Georgia / School Districts / Newton County
On Feb. 7 Newton County Schools held its third annual literacy extravaganza at Newton High School, giving more than 55,000 books to roughly 3,500 students, families and community members and pairing the distribution with STEM demos, therapy dogs and student performances.
Georgia / School Districts / Newton County
Finance director Erica Robinson presented the district's FY27 outlook, highlighting proposed state investments in enrollment growth and health insurance but noting a projected $5 million increase in the local 5-mil share that could create a net local funding pressure; final allocations remain pending statewide assessments.
Georgia / School Districts / Newton County
District staff reported progress across monument sign installations, roofing, turf and field work, and middle-school concessions and restroom construction; furniture at East Newton Elementary remains on schedule for summer 2026 and project photos are available on the district's Esplash tracker.
Georgia / School Districts / Newton County
District leaders presented a workforce development framework intended to align career pathways across grade levels; the presentation highlighted that dual-enrollment participation has more than doubled since 2023 and set goals for industry credentialing and pathway completion.
Georgia / School Districts / Newton County
Public commentators raised concerns about rising school taxes and property valuations affecting seniors and demanded accountability and discipline after student walkouts protesting ICE activity, asking the board what action has been taken; staff said it will follow up with speakers after the meeting.
Georgia / School Districts / Newton County
During its February meeting the board approved an intergovernmental agreement with the Newton County Board of Commissioners to continue shared use of facilities, an estimated $250,000 staffing services contract with Future Promise Educational Services, a $206,400 interactive-panel purchase from VertuCom, declaration of surplus property and approval of personnel matters as discussed in executive session; votes were taken by voice.
Georgia / School Districts / Newton County
The Newton County Board of Education voted to adopt policy JCDAF, which sets procedures and expectations for personal electronic devices for pre-K through eighth grade; the policy had been posted for public comment with no responses and passed by voice vote.
Georgia / School Districts / Newton County
Newton County Schools staff and participants described the Thrive program as a district investment that uses shadowing, on-site visits, workshops and peer reflection to prepare leaders for instructional roles and the principalship.
Georgia / School Districts / Newton County
Superintendent presented recommended purchases and contracts including a $66,000 summer-school contract, $94,993 in engineering equipment purchases, $419,900 for district laptops, a $500,000 plumbing contract, and a $1.3 million fuel contract; easements for a multiuse trail and a surplus declaration were also presented.
Georgia / School Districts / Newton County
Finance director Erica Robinson reported general-fund revenue to date of roughly $106.8 million (44.27% of budget), year-to-date expenditures of about $131.8 million (49.74% of budget), an ending fund balance of approximately $31.7 million, and district enrollment at 18,337 as of Jan. 6, 2026.