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Rockdale Board approves contract to hold 2026 graduation at New Birth after debate over rising costs
Summary
The Rockdale County Board of Education voted 7-0 to approve a contract with New Birth Missionary Baptist Church to host RCPS 2026 graduation on May 29, 2026, after board members and public commenters debated escalating venue costs and whether the district should subsidize fees.
The Rockdale County Board of Education voted 7-0 to approve a contract with New Birth Missionary Baptist Church to host Rockdale County Public Schools’ 2026 graduation on May 29, 2026.
The contract approval came after nearly an hour of discussion in which board members and members of the public raised concerns about the event’s escalating cost and who should pay for it. Heather Duncan made the motion to approve the contract and Janie Jones seconded; the board voted unanimously to approve the contract.
Why it matters: Board members said the venue is accessible and popular with families but warned that costs have risen sharply in recent years and may force the district to subsidize ceremonies with maintenance-and-operations funds if senior dues alone prove insufficient.
Board member…
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