Superintendent Chester and cabinet members outlined recruitment partnerships, recommended expanding vendor staffing programs (Entourage and EITIR), renewing Elevate K12 streaming instruction, partnering with ESS Southeast for paraprofessionals, and presented two facilities contracts; the board moved those items to next week’s consent agenda.
The Rockdale County Board of Education opened a FY27 budget public hearing, received no public speakers, and approved routine motions including agenda approvals and closing the hearing; several superintendent recommendations for contracts and staffing were presented for placement on next week’s consent agenda.
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 outlined induction and mentor programs, training events and measurement plans for supporting teachers; superintendent and HR said a third-party teacher-retention survey was sent to certified staff for anonymous feedback.
Superintendent will recommend a $105,000 contract with New Birth Missionary Baptist Church for Rockdale County Public Schools’ 2026 commencement, citing survey results and indoor-safety advantages; final approval to come at regular session.
