[{"_1":2,"_109":-5,"_110":-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",[32,76,88,99],{"_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",6454940,"mediaKeyId","5857739-f17dbafa20424b43b744274a5bbe71e4","parentId",5857739,"title","Clayton County schools foundation outlines convocation center plan as board presses for audit and oversight","audioSeconds",460,"startMs",1799000,"endMs",2259000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5857739-f17dbafa20424b43b744274a5bbe71e4&start=1799&end=2259","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5857739-f17dbafa20424b43b744274a5bbe71e4/thumbnail_1799000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6454940/Georgia/Clayton-County-schools-foundation-outlines-convocation-center-plan-as-board-presses-for-audit-and-oversight","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6454940-6f05a5f9b424c73c24299c15731c77d4/orig.mp4?Expires=1770524039&Signature=nkyVPImRDQao2gVXsQcm-lcyC022Sdn~weVmcA2HzHm5ZHqIxAwgU2eZES-Rsia72XfMhM9qNCDJrKX4JrtlQeoAOLRO1vlK8y5Q~prlsB8U3n~ABspD3~jHW4BMeGNbh6uXzwmjh4wSqYd3mNHoKPOJcdVJi09g19eeT7ZBYwGXaoOnKNOmopIxbvdP0Dz5ZfMQoE88df2gmFAw7d~W25E~stoXZ~Gg~PJFQPeOSVMDedXEzwvp-4tRxq9YvIPWJnI6MfChS8B4lchEY6rgcpe2OMSrJAzW0eeTBOtJMAhfwRdRro2cAlNjHHdgYRdXFs0OXoWnVow5jsc7KQU6zw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","School Board of Georgia ","date","2025-09-30T00:29:54Z","article","The Clayton County Public Schools Foundation on Sept. 29 presented a progress report on the district’s Convocation Center, donor commitments and operations planning while several board members pressed the foundation and the superintendent for clearer financial reporting and stronger governance.

Hailam Tedesi, chair of the foundation, described the organization’s mission and recent progress, saying the foundation “exists as a philanthropic organization fostering the sustainable growth, development, and academic achievement of students in Clayton.” He outlined a financing and sponsorship pipeline that includes a $5,000,000 Delta commitment for the Junior Achievement Learning Center and said the foundation’s reported total assets were about $7.1 million and that revenue and donations have grown year-over-year.

Why it matters: the Convocation Center is a multimillion-dollar venue intended to host graduations, job fairs, concerts and regional sporting events. The foundation and district say it could reduce the system’s spend on offsite graduations and create new earned revenue. Board members said that potential revenue and naming-rights deals require transparent oversight because the school system provided seed funding to the foundation and the building will carry the district’s name.

Presentation and fundraising: foundation staff and consultants described efforts to secure naming-rights sponsors and a broader sponsorship strategy. Tedesi and colleagues showed a prospect list they said included about 40 top corporate targets and said the foundation and its commercial consultants were conducting outreach, hosting tours and preparing tailored naming-rights packages. The foundation also described an executed short-term MOU with the convocation operator to protect confidential negotiations while a longer management agreement is finalized.

Board concerns and requests: Board member Dr. Jesse Goree said the BOE had made “a very large investment in the foundation of $3,000,000” and asked for greater board inclusion and checks on hiring and spending. Goree said she did not see a satisfactory “return on investment” and pressed for details on executive pay and operational transparency. Board member Dr. Goree: “I would like to know how much money the executive director made because it seemed like to be a significant amount of the money that we gave to the foundation.”

Several board members asked for more frequent financial reporting and clearer audit work. Board member Sabrina Hill explicitly requested a more intensive review: “I would like a forensic audit, not just a, audit.” Foundation leaders said their accounting team had produced an audit-preparation report and that an independent external audit had not yet been started. Foundation treasurer Pastor Jeremy Tuck and staff said they are preparing final audited financials for 2023–24 and continuing work on 2024–25.

Operations and timeline: foundation staff described recent two‑day work sessions with the convocation operator to refine operational plans, stakeholder roles and project milestones. They said the foundation is developing project plans, RACI charts and booking strategies and expects to increase community engagement and event scheduling as operational readiness advances.

Naming-rights approach: the foundation described a tiered corporate sponsorship strategy and said Delta has already been a lead donor; Tedesi noted Delta’s committed support for the Junior Achievement Learning Center. Foundation staff said naming-rights negotiations can be lengthy and that potential sponsors frequently want to tour the facility before committing. Board members asked to be part of the outreach and approval process for any deals carrying the district name.

Next steps: foundation leaders said they are identifying an interim executive director while conducting a national search for a permanent leader, continuing to refine governance and reporting, and pursuing both donor commitments and a final management agreement with the convocation operator. Board members asked for biweekly or weekly updates, copies of the temporary MOU and the audit-preparation materials, and clearer lines of accountability between the foundation and the BOE.

Ending: foundation and district officials said they will return with more detailed financial statements, a final audit engagement plan and proposed long-term agreements for board review.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Clayton County Board of Education Work Session - September 29, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Clayton County Public Schools Foundation presented plans and finances for the new Convocation Center, including donor commitments and naming-rights outreach. Board members pressed for clearer reporting, an external audit and greater BOE oversight before future approvals.","taxTitle","Clayton County, School Districts, Georgia","taxId",15363,"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},6454927,"Board approves assistant principal appointment and tribunal recommendation; renames homeless services center",8242,397000,8639000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5857739-f17dbafa20424b43b744274a5bbe71e4&start=397&end=8639","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5857739-f17dbafa20424b43b744274a5bbe71e4/thumbnail_397000.jpg","/articles/6454927/Georgia/Board-approves-assistant-principal-appointment-and-tribunal-recommendation-renames-homeless-services-center","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6454927-5798325046db6b2b93965d09df1a2ea2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770524039&Signature=DGstyPVHALOdi7o0yY1WylJOuqHZELuUEhaz2neYBdzSzf0sFRigZfIeQ9SnZ3Hm2iuuW6Hoie3dmwg4doxtDd46Qx0nG~tK6VO5p5xIKXz6LwLSezWXQxPWToem2f-GIZDyypeL20sTxmCvZRmbWor~4-R~178xTtm9RHi-XD-0LI1jLzXfY-38g199cOqKbor2EgBXcikPK4RHXfu6mfsFIUoshQNhWvAhL1hu42BPGRyM2AmSN94n8D9Jgwql~uDTa1I4XvmfgRw2exdq3gE8R7XanIyLA6fF1bVlN-GzSiX0KcXXe8hru0DpM0Cj0eGO30MZzZkg6bwk5XuV0Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Clayton County Board of Education on Sept. 29 recorded three formal actions that were moved, seconded and approved during its meeting:

- Assistant principal appointment: The board voted to accept Superintendent Anthony Smith’s recommendation to appoint Vanissie Shaw as assistant principal at Riverdale Elementary School. Dr. Jesse Goree moved the motion and Sabrina Hill seconded it; the transcript records the vote as unanimous.

- Tribunal recommendation: The board accepted the superintendent’s recommendation for the hearing tribunal numbered 2025‑2026‑02. Board members moved and seconded the motion; the transcript records the action as unanimous.

- Renaming of homeless services building: The board voted to rename the district’s homeless education center; Board member Sabrina Hill moved the renaming and Jasmine Bowles seconded the motion. The vote was recorded as unanimous by board staff at the meeting.

Each of the three items was presented during the meeting and recorded in the minutes. The transcript does not provide detailed roll‑call tallies beyond the chair’s statement that the votes were unanimous for the listed items.","At the Sept. 29 meeting the board accepted the superintendent’s recommendations to appoint an assistant principal at Riverdale Elementary, approved a tribunal recommendation and voted to rename the district’s homeless education building; votes were recorded as unanimous in the meeting transcript.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_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":74,"_75":74},6454931,"Superintendent presents $229 million guaranteed maximum price for new North Clayton High; board briefed on schedule",0,7372000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5857739-f17dbafa20424b43b744274a5bbe71e4&start=7372&end=7372","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5857739-f17dbafa20424b43b744274a5bbe71e4/thumbnail_7372000.jpg","/articles/6454931/Georgia/Superintendent-presents-229-million-guaranteed-maximum-price-for-new-North-Clayton-High-board-briefed-on-schedule","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6454931-4894f18f52bd0aeb0bf70ef31f4449a7/orig.mp4?Expires=1770524039&Signature=kQdSqQEq12Pl~bGb9znELLGfGAKm-jczL6F5Jko~suhjQDCImm-MFPPH9YurLYYRRTcLSNAnGSMf80bTnT1Fxb6S6GKhfvYR6Plxefe007YuPueeNwmJt8J0iX9mwNGs~jBHy025JOYfiky2kGwTZucCHFBuPuo-2nDerYfM4oUSNmhv6585MAgBeHeTlnx6yFOjZpgTJL0L-FNxyF7qMvVWrGUEzteNerlYVI855qdNXlnAz-rqsVnoC0ZvMVukmLJ06cZHtugaHi9DC20TRaYQ-9~YleXsRx4J56KS~ZUtaBIQbx0Glca4la8niQFXc3J2x4~CzXP5GzY~SLB7oQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Superintendent staff on Sept. 29 asked the Board of Education to approve a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) proposal for the new North Clayton High School, presenting design highlights, costs and a projected construction timeline.

What was presented: Joseph (first name not provided in the verbal presentation) summarized the campus design and materials and recommended a GMP of $228,959,598.03. He told the board the site has been cleared, a construction schedule is in place and the district is targeting completion in July 2027.

Why it matters: The campus layout described in the presentation includes two academic wings, a three‑story atrium, a media center overlooking the atrium, a Fine Arts Wing and a new gymnasium. Board members asked about cost context; the presenter compared the current program to Morrow High School, saying Morrow was about $250 per square foot and approximately $85 million, and noting the North Clayton figure is higher because of program scope and inflationary pressures.

Board reaction and process: Board members asked clarifying questions about cost and schedule; the superintendent’s office indicated the item was a recommendation for board approval. The transcript does not record a formal roll‑call vote on the GMP during this meeting. Staff said work has begun on site clearing and that more detailed construction documents and schedules will be available as the project proceeds.

Next steps: District staff indicated they will bring formal approval items to the board for action when appropriate, and continue regular construction and budget reporting through the capital projects process.","District staff recommended a guaranteed maximum price of $228,959,598.03 for the new North Clayton High School and said the site has been cleared and work has begun; a completion target of July 2027 was shown. Board discussion did not record a final vote at the meeting.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":91,"_43":102,"_45":102,"_47":103,"_49":104,"_51":105,"_53":106,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":107,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":108,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6454935,"Clayton County graduation rate rises to 86.3%; district files Cognia mid‑cycle progress report",6835000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5857739-f17dbafa20424b43b744274a5bbe71e4&start=6835&end=6835","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5857739-f17dbafa20424b43b744274a5bbe71e4/thumbnail_6835000.jpg","/articles/6454935/Georgia/Clayton-County-graduation-rate-rises-to-863-district-files-Cognia-midcycle-progress-report","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6454935-bd7c3056608bbc3c76e4d299e4346244/orig.mp4?Expires=1770524039&Signature=iG829vvDstsq0566XEFP0HpZkdFp5RzYDWLc0D-GSQuCnNBVmZ6j-chsntTpXzh8ZtKXyAMvzAvrHec5Gj7DZg-0bNbpYGoMobyrbhW8i~LREgcW60Kz8oimRayW09uEK9X89kaGSyvyqbUvvSjW00j5bjz8fvySYpcmyeit5JWbQHGIv9bKX6Ahnd8LmRxNOHOIM-qMyp4RDbLY1C4v7uDDjMVlY1DNhrf-l2fEoieL8sJmTWDJx806fQ4XxfgH5W35LrBVS5YojLMpl-~-sdKlwnCaHQgBQtZ-dR2eIp3zoOUDZ3Tk55rhB9XLsr3aPTsq1Dmq-ZPigRI5nHrcXg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Clayton County Public Schools reported a 2025 four‑year cohort graduation rate of 86.3 percent on Sept. 29, an increase of 3.3 percentage points from the previous year, district leaders said.

Why it matters: graduation-rate gains are a primary metric for state accountability and district improvement efforts. Superintendent Anthony Smith and district leaders said the improvement narrowed the gap with the state rate and reflected progress across several student subgroups.

Data and context: Dr. Keith Colbert and Dr. Delphia Young presented the district’s graduation-rate results. Colbert said the 4‑year cohort rate “was 86.3 percent for our 4‑year graduation rate. That reflects a 3.3 point increase from last year.” He also noted the district’s 5‑year cohort figures include students who graduate in the summer, and district leaders praised schools where rates improved.

Subgroups and performance: district staff told the board that multiple subgroups—Black, Hispanic, multiracial, white, economically disadvantaged, English-language learners and students with disabilities—showed improvement and in several cases outpaced statewide trends. Dr. Colbert and colleagues said 7 of 12 schools increased their graduation rates and highlighted sustained 100% rates at selective programs such as Elite Scholars.

Cognia mid‑cycle report: the district also presented its Cognia mid‑cycle progress report, required after the 2023 accreditation review. Dr. Monica Wiley, who led the submission, said Cognia had identified two areas for improvement in 2023—systemwide professional learning for all staff and an external evaluation of the district mentoring program—and that the mid‑cycle document addresses those points. Wiley said, “I feel very honored and pleased that the professional learning department and our research evaluation assessment and accountability department did a very good job on responding to those areas of improvement.”

Board follow-up: members asked for additional school‑level review in places where rates dipped; the district said it will conduct root‑cause analyses for specific schools that declined and return with more targeted data and interventions.","The district reported an 86.3% four‑year graduation rate for 2025, a 3.3-point increase from last year, and submitted its Cognia mid‑cycle progress report addressing required improvements in professional learning and mentorship.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Clayton County schools foundation outlines convocation center plan as board presses for audit and oversight

Board approves assistant principal appointment and tribunal recommendation; renames homeless services center

Superintendent presents $229 million guaranteed maximum price for new North Clayton High; board briefed on schedule

Clayton County graduation rate rises to 86.3%; district files Cognia mid‑cycle progress report