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Newton County Schools superintendent cites gains in test scores, warns of funding squeeze
Summary
Superintendent Duke Bradley told commissioners the district has seen reading and math gains, expanded AP and dual-enrollment participation, and four years of clean audits — but said recent millage cuts and state law changes have left the schools $19 million short and facing fiscal pressure.
Dr. Duke Bradley, superintendent of Newton County Schools, told the Newton County Board of Commissioners on April 7 that the district is showing measurable academic progress but is facing mounting financial strain.
Bradley said the district serves nearly 19,000 students across 24 schools and employs more than 2,500 people. He said reading proficiency improved in five of six tested grades and math proficiency rose in every tested grade. Bradley said 21 of 24 schools improved their CCRPI (College and Career Readiness Performance Index) scores over the past three years, with six schools posting double-digit gains.
"We have had four consecutive years with a composite district graduation rate above 90% and four consecutive clean audits with zero findings," Bradley said, and described the district’s work as organized around academics, operations, culture and engagement.
Bradley also outlined financial pressures: he told commissioners the school board has lowered the millage rate to 30‑year lows in consecutive years, a change he said has amounted to nearly $19 million in reduced revenue. He said that, combined with rising costs, an outdated state funding model and unfunded mandates, the district is operating with fewer resources than many peers and is in the bottom third of districts statewide for central-office spending.
"The question before us is not whether we are being efficient. It is whether our current level of investment is adequate to deliver the kind of school system that our community deserves," Bradley said.
Commissioner Edwards thanked Bradley for the presentation and noted his personal connection to the system: "My wife is a school teacher in our school system...we appreciate what you guys do," Edwards said.
Bradley said the district is finalizing a five-year strategic plan to replace the current organizational priorities and highlighted initiatives that include a workforce-development framework, a literacy blueprint to improve reading outcomes and expanded AP and dual-enrollment programs. He said career-readiness path completion rates improved and that eighth graders earning high-school credit rose by 40%, while dual-enrollment participation more than doubled.
The presentation concluded without formal action; Bradley thanked the board for their time. The district did not present a specific funding request at the meeting, but emphasized the need for continued local and state support as it prepares the new strategic plan.
