Description
This video features the regular monthly meeting of the Pickens County Board of Education held on October 8, 2026. The meeting includes student, teacher, staff, and nurse recognitions; special recognition of Austin Cowart as statewide GACTE New Teacher of the Year; details on the district's recognized literacy framework; finalization of the FY26 budget surplus; and official board approvals for elementary school attendance zones, grade level reconfiguration (K-5, 6-8, 9-12), and the renaming of Jasper Elementary School.
Recognition Time Codes:
[02:59] - Student Dragon Award: Ellie Hughes (Harmony Elementary)
[04:34] - Teacher of the Month Dragon Awards & District Winner: Lori Hulbert (Pickens Junior High)
[06:28] - Staff Member of the Month Dragon Awards & District Winner: Jennifer Densmore (Jasper Middle)
[08:34] - Special Recognition: Austin Cowart (GACTE Statewide New Teacher of the Year)
[10:12] - Group of the Month Recognition: Pickens County School Nurses
[12:39] - Best Staff Attendance Award (Pickens High School)
[13:56] - Best Student Attendance Award (Harmony Elementary School)
AGENDA
I. Call to Order
II. Invocation
III. Pledge of Allegiance
IV. Approval of Agenda
V. Recognitions
VI. Superintendent's Report
A. Student Achievement - Dr. Abby May, Chief Academic Officer
B. Financial Update - Amy Smith, Chief Financial Officer
C. Operations and Construction - Chris Parker, Assistant Superintendent
D. Superintendent Comments - Dr. Travis Thomas, Superintendent
VII. Action Items
A. Approval of School Attendance Zones
B. Approval of Grade Level Reconfiguration
C. Approval of School Name for 158 Stegall Drive, Jasper, Georgia 30143 Campus
D. FY27 Budget Amendment
E. Approval of 2027-28 School System Calendar
F. Renew Agreement with DTSpade
G. Request for Policy Revision - Policy GARH - Employee Leaves and Absences
H. Request for Policy Revision - PolicyJCDAF - Use of Electronic Devices By Students
I. Request for Policy Deletion - Policy GARHB - Paid Parental Leave
VIII. Consent Agenda
A. Financial Reports
B. Out of State / Overnight Field Trips
C. Board Meeting Minutes
D. Surplus
IX. Public Participation
X. Board Comments
XI. Adjourn