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Board Briefs: February 2026

Posted Date: 02/06/26 (06:54 PM)
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Read below for a summary of the February 2026 BCSS Board of Education Meeting.

Academics & Student Success

Pre-K student smiles at Dr. LeDuff
Pre-K student smiling

It's Time to Apply for the Pre-K Lottery!

The BCSS Pre-K Lottery application window is open now through March 2. Ten of our Pre-K students were recognized at this month's meeting for their starring roles in our 2026 Pre-K campaign video. They each received a BCSS-themed coloring book designed by Barrow Arts & Sciences Academy student and Communications Intern Tamia Rogers. Learn more about BCSS Pre-K and watch the video through this link.
Pre-K stars with their school and district staff and Dr. LeDuff
 

Federal Accountability & Georgia Promise Scholarship Update

The Board received an update highlighting changes from the prior school year concerning federally mandated accountability lists and the Georgia Promise Scholarship eligibility list. 

The Georgia Promise Scholarship allows families to apply for state funds to attend a private school. The three BCSS schools that were on the list last year are no longer listed based on new CCRPI scores. Yargo Elementary School has been added based on current scores.

The update on various federally mandated accountability lists showed: 
  • Targeted Support & Improvement (TSI): Winder Elementary was identified based on the performance of students with disabilities group
  • Additional Targeted Support & Improvement (TSI): Auburn Elementary was identified based on the performance of students with disabilities group in the 2023 school year 

 

BCSS Instructional Framework Revision Process

The BCSS Instructional Frameworks are currently being revised to ensure alignment with the Georgia Department of Education’s Instructional Frameworks and BCSS Board Policy BAB. This revision will result in a cohesive, districtwide resource that clearly defines high‑impact instructional practices across grade levels and content areas. The updated frameworks will emphasize both staff instructional practices and student learning behaviors to support consistent, high‑quality instruction and implementation.
 

BOLD SPOTLIGHT: Auburn Elementary

This month’s BOLD Spotlight featured Auburn Elementary School. Principal Dr. Lauren Carter and Assistant Principal Laurie Gray shared how intentional daily work drives both student and teacher success. They emphasized that meaningful growth comes from sustained momentum, strong collaboration, well-designed systems, and maintaining high expectations across the school community. Watch their spotlight. 
 
Other Academics & Student Success Items:
  • 100th day of school enrollment – 15,177 
  • Georgia Early Literacy and Dyslexia Act Universal Screener Mid-year Update
  • Board Policy IHE: Promotion and Retention Waiver Approval for 2025-2026 School Year

Finances & Infrastructure

System Athletic Complex Updates

The Board approved investing more than $5.8 million from SPLOST funds for necessary updates to our middle and high school athletic complexes. The improvements are needed to repair worn areas and replace unsupported features due to age. The project will include resurfacing tracks, new digital stadium scoreboards, replacement fencing and backstop netting, athletic practice field lighting, and more. Parrish Construction Group won the bid to complete the updates.  
 

2026-2027 Budget Timeline Review

Chief Financial Officer Jennifer Houston provided the Board with a review of the timeline concerning the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget process. Watch the review through this link.
 
Other Finance & Infrastructure Items:
  • Legacy Park maintenance costs approval 
  • Chromebook Purchase Approval – 5-year technology refresh cycle 
  • Building Renovation Project Update: HMMS interior lighting retrofit began | BCMS will be next 

Superintendent's Recognitions

Gratitude for Barrow Community Foundation

We were honored to recognize the Barrow Community Foundation for its meaningful support in response to the tragedy on and after September 4, 2024. To help those most impacted, they established the Barrow Community Crisis Fund for donations to provide vital relief and resources. We are grateful for their empathy, leadership, and unwavering commitment during our community's time of need. Thank you.
Dr. LeDuff with members of BCF board
 

Transportation Appreciation

This month’s Transportation Team recognition included two bus drivers who consistently demonstrate kindness, adaptability, and exceptional helpfulness. Thank you and congratulations to Sara Beehler and Jennifer Addison. 
Dr. LeDuff with Transportation Team
 

ARES Custodial Team Shines

We were proud to recognize the Clean School Team of the Month: the Austin Road Elementary custodial team! “Our Rocket custodial team truly goes above and beyond. They operate as a united group, and their commitment to keeping our school clean, safe, and welcoming for both staff and students does not go unnoticed.”
ARES Custodial team with Dr. LeDuff
 

Presentation of Colors

Cadets from Apalachee High School JROTC presented the colors and led the Pledge of Allegiance at the meeting. 

  • Cadet First Sergeant Kody Austin
  • Cadet Staff Sergeant Hailey Hopwood
  • Cadet Captain Aiden Waters
  • Cadet Private Angela Herrera
 

2025 GSBA Exemplary School Board

Dr. LeDuff presented the Board of Education an award from the Georgia School Boards Association (GSBA) for earning the status of 2025 Exemplary School Board. This recognition showcases best practices in school governance and leadership. BCSS met and/or exceeded the criteria to earn the honor.
Board members with Exemplary School Board award
 
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The Barrow County Board of Education (BOE) has nine members. Board members serve a four-year term, with three districts elected at-large and six elected by district. The Board is the official governing body of the Barrow County School System. The regular business BOE meetings take place on the first Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the Professional Development Center (PDC) at 179 W. Athens St., Winder, GA 30680. BCSS uses eBoard to be transparent in governance and operations. You can find the most recent information concerning the BOE meetings on eBoard.
Visit eBoard Transparency Portal
Board of Education meetings are live-streamed on our YouTube Channel.
 

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