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Board approves internet and device policies, grants, staffing contract and a new bus
Summary
At its Sept. 23 meeting the Griffin‑Spalding Board adopted multiple updated policies (internet acceptable use and student device use), approved FY26 federal/state grants and renewed a staffing services contract with Interlege (not to exceed $450,000), and approved a $166,900 bus purchase and the surplus of seven vehicles; routine votes were unanimous (4‑0).
The Griffin‑Spalding County Board of Education on Sept. 23 voted unanimously to approve several routine but consequential items: updates to policy IFBG (Internet Acceptable Use) and JCDAF (student electronic devices), acceptance of FY26 federal and state CTA grants, renewal of a staffing contract to address hard‑to‑fill teacher positions, and transportation fleet actions including the surplus of seven vehicles and purchase of one new bus.
What passed - Policy IFBG (Internet Acceptable Use), updated in response to Senate Bill 351, was approved on second reading (voice vote 4‑0). - Policy JCDAF (student use of electronic devices), aligned with House Bill 340, was approved on second reading (voice vote 4‑0). - FY26 federal and state grants (including Perkins V funds and state CTA allocations supporting career and technical education) were presented by Dr. Kimberly Shepard and approved (voice vote 4‑0). - The board approved renewal of Interlege, Inc. to support staffing of hard‑to‑fill teacher positions; the district stated benefit payments of $9,500 per hire and presented the contract amount "not to exceed $450,000." Dr. Stephanie Evans recommended the renewal. - Transportation items: the board approved surplus of seven late‑model vehicles and authorized purchase of one new school bus from Yancey Bus Sales at a total cost of $166,900; Mr. Patrick Martin presented both items and answered questions about maintenance and electric‑bus feasibility.
Items for public comment (first readings) Several personnel and governance policies were presented for first reading and will be posted on Assembly for 30 days for stakeholder input before returning for second reading: GAB (sexual harassment of employees), GA (employee leaves and absences), GBIA (teacher evaluation appeals), IBB (charter schools), IDFA (equity and sports), and JR (student records).
Why it matters Taken together, the votes preserve the district's compliance with recent state laws (SB 351 and HB 340), fund career‑tech programs for FY26, and maintain the transportation fleet. The Interlege contract addresses staffing shortages in hard‑to‑fill positions, and the district signaled attention to cost savings in benefits.
Procedural notes All adopted items were approved by voice vote with 4 in favor and no recorded no votes or abstentions on the record. Several policies remain in first‑reading status and will return after the 30‑day public comment period.
