fyRqSsd4OE7EN86MGjNGSjmuZ3nhLhxVt~UlJesAjVg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Rockdale County Public Schools staff presented two operations-focused action items: (1) purchase of additional open-gate screening units for schools and (2) purchase of furniture for two elementary-school renovation projects.

A staff presenter identified as Mr. Budenseek presented both items. On the first, the superintendent recommended approving a purchase of open-gate units from Communications Technologies Inc. through the TIPS cooperative (No. 220105). The presenter said the total purchase amount was $510,061; later in the presentation staff described the funding split as $355,061 coming from a district capital/restricted fund (term used in the meeting: \"each plus funds\") and $155,000 from the general fund for a grant tagged for safety initiatives. The presenter said the purchase would add units to the district inventory, increasing the number available for elementary schools (where the devices were not currently routinely assigned) and allowing more regular deployments.

Board members pressed for data showing whether threats at elementary schools had risen and asked how often the units would be used if purchased. A board member identified as Miss Brown asked the presenter for incident data (knives, guns, contraband, vaping devices) to support the purchase; the presenter said the claim of \"increased threats\" was a national trend and offered to supply local safety-department data showing reduced contraband where devices already have been used at secondary schools. The presenter and other administrators said they would provide that data to the board and described current inventory counts given at the meeting: three units at traditional high schools, three at middle schools, two at central office, two at RCA and two at EPIC, with elementary schools currently using devices on a case-by-case basis.

On the second item, staff recommended awarding a contract for furniture for Barksdale Elementary (quote RE652025) and Flat Shoals Elementary (quote EKT06192025) to Ernie Morris Enterprise Inc., contract 230301, for a total of $963,082.51. Staff said the vendor will hold furniture until phased delivery is needed during renovations. Board members asked whether multiple quotes were obtained and whether delivery or construction timing could affect readiness for the start of school; staff said the vendor selection followed procurement through the TIPS process and that contingency plans are in place to ensure schools open on time.

Both action items were included in the cabinet’s list of items. The board later voted 7–0 to place items 1–12 on the consent agenda for the regular meeting; the safety-equipment and furniture purchases will appear on that consent agenda for formal approval. Staff were asked to provide local threat incident data, a deployment plan that clarifies frequency and staffing needed for daily use, and an updated schedule showing furniture delivery aligned with renovation milestones.","District staff requested authority to purchase open-gate screening units for elementary schools and to buy furniture for two renovated elementary schools; board placed action items on the consent agenda and asked for threat-data and deployment details.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6655762,"Rockdale schools seek $105,706 authorization to pay College Board AP exam fees",186,328000,514000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5374346-404c0e2799a73498e83ae99e8ed54414&start=328&end=514","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5374346-404c0e2799a73498e83ae99e8ed54414/thumbnail_328000.jpg","/articles/6655762/Georgia/Rockdale-schools-seek-105706-authorization-to-pay-College-Board-AP-exam-fees","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6655762-987fb17a8915da687fcc839cc21916f6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771171840&Signature=lNHWcTm2d-4ofrMrZ1~XIIrBh2sO2OTZd3XgQYaRYsK--g3BA9jKRmHFweH8dogK9ug5XrQALJGsaCQQ3UlIoD2ivsgPrsEysRrPUr-inaErYbG5qDyzOnaLtXscz-Eb7ylKudY3ixB~f-VlOefhqDudJGfrOJu0OtKj6vo0xq-odSUUg19j7sRTYBm8H01xCrFKrx4YyhLDXgC2f4IQ1s53mnItDsFaVn6rq22X-VHAtIseKDjPH3FQp7RVFzoZr1258HvmDbE56D0jYqN08Z~g0jaS6D9yUP~fvlC~WCWniaOsYV8EXluKqXHAvDPWN6FptOMoAIMare96w2TzCQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Bethany Gillis, representing the division of leadership and learning, presented the board with a request to authorize payment of the district’s invoice from the College Board for Advanced Placement (AP) exams taken in May 2025.

Gillis said the district administered 2,133 AP exams in 2025, up from 1,641 in 2021. The total College Board bill, after fee reductions and state subsidies, was reported at $121,906; Gillis said Title IV funds paid $16,200 of that total this past year. The specific action presented to the board was to authorize payment of the RCPS general fund invoice for AP exam fees in the amount of $105,706. Gillis said that amount had been pre-approved as a line item in the FY 2024–25 budget.

Board members asked about how reduced or shifting federal Title funding might affect how many exam fees the district can cover going forward and when official exam score results would be available. Gillis replied that data show a rise in exam administrations but that some scores were still outstanding from late testers; she offered to return to present results when they are complete.

The AP payment request was included among the cabinet’s action items. The board later voted 7–0 to place items 1–12 on the consent agenda at the next regular meeting; the AP invoice authorization will therefore appear on that consent agenda for formal approval.","District officials recommended authorizing payment of $105,706 to the College Board for Advanced Placement exam fees for 2025; board members asked about the share paid by federal Title funds and requested follow-up score data.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6655767,"Rockdale schools to adopt Community Eligibility Provision; district claiming rate rises",193,645000,838000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5374346-404c0e2799a73498e83ae99e8ed54414&start=645&end=838","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5374346-404c0e2799a73498e83ae99e8ed54414/thumbnail_645000.jpg","/articles/6655767/Georgia/Rockdale-schools-to-adopt-Community-Eligibility-Provision-district-claiming-rate-rises","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6655767-6bc75058289d483c80da9250379d6ffc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771171840&Signature=oyiciMrS3ZBJl8pcqdgv8W06uGpVOrDHkyaK2-kQ-l3~97DN9YcMuKDeVLJXR51R4VQC5cyHwUG~OxQD2BZxeIKU~VxWCopXwrb1JKqUeWa5uOkQqm9HwZc1uZniWq~JrcyVV7PBVQ7R-94fYDGYG0lbrfuuxb~Jy0aj9k0gUCe1twHfTVgloAIVrPcPPWr3m7PMKQxJ-UQr2P8qAnH2yej0GM2ZbosMQ~pQ4ONodxdIi3gYD6b6dVJ63ZOKhbg8MGMzhbLst1BOGU0c86S~rFwIQxugQzskBEtqVvBLULkgUvGWM3oMTiuVN5HQOrYIlgmC4MNHUvR3a8kDfvk0iA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Rockdale County Public Schools officials told the board their district qualified to adopt the Community Eligibility Provision, increasing the share of meals reimbursed at the higher \"free\" rate and removing the need for household meal applications.

The recommendation, presented by Blaine Allen of the division of community impact, said the Georgia Department of Education validated a higher claiming percentage for school year 2026 and approved the district’s CEP status effective July 1, 2025. Under the revalidation, the districtwide \"free\" claiming percentage rose to 94.08% (paid 5.92%). Allen said the validation process used identified-student data (SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, foster, homeless and other categorical programs) and that 10,109 students were counted as identified in the worksheet submitted to the state.

Administrators said the change will increase federal reimbursement for breakfasts and lunches, boost student access to no-cost meals, eliminate unpaid meal charges and reduce stigma associated with free and reduced-price meal programs. Allen presented the reimbursement rates discussed at the meeting: paid breakfast reimbursement 38 cents, free breakfast $2.84; paid lunch 53 cents, free lunch $4.54. He said the revalidation and higher claiming percentage will increase reimbursements to the school nutrition budget districtwide.

Board members asked how the claiming percentages interact with other federal funding formulas. Board member Justin Kenny asked whether the change would affect Title funding allocations. Administrators said the CEP validation data are used in calculations that influence Title I and E-rate allocations; the Title I director (Ursula Davis) will verify detailed impacts and provide formal confirmation to the board. CFO-level staff also confirmed district staff would follow up to provide the breakdown.

The CEP action item was presented as part of the cabinet’s set of items to be considered at the regular session. A motion to place items 1–12 (which include the CEP recommendation) on the consent agenda at the next regular meeting was moved by Nikita Parm and seconded by Vice Chair Janie Jones; the motion passed 7–0, meaning the CEP item will appear on next week’s consent agenda for formal board action.

Administrators said the CEP revalidation covers the next four-year cycle but that a new base year may be established annually in April, per the CEP process. They also stressed that the validation used state data and the district will continue annual diligence to ensure claiming percentages are accurate and that allocations to other federal programs are preserved.

The superintendent’s office and the Title I director were asked to supply a follow-up memo that details how the higher claiming percentage affects Title allocations and the district’s per-school funding calculations. The board made no formal final decision on CEP at the work session; the item will be part of the consent agenda at the next regular meeting.","Rockdale County Public Schools administrators recommended approving the USDA Community Eligibility Provision after a state revalidation raised the districtwide claiming percentage, increasing federal meal reimbursements and eliminating unpaid meal charges; the item was placed on next week’s consent agenda.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Superintendent: $2M in federal education funds frozen; district reprioritizing spending

District presents purchases for metal-detection units and school furniture; board to consider on consent agenda

Rockdale schools seek $105,706 authorization to pay College Board AP exam fees

Rockdale schools to adopt Community Eligibility Provision; district claiming rate rises