The board reviewed preliminary October financials showing YTD revenue of $44.3 million and a negative fund balance of $215,749; it approved an FY27 budget calendar recommendation, placed action items on the consent agenda, voted to enter executive session on pending litigation, and approved legal representation for two individuals under policy BBE.
Several parents told the Rockdale County Board of Education they are grieving and want systemic change after the death of Edwards Middle School sixth-grader Brandon Pena Vargas, alleging bullying by students and, in some cases, staff and citing failures in communication, registration and follow-up.
LaKesha Wallace proposed a weeklong immersion allowing board members and district leaders to substitute teach and rotate across schools to gather firsthand observations and data to inform decisions and build trust.
District science lead Heather Tolliver told the board the science team aims to raise weighted science achievement by 10 points by spring 2026, will expand high-impact lessons and professional learning, and announced a resource adoption solicitation (Oct. 24–Nov. 24) with presentations Dec. 10–11 and public review Jan. 5–Feb. 6.
The Rockdale County Board of Education voted 7-0 to approve a contract with New Birth Missionary Baptist Church to host RCPS 2026 graduation on May 29, 2026, after board members and public commenters debated escalating venue costs and whether the district should subsidize fees.
District staff highlighted a local-food pilot that delivered locally sourced produce to Rockdale cafeterias, recognized student awards and scholarships, and presented August financials showing revenues and expenditures year to date.
The district asked the board to approve a $361,160 CTAE local application for FY26 and outlined growth in career and technical education, including increased pathway completers, certifications, and expanded work-based learning placements and partnerships.
District staff recommended revisions to the Internet acceptable-use policy to meet state Senate Bill 351 requirements and proposed an elementary cafetorium audio-video refresh costing $165,995.40 from SPLOST; both items will go to the regular session for action.
The superintendent will recommend approval of the FY26 CTAE local application ($361,160). Career, technical and agricultural education (CTAE) officials reported pathway expansions, increased pathway completers and growth in work-based learning placements.
A proposed Arthur M. Blank Foundation sports and entertainment grant could fund equipment, field renovations, new middle-school sports and participation-fee support; if awarded the foundation would cover year-one costs and Rockdale would assume increasing shares in subsequent years.
