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Teachers report Ron Clark Academy takeaways; board approves Chromebooks purchase and tables $226,100 Edwards MOU
Summary
Teachers described classroom engagement strategies and a planned three‑year roll‑out of a 'house' system after visiting Ron Clark Academy. The board approved Chromebooks purchased with federal/title funds and tabled a $226,100 MOU with Edwards Educational Services for further review of the district Strategic Plan.
Four Summers County educators told the board on Aug. 13 about classroom methods and systems they saw at the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta and how they plan to adapt several practices locally.
Becca Brown, who identified herself as principal during the presentation, said the visit emphasized teacher‑centered engagement, purposeful movement tied to vocabulary and grammar, widespread use of music to reinforce learning, and a house system intended to build belonging across grade levels. "We have lots of 1% changes and some 20% and 30% changes," Brown said, describing small, immediately implementable strategies the teachers plan to introduce.
The presenters said they are developing a three‑year plan to phase in a house system. The plan will begin with staff training and an initial rollout after holiday timing; teachers described classroom activities already piloted during staff sessions.
On related business, the board approved a purchase of Chromebooks and cases for second and seventh grades funded with federal/Title monies. Staff said the device price discussed in the meeting was $796 and that units include a five‑year warranty; the motion to approve the purchase passed by voice vote.
The board also discussed a proposed memorandum of understanding with Edwards Educational Services to provide teacher‑leadership professional development. The transcript referenced a figure of $226,100 to be funded through Title II and teacher‑leadership grant dollars. Board members asked to review the district Strategic Plan before approving the contract and voted to table action on the Edwards MOU until the next meeting.
Next steps: staff will circulate Strategic Plan materials and the Edwards contract details for board review before any approval vote; Chromebook procurement will move forward under the identified funding source.
