Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Comments topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Students ask for girls' basketball at Savannah Arts; parent seeks timely grade‑appeal and FERPA responses
Summary
Two Savannah Arts Academy sophomores urged the board to add a girls' basketball team so multi‑activity students can participate without forfeiting other programs; a parent, Angelisa Savage Bryant, told the board she waited about 120 days for a written determination on a grade appeal and asked for clearer procedures for FERPA records requests and complaints.
Two Savannah Arts Academy sophomores, Clara and Gloria Italiano, spoke during the newly moved public appearance section and asked the board to add a girls' basketball program at Savannah Arts so student athletes can participate in multiple activities without losing eligibility under GHSA rules.
"Since Savannah Arts doesn't have a team, we could play basketball for Groves where we are zoned for. However, because of GHSA rules, if we were to play basketball for Groves, we would not be allowed to participate in any other sports at our own school," Clara Italiano told the board, adding that 11 Savannah Arts girls have said they would try out if a team were available. The students suggested using the Jenkins Athletic Club for home games and the new Eastside Gym at the PARC when it opens.
Parent Angelisa Savage Bryant also addressed the board, identifying herself as a parent and stakeholder and requesting timely written determinations and consistent application of policy. "I'm still waiting for a written determination on my daughter's grade appeal," she said, and asked for clarity on where parents should turn when they believe board‑level policies or timelines have not been followed.
Board members accepted the comments and noted process changes that moved the public appearance period earlier in the agenda. Staff did not announce immediate operational changes in response but acknowledged the requests and noted follow‑up would occur through staff channels.
