[{"_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",6166347,"mediaKeyId","5415781-3d3c42439832120596abd4a2e1104b7b","parentId",5415781,"title","Finance report: district cash up from last year but federal funds delayed; SPLOST timing clarified","audioSeconds",439,"startMs",2667000,"endMs",3106000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5415781-3d3c42439832120596abd4a2e1104b7b&start=2667&end=3106","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5415781-3d3c42439832120596abd4a2e1104b7b/thumbnail_2667000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6166347/Georgia/Finance-report-district-cash-up-from-last-year-but-federal-funds-delayed-SPLOST-timing-clarified","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6166347-996f3c915c6bbb0b2f6241c11858bfdf/orig.mp4?Expires=1771151580&Signature=i9lok1bE3VzXhxkt63shJsqB6aZrsrUi3LJRCJWsxrZqRdhxBi5Gxs2IHTUMoAOL91v3FBlXAmbtPjaYTcE03E3XpKIN612fkbMPSMO6XLLM63pI8phf-BwH9MQKRl4eYXb~ePAETD9Ag7jFcUs~FMdlmqlXYG3d18l4rXSZaaXALspoQIwoXjkZHGeW6ULOBK1Ft25X2c6sF~AF9YtC2GEKywVMfvt6rNo8lCrhZfsppCdh4DasWlTa7IFiJFhLu2EJLMdq9AJ9Dc-e2UXqk9I4FD5c~vyykByWhtvkVUmtbCsRVuz~xg~yQep2iZHLQYyWR529Ku4pO5Kq5-NRlA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-07-16T13:26:05Z","article","Mr. Larry Hammel presented the district’s June 2025 financial statements to the Board of Education on July 15, reporting a higher cash position than a year earlier but noting near‑term pressure from delayed federal funds and explaining the timetable for SPLOST planning.

The financial update matters because cash flow and federal grant timing affect the district’s ability to pay ongoing programs through September and determine whether the district must carry expenditures until federal transfers arrive.

Hammel said the district began the month with about $210 million and ended June with roughly $185.5 million (compared with about $168.2 million at the same point in 2024). Overall collections were reported at about 99.53% of projected budget. Hammel highlighted that the district collected 100% of certain local taxes and that QBE midterm payments came in smaller than projected. He told the board the district expects to draw roughly $26–27 million per month between July and early October to cover cash needs before the first large property‑tax distributions.

On federal funding, Hammel said recent federal‑to‑state transfers have been delayed and as a result the district would need to temporarily carry about $1 million a month in federal program expenditures until state transfers resume; staff said they expect a larger catch‑up transfer in October or November. He added there is separate concern that some Title II and Title III funding levels year‑to‑date could be reduced, with total potential shortfalls on the order of $1 million to $1.5 million for the year if state allocations do not materialize.

Hammel and board members discussed SPLOST (the special‑purpose local‑option sales tax). Staff explained that SPLOST collections can end once the voter‑authorized projects are fully collected and that is why the district has sought voter approval in the current window: to avoid a funding gap if collections end earlier than the voter‑approval timeline for the next ballot. The board said the intent is to avoid a multi‑month pause in project funding that would otherwise force cancellations or require drawing down the district’s cash balance.

Less urgent details: Hammel reviewed school cash balances and capital‑project closeouts planned for July; he noted some federal funds and grant receivables that will be recorded as the fiscal year closes.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Forsyth County Schools | Board of Education Regular Meeting | July 15, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Mr. Larry Hammel presented the district’s June 2025 financial statements on July 15, reporting a year‑over‑year higher cash position but warning that delayed federal transfers require the district to carry certain program costs until funds arrive.","taxTitle","Forsyth County, School Districts, Georgia","taxId",15379,"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},6166352,"Forsyth nonprofit Community Connection outlines services for homeless youth, care portal referrals and collaborative work",956,240000,1196000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5415781-3d3c42439832120596abd4a2e1104b7b&start=240&end=1196","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5415781-3d3c42439832120596abd4a2e1104b7b/thumbnail_240000.jpg","/articles/6166352/Georgia/Forsyth-nonprofit-Community-Connection-outlines-services-for-homeless-youth-care-portal-referrals-and-collaborative-work","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6166352-6104e72d0f382b6f208653f98fd5d067/orig.mp4?Expires=1771151580&Signature=Uvdo5vae~aEfLU~3wa3AbkHkcoWOK2ajd-x0bo-H51mMM6~S~lN86uRIHDdoUBkCNCoiEZLXuTK-WcCsDDLRALZZ1JvjS0QcSeO~TSVlV3n27y9Ozd7TemA3GWlF2HEGptumdndDj8JFOMP-pPOd-k2cMvK2gOAgloP9JcPM1xiew5spOSGHUhMV0zqTRa-QT4aY8zy55p~5zKfHyjlaK-HO7vehUIpcnB5xlOrLSffzKQFt6mLdBAdO00WRMtuRCcB2OdffJEeH0Z11NHylewLd~QYbu6NAqNOdkTVMUFMoTucT0s9~AFDFPV0qCuKvhPuSIAKsvG3Sp2YMRM~OMg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Forsyth County Community Connection presented to the Board of Education on July 15 about the nonprofit’s collaborative work, local programs for children and families, and a drop‑in center serving unaccompanied homeless youth.

The presentation matters because the collaborative acts as a local network that connects families to services—referrals, trainings and wraparound case management—and the drop‑in center works with students and young adults who may still be enrolled in the school system.

Sarah Pedre, representing Forsyth County Community Connection and the Georgia Family Connection Partnership, told board members the statewide partnership supports collaboratives in all 159 counties and that Forsyth County Schools serve as the collaborative’s fiscal agent under a state contract routed through the Department of Human Services. Locally, the collaborative conducts annual data reviews, makes multi‑partner plans for system‑level changes, hosts resource fairs and runs interagency planning teams (LIPT) to coordinate services for families facing behavioral health or substance‑use issues.

Pedre described a drop‑in center serving unaccompanied homeless youth ages 18–24. Staff reported 15 clients at the center (10 male, 5 female), of whom six graduated high school this year and seven are pursuing higher education; in June the center recorded 23 visits, eight enrollments in Medicaid, four clients who found longer‑term housing and one client who obtained a driver’s license and a car. Pedre said last year the collaborative served 20 children through Care Portal referrals with an economic impact of about $12,000.

The group also described partnerships and services: trust‑based relational intervention trainings for caregivers, planned resource fairs with more than 45 local partner agencies, a support‑services‑only grant from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs for unaccompanied homeless youth and access to referral platforms (Unite Us). Pedre named staff on the program team: Marguerite (program director), Abigail (case manager) and Don Hooper (outreach coordinator).

Board members thanked the nonprofit and noted schools cannot provide all services internally; the presenters said partnerships and the district’s office space for meetings help coordinate services. Pedre asked for continued support and said a regional manager will review the collaborative’s compliance with updated state requirements on Sept. 1.

","A representative from Forsyth County Community Connection briefed the board on July 15 about the local collaborative’s data work, drop‑in center for unaccompanied homeless youth, Care Portal referrals and wraparound services; staff said the drop‑in center had 15 clients and helped several secure housing and education supports.",{"_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},6166355,"Board approves K–3 bundled literacy materials, cites new state GELDA requirements",258,3576000,3834000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5415781-3d3c42439832120596abd4a2e1104b7b&start=3576&end=3834","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5415781-3d3c42439832120596abd4a2e1104b7b/thumbnail_3576000.jpg","/articles/6166355/Georgia/Board-approves-K3-bundled-literacy-materials-cites-new-state-GELDA-requirements","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6166355-1338f7491e9d8bce74a48cc66636bc92/orig.mp4?Expires=1771151580&Signature=oT9EYCMh~GfLyFsco9B--KPbqBobKTru1WIxYHA1A26nLyOK1b-TAqhbF75C1w2kD7H-tFkqR02Zv~GFpWYmxfcnH6ap5pqfVIr5L8uWCGbxcXWa6IlotipKIN9mjgj6QVW8kgWA2UhWL6S6a2MJl1TE4uzSnPg6YpoxOFNBeUCaCfz-NZKubbyPodEe496K4xY4ORlhj57SJey5YRVRkAXjUTrKBk-PAFtT5FKpqu9dzJOfskT50c5UXlUdMcRqaN7crSJsgCD-S7TdrTeMZDwbjtwEOj~heDN3WncLqliKuX7BVb1U3rcGWvb7foqhCI8XPUJonV79A4AcQJYJGQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Forsyth County Board of Education on July 15 approved a bundled set of high‑quality instructional materials for kindergarten through third grade and heard staff explain how those materials and testing align with new state guidance under the Georgia Early Literacy and Dyslexia Act (GELDA).

The decision matters because the changes implement state requirements for screening, teacher training and evidence‑based instructional materials intended to identify students with reading difficulties early and provide tiered interventions.

District presenters summarized state legislation and local reporting. \"Starting in 02/2019, Senate Bill 48, which is referred to as the Dyslexia Law...\" and later the district reported work implementing the 2023 Georgia Literacy Act, followed by the 2025 Georgia Early Literacy and Dyslexia Act (GELDA). Staff said the district used an approved screener (i‑Ready) for universal screening in grades K–3 last year and that 885 certified staff were trained to administer it. Reported winter‑window results showed roughly 82%–85% of K–3 students at or above benchmark by grade.

Staff described reading supports and screening follow‑ups: 3,179 K–3 students participated in reading interventions last year; 395 of those received additional, teacher‑administered diagnostic tasks; 240 were identified with characteristics of dyslexia in that process. The board heard that the district extended the state’s K–3 teacher training requirement to K–5 certified elementary staff: 218 staff held reading endorsements, 132 had completed the district’s dyslexia endorsement pathway, six completed an International Dyslexia Association (IDA)‑approved program and 1,554 completed the Georgia Learns Literacy Academy modules.

District ELA staff described three instructional shifts in the new state standards—expanded definitions of “text” (including multimedia), literacy practices to support discourse and the reciprocity of reading and writing—and recommended a bundled approach because no single resource met every domain on the state vetting rubric. Staff also said the one‑to‑one diagnostic tasks used for additional screening take about 10 minutes per student and will be administered three times in the coming year.

A motion to approve the literacy high‑quality instructional materials was made by Mr. Usherwood and seconded by Mrs. Hoyes; the board voted unanimously to approve the recommendation.

","On July 15 the Forsyth County Board approved high‑quality, bundled instructional materials for kindergarten through third grade that the district says align with Georgia’s new Georgia Early Literacy and Dyslexia Act (GELDA); staff also reported statewide screening and teacher training metrics and extended some K–3 requirements to K–5 locally.",{"_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},6166360,"Forsyth schools report driver shortage easing; add propane buses, seat‑belt pilot and new safety gear",614,1482000,2096000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5415781-3d3c42439832120596abd4a2e1104b7b&start=1482&end=2096","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5415781-3d3c42439832120596abd4a2e1104b7b/thumbnail_1482000.jpg","/articles/6166360/Georgia/Forsyth-schools-report-driver-shortage-easing-add-propane-buses-seatbelt-pilot-and-new-safety-gear","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6166360-31a85e7418e8c9dbe6ac7d31107490ee/orig.mp4?Expires=1771151580&Signature=PScDFKN8-1Il~ZLHFvZO8uKKcaafCw8iVidgy80jZaHzSGyKcakrJSyZbhfYBfYznxSneBxgRgjep-aRuyKMMLvYKGwYi4MggiS8fEIQ-bu~5j-S8TaPAx7WaU2dCTPraD0JeHRmNiRM-rJf~U-xPpl8nPcVAP0dhne9IspTuWLuEVBV3sCjQ1xsDmaU7o28IBtYJ40Y2uF5CbPoXPd2GDIJCw~yiV2IZA1PbVS9Bj3bmkJo7K~ZI9~Gd5pU9nMz12Rv9FC86nYFD1ZI1WqoUAPqiT31gMQyHW8RcSmY~mS1-J8Hmk0DQXbL47vDR6oGqw5XHRGNgiL0KIn7u3rsKA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Forsyth County Schools transportation staff told the Board of Education on July 15 that the district has reduced its bus driver vacancies substantially and is deploying new vehicles and safety equipment ahead of the August start of school.

The update matters because the system provides daily rides for roughly 32,000 of the district’s about 54,000 students and operates about 1,000 bus routes; transportation disruptions affect student attendance and activities. Director Michael Satterfield said the department also runs field and activity trips that last year required more than 9,000 bus assignments and about 250,000 miles of driving.

Satterfield told the board the district now runs about 518 buses in its fleet, including 379 72‑passenger buses and 119 special‑education buses with lifts, with an average vehicle age of 11.76 years. Staffing at the time of the presentation included 394 bus drivers and 73 special‑education bus monitors; the department began the previous school year with 72 open driver positions and—because of recruiting and a dedicated human‑resources effort—projected about six openings at the next school start. \"We provide transportation services to approximately 32,000 of our 54,000 students,\" Satterfield said.

Satterfield said the district purchased safety and operational equipment for new buses starting December 2023: LED lighted signage, GPS tracking, radios integrated with Forsyth County EMS and first responders, and backup cameras. The district is also piloting 20 activity/field‑trip buses with expanded luggage space and seat belts. He told the board the district will place 20 propane buses and a propane fueling system into service this year after a 2024 RFP for vehicles and fuel systems.

On inspections and training, Satterfield said all buses undergo a monthly 20‑day local inspection program and an annual state inspection; the Georgia Department of Public Safety inspections were scheduled to begin August 11 at the district’s bus shops. New drivers complete state‑mandated training and testing, including a minimum of 12 hours of behind‑the‑wheel instruction (6 with students, 6 without), criminal‑history and motor‑vehicle checks, a physical exam and random drug and alcohol testing. To address recruiting barriers, the district paid applicants during required training so prospective drivers would not lose wages while completing certification.

Satterfield also outlined recent capital spending: SPLOST funding paid for past bus purchases and major equipment installs; the district reported purchases and encumbrances from the current SPLOST program and said additional state funds will be used for future vehicle purchases. Board members complimented the cross‑department teamwork—human resources, finance and transportation—that helped shrink vacancies.

Less urgent details: Satterfield said transportation operations are organized into 14 geographic districts plus three special‑education districts, and the department owns 145 district “white fleet” vehicles used by schools and support teams. Board members were invited to visit bus shops and participate in driver skills events.

","Forsyth County Schools’ transportation director told the board on July 15 that driver vacancies have fallen sharply, the district will add 20 propane buses and a propane fueling system, and safety upgrades including LED signage, GPS, radios linked to first responders and backup cameras are standard on new purchases.",{"_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},6166342,"Board approves naming Hall Creek Elementary play area the 'Huntley Hub' in memory of teacher Tammy Huntley",192,4718000,4910000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5415781-3d3c42439832120596abd4a2e1104b7b&start=4718&end=4910","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5415781-3d3c42439832120596abd4a2e1104b7b/thumbnail_4718000.jpg","/articles/6166342/Georgia/Board-approves-naming-Hall-Creek-Elementary-play-area-the-Huntley-Hub-in-memory-of-teacher-Tammy-Huntley","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6166342-e59ab45e230568217a21ccb20083c2aa/orig.mp4?Expires=1771151580&Signature=c6xcPZHiDAoLydMZwRxOB22CffPllD1S-casF2X2GblmvIFlPHPQvAqKINZGhb9rcfznDzeQUfA0lc1ViqdHaP6w-NUVYmgv~NlDGmoFx-tehWvaHJVUj8AQohN2AyqElLT1fM0zpfcLxDpleXwE2o1WmCfPTytNpjTIihQ7bVJM9gQfeh6dHNEx~3DefdWFp~Z1jQd4WEWmthKeCqE4VTXG9vVA4MUaSlmmQGbPooDZYN6gGrbmcM7cxc1r6gO5DCokO7mmVuPU38A5msW6VOV4wu1L9lpXkdr43r0dp41cI2CEzgfmybFA5aKSkBudwlpA6Jp~gw9vp7XjIcT23Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Forsyth County Board of Education on July 15 approved a school‑level request to dedicate part of Hall Creek Elementary School’s new playground as the Huntley Hub in memory of Tammy Huntley.

The action followed the school’s submission under board policy FDC‑R2 to name a portion of campus property. School leaders asked to honor Huntley’s service, mentorship and community involvement with a dedicated playground space that includes equipment accessible to students with mobility challenges.

Communications staff presented the proposal and Hall Creek principal Dr. Ashley Jaunicey described Huntley’s history with the school and her mentorship of colleagues and families. The board took a motion from Mrs. Hoese, seconded by Mr. Grimes, and approved the naming unanimously.

The board vote covers the local dedication of the playground area. School staff said they will coordinate a grand‑opening ceremony and invite families to participate in the naming celebration.

","The board unanimously approved on July 15 a request from Hall Creek Elementary to name a newly upgraded, accessible playground area the Huntley Hub to honor the late teacher Tammy Huntley and her work with students and colleagues.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Finance report: district cash up from last year but federal funds delayed; SPLOST timing clarified

Forsyth nonprofit Community Connection outlines services for homeless youth, care portal referrals and collaborative work

Board approves K–3 bundled literacy materials, cites new state GELDA requirements

Forsyth schools report driver shortage easing; add propane buses, seat‑belt pilot and new safety gear

Board approves naming Hall Creek Elementary play area the 'Huntley Hub' in memory of teacher Tammy Huntley