Rockdale County Board opens FY27 budget hearing; no public comments, procedural motions pass unanimously

Rockdale County — The Rockdale County Board of Education opened a FY27 budget public hearing at 5:45 p.m. and invited community input on budget priorities for the coming school year, but no members of the public signed up to speak.

“Public participation is both encouraged and highly valued as it plays an essential role in the school system budget development process,” the chair said when opening the hearing. After hearing no requests to address the board, Vice Chair Janie Jones moved to close the public hearing; the motion carried 6-0 at 5:59 p.m.

The board convened its evening session at 6 p.m. and again approved the meeting agenda by a 6-0 vote. During the meeting the board approved a motion to place the cabinet’s recommended action items on the consent agenda at the next regular session; that motion also passed 6-0, meaning staff‑recommended contracts and staffing proposals will be voted on at a future meeting.

Votes at a glance - Approve public hearing agenda: approved 6-0. - Close FY27 public hearing: approved 6-0. - Approve evening meeting agenda: approved 6-0. - Place action items on consent agenda for next regular session: approved 6-0. - Enter executive session for litigation and personnel: approved 6-0. - Adjourn meeting: approved 6-0.

The board also observed a moment of silence for two longtime employees, Kezia Thomas and Sheila Collins, who served at General Ray Davis Middle School, and acknowledged student achievements announced by Superintendent Chester during the meeting.