The Bulloch County Board of Education met for their regular work session on May 29, 2025, at 6:30pm where they unanimously approved the tentative budget for the 2026 fiscal year and passed two resolutions opposing property annexation by the City of Statesboro.
The meeting opened with a moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance. The board then moved to amend and adopt the agenda, which passed 8-0. There was no public participation following the adoption of the agenda.
Superintendent's Report
Superintendent Charles Wilson did not have any updates or items to report during the superintendent's report portion of the meeting, and there were also no scheduled topics for the board's work session.
FY26 Budget
The board revisited the proposed FY26 budget, the first item for approval, which had been discussed in greater detail at their previous meeting. The board members had already received a memo outlining budget adjustments, which included changes in property tax revenue, state funding and expenditures, resulting in an improvement of about $70,000 compared to the last version of the budget. This led to a surplus of $870,061.
Wilson recommended approval of the budget, leading the board to ask for a motion, a second and any discussion. The FY26 tentative budget was approved with a vote of 8-0 and will be presented again on June 26, 2025.
City of Statesboro Annexation Objection Resolution
The board received notice of the City of Statesboro's intent to annex multiple parcels of land located near Old Register Road and US Highway 301 South, totaling about 103 acres. The purpose of the annexation is reportedly to planned urban development, including infrastructure expansion.
The board expressed concern about the impact of the expansion and growth on the school system's infrastructure, more specifically the ability to accommodate additional students.
A motion was made, followed by a second and resulting in a unanimous vote of 8-0 to object the annexation by the City of Statesboro.
Recommendation to Bulloch County Commissioners to Object to Annexation
A second resolution was introduced, recommending that the Bulloch County Commissioners object the annexation on the Board of Education's behalf. This resolution was recommended because, While the Board of Education is able to express their concerns, the Bulloch County Commissioners has the legal authority to file a formal objection that carries more weight than the former.
A motion was put forth, followed by a second and a unanimous vote of 8-0 to send a recommendation to the Bulloch County Commissioners.
Executive Session
The board motioned to enter Executive Session, which was seconded and approved with a unanimous 8-0 vote.
After leaving executive session, Wilson recommended the approval of personal recommendations dated May 29, 2025, which was motioned, seconded and approved with a unanimous vote of 8-0.
A recommendation to approve the FY26 contract recommendations dated May 29, 2025, was recommended by Wilson. A motion was made, followed by a second and a unanimous approval of 8-0.
A motion to adjourn the meeting was made, followed by a second and a unanimous approval of 8-0.