Board Briefs: January 2026

Posted Date: 01/09/26 (12:00 PM)

Read below for a summary of the January 2026 BCSS Board of Education Meeting.

Academics & Student Success

Mid-Year Safety Update

The Board of Education received a mid-year review on key school safety initiatives. Several areas were covered, including details about our updated school map software, an overview of our Behavioral Threat Assessment process, and an update on how our new anonymous tip line is working. Watch the presentation.

Strategic Plan Status Update

Deputy Superintendent Dr. Matt Thompson provided the Board with an update concerning our new Strategic Plan. A planning team made up of community members, staff, and students met in December to review the results of the community feedback session and community survey. From there, they helped shape the framework that will be used to finalize our goals. Read more about the meeting and the next steps in the planning process.

BOLD SPOTLIGHT: Bear Creek Middle School

This month's BOLD Spotlight featured Bear Creek Middle School. BCMS Principal Dr. Shane Lancaster and Assistant Principal Emily Fowler shared how staff and students are excelling in academics, leadership, and collaboration. Watch their spotlight.

Other Academics & Student Success Items:

80th Day of School Enrollment:15,197

Finances & Infrastructure

Resolution to Opt Out of House Bills

The Board of Education voted on a resolution to opt out of House Bills 581 and 92. These bills concern 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. The vote to approve the resolution comes after three public hearings. Review the presentation.

Salary Study Update

Chief of Staff Dr. Adam Kurtz presented preliminary information concerning the classification and compensation study now underway. The goal of the study is to ensure all positions are both internally consistent and externally competitively compensated. The final summary will be ready for review at the end of January so that recommendations can be considered as a part of the fiscal year 2027 budget.

Other Finance & Infrastructure Items:

Approval for Staff Laptop Purchase

Superintendent's Recognitions

Fall Student Achievements Celebrated

Congratulations to our students for their athletic achievements during the Fall season. We were proud to recognize them for earning top placements at the region and state levels. See the full list of student-athletes here.

Transportation Appreciation

This month's Transportation Team recognition included two bus drivers who staff and students say show friendliness, kindness, and wonderful customer service. Thank you and congratulations to:

Angela Barrow
Reginald Bishoff

Custodian of the Month

Our Custodian of the Month recognition praised Adriana Madera, Head Custodian from Winder Elementary School. WES Principal Dr. Andrea Neher says Adriana is instrumental in ensuring their building is clean, safe, and ready for students each morning and is also incredibly helpful with events after school hours. Dr. Neher says they greatly appreciate Adriana's leadership and dedication.

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 Master Sergeant Aiden Waters
Cadet Sergeant First Class Spencer Green
Cadet Private Kaylee Panciccia

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.

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Board of Education meetings are live-streamed on our YouTube Channel.

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Upcoming BOE Meetings:

Board Meeting: Feb. 3, 2026
Work Session: Feb. 24, 2026
2026 BOE Calendar