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Newton County Schools superintendent touts gains, warns of funding squeeze
Summary
Superintendent Duke Bradley told the county board that Newton County Schools has improved reading and math proficiency, expanded AP and dual-enrollment opportunities and maintained graduation rates above 90 percent, but warned that lowered millage and recent state tax actions have created a roughly $19 million revenue pressure the district must manage.
Duke Bradley, superintendent of Newton County Schools, briefed the Newton County Board of Commissioners on academic gains and fiscal challenges facing the district, which serves nearly 19,000 students across 24 schools.
Bradley said reading proficiency improved in five of six tested grades, math proficiency rose across all grades including ninth-grade algebra, AP course offerings increased from 25 to 32 and dual-enrollment participation more than doubled. He highlighted systemwide indicators including four consecutive years with a composite graduation rate above 90 percent and four clean audits. "We've also instituted a quarterly reporting cadence to ensure predictable public share outs of our work," Bradley said, summarizing academic and accountability progress.
Bradley turned to finance, telling the board the district has lowered the millage rate to multidecade lows and that those reductions amount to nearly $19,000,000 in foregone revenue. "What could any public institution do with $19,000,000?" he asked rhetorically, using the figure to frame the district’s funding constraints. He said the district spends more than 90% of its budget on salaries and benefits and is navigating rising costs, declining revenue growth, an outdated funding model and unfunded state mandates.
Commissioner Edwards thanked Bradley and emphasized classroom pressures, referencing teachers’ workload and diverse student needs. Bradley said the district is preparing a five-year strategic plan and highlighted students by name to illustrate outcomes, including a Newton High student accepted to Howard University.
Next steps: Bradley said the district will finalize its five-year strategic plan and continue outreach to the county delegation about state funding issues; commissioners expressed appreciation and support.
