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Weather Watch: No Jan. 31 Activities

We are closely monitoring the next round of winter weather expected this weekend for our area. Based on the forecast and after consulting with local emergency teams, all extra-curricular activities for Saturday, Jan. 31, have been canceled.

Any decision concerning our Monday school schedule will be shared with families no later than Sunday evening through email/text messages, our websites, social media, and local media stations. If you are not receiving our direct messages, please check your contact information in the Parent Portal.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue to navigate through our weather challenges.

13 hours ago

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BCSS Board Briefs - November 2025

Posted Date: 11/05/25 (06:44 PM)
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Academics & Student Success

Student Calendars for 2026-2027 & 2027-2028

Drafts of the Student Calendars for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 school years are now posted to eBoard for public review. They will be considered for approval at the Dec. 2 meeting. The drafts were created after receiving feedback from teacher leaders, School Governance Teams, school and district administrators, and a survey completed by over 3,000 parents, community members, and staff. To share feedback after reviewing the calendars, please email communication@barrow.k12.ga.us.
Student Calendar graphic
student calendar graphic
 

Strategic Plan Survey

You have until Nov. 11 to share your thoughts about the district’s next Strategic Plan through an online survey. What do you want your public schools to provide for students? What are schools doing well? What are the challenges and opportunities facing schools and students?

Your thoughts will play a key role in helping to write the next chapters of our district's story! 
Take the Strategic Plan Survey
Community Meeting Update: Thank you to the 240 people who attended our Strategic Plan community meeting on Monday, Oct. 27, 2025, at Bethlehem Church. Watch Deputy Superintendent Dr. Matt Thompson's update about the meeting.
strategic plan community meeting
 
photo of what Blazers on Fire means

BOLD SPOTLIGHT: Barrow Arts & Sciences Academy

The BOLD Spotlight featured the Barrow Arts and Sciences Academy. Principal Thomas Thrailkill and Assistant Principal Ysheena Lyles shared what it means when they say "Blazers On Fire" - Future Focused, Innovative, Responsible, and Engaged. Watch their spotlight to learn more about BASA.

Interested in attending BASA? The enrollment window for the 2026-27 school year will open on Nov. 10 through Jan. 4.
 
Other Academics & Student Success Items:
  • 2024-2025 school year SAT and ACT score review 
  • School Improvement Plan progress update
  • Details about Georgia Match and Apply to College Month  
  • Policy IHF: Graduation Requirements posted for Public Review & Feedback 
  • Policy IBB and Policy JBC Approvals  

Finances & Infrastructure

HB 581 Public Hearings

The Board voted to approve moving forward with public hearings to seek input on continuing to opt out of House Bill 581. HB 581 is the statewide floating homestead exemption that limits the annual increase in property tax assessments on homesteaded properties to the inflation rate of the previous year. Those public hearings will be held at the Central Office at 179 W. Athens Street on Nov. 20 at 6pm, Dec. 2 at 4pm, and Dec. 9 at 5pm. The final vote to opt out/stay will be January 6, 2026. 
Watch the HB 581 Presentation
 
Other Finance & Infrastructure Items:
  • Approval to enter into contractual agreements with selected mental health providers/agencies for the provision of direct services to middle and high school students 
  • Approval of maximum price for renovations of Haymon-Morris Middle, Winder Barrow High, and Bear Creek Middle
  • Approval for the school system to finalize a transfer of specific portions of parcels WN12 425, WN12 426, and WN12 427 (Winder Legacy Park) to the City of Winder (BCSS would fund a one-time cost to help with maintenance and operation costs during the transition)

Superintendent's Recognitions

state school superintendent student advisory council members

State Superintendent Student Advisory Council Members

Congratulations to two BCSS students for being named to the State School Superintendent's 2025-26 Student Advisory Council. Out of the 1,235 students who applied, only 79 were selected to serve.

  • Damian Alvarado, Grade 11, Barrow Arts and Sciences Academy
  • Natalie Griffith, Grade 10, Apalachee High School

As part of the council, Damian and Natalie will meet with State School Superintendent Richard Woods to share their thoughts on the impact of state policies in the classroom and other education-related issues.
 
CTAE students and teachers

CTAE Recognition on State & National Level

We were proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements and excellence of students and teachers involved in our Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) program. Many in this picture serve in key roles in their Career Technical Student Organizations (CTSO) and others have placed in state and national events. See their many accomplishments.
 
communications team

State Recognition for BCSS Communications

The Marie Wofford Professional Award - School Communicator of the Year from the Georgia School Public Relations Association (GSPRA) recognizes a GSPRA member for outstanding work in the field of communications before and during the previous school year. BCSS Director of Communications and Engagement Nicole Valles said her name may be on the award, but she sees it as a team honor. Read more about this recognition.
 
transportation team

Customer Service Appreciation for Transportation

According to our schools, these members of our Transportation Team are shining stars when it comes to customer service. Not only do they ensure every child gets to and from school safely, but they also go above and beyond to show compassion and care each day.

  • Amy Smith
  • John Marasi
  • Deandra Harris
  • Florence Wade
  • Randy Woods
 
custodian of the month

Custodian of the Month

Congratulations to our Custodian of the Month, Jimmy Frank Silva Castro from Sims Academy. Sims CEO Dr. Jennifer Wood said, "Jimmy truly embodies what it means to be dependable, hard-working, and dedicated. He quietly makes an enormous difference each day."
WBHS JROTC Cadets

Presentation of Colors

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

  • C/PFC Miguel Quintana
  • C/SSG Tyler Patrick
  • C/CSM Analia Garcia
  • C/2LT Haylen Noorda
 
grad logo
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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Upcoming BOE Meetings:

Work Session: Nov. 18
Meeting: Dec. 2