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Board reviews proposed purchases, considers tuition policy revision and capital-asset threshold change
Summary
At its Feb. 27, 2025 work session the Coffee County Board of Education discussed proposed purchases of Axon body cameras ($79,909.28) and a Ford Explorer for student transport ($44,099), a first reading of a nonresident student tuition policy (JVCB), and a proposed reduction in the capital-asset capitalization threshold to $25,000.
The Coffee County Board of Education considered several operational items at its Feb. 27, 2025 work session, including proposed safety and transportation purchases, a first reading of a nonresident student tuition policy change, and an audit-suggested change to the district’s capital-asset threshold.
Body cameras and safety: The board heard that the district proposes a purchase of body-worn cameras through Axon Enterprises totaling $79,909.28. Board discussion included warranty and platform reliability concerns; staff said the purchase includes a five-year warranty and that the district’s current camera system could no longer upload video to servers. The meeting record shows staff asked whether they would use “eSpas” funds for the purchase; funding source was discussed but not finalized and no contract award was recorded at the work session.
Transportation vehicle: The board discussed buying an eight-passenger-type vehicle to avoid the need for a commercial driver’s license on short routes. Staff proposed purchasing a Ford Explorer priced at $44,099 to serve small routes that otherwise would require a mini-bus or full-size bus. The presentation cited a recently passed state bill allowing school systems to use eight-passenger vehicles for student transport; staff said the change would ease driver shortages and reduce the need to use larger vehicles for small trips. The vehicle item was put on the consent agenda for consideration at the regular meeting.
Nonresident student tuition (policy JVCB): Superintendent-level staff opened a discussion about revisiting descriptor code JVCB on nonresident students and whether to reinstate tuition for out-of-district students. The board was told the district stopped charging tuition around the 2011-12 school year and that, with capacity pressures, administrators are considering charging tuition for new out-of-county students while potentially grandfathering currently enrolled out-of-district students. No tuition amount was proposed; staff said they will bring enrollment trend data and options to a March retreat for further discussion.
Capital-asset threshold: As part of audit-related policy changes, staff presented a first reading to lower the district’s machinery and equipment capitalization threshold from $100,000 to $25,000 and to remove a conflicting regulatory statement that referenced $50,000. The policy change was presented as a first reading and will return for final action at a later meeting.
Other business: The board moved to select delegates for the Georgia School Boards Association (GSBA) delegate assembly; the meeting record shows a motion and second to appoint Miss Jowers as delegate and Johnson as alternate. The session ended with the board moving into executive session to discuss personnel matters and student discipline.
No final contract awards or tuition decisions were made at the work session; several items were placed on the consent agenda or scheduled for additional review.
