The Bulloch County Board of Education met on Thursday, May 8th, 2025, to review the 2026 Fiscal Year Budget, bus purchases, and Hurricane Helene repairs.
Before the meeting started, there was a reception for the REACH scholar recipients and their families. REACH stands for Realizing Educational Achievement Can Happen. The REACH scholarship gives each recipient $10,000 in funds.
The six scholars were selected in eighth grade and maintained their eligibility throughout high school. During the board meeting, they were awarded for their accomplishments and presented with a cords to wear at their graduation ceremonies.
The REACH scholar recipients are Shelbie Jones, Michael Dixon, Saniyyah Jones, Jaydon Lawson, Janarria Wimberly, and Kelly Xochicale.
After the reception, the board meeting started.
In lieu of Chairman Elizabeth Williams, board member Maurice Hill called the meeting to order and recommended the board approve the agenda.
A few board members commented congratulating the graduating seniors and, specifically, the REACH scholars.
There was no public participation.
Superintendent's Report
Quartermaster of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) organization, Dean Rakoskie, discussed VFW programs that foster patriotism in the community and school system and awarded Sharice Clark and Hayley Greene for their contributions to the program.
There was a presentation on the McKinney Vento Homeless Assistance Act. It is a federal law that ensures homeless children and youth have access to education and any related services that are needed in order for them to have access to education. To qualify, a child has to lack a fixed, adequate, and regular nighttime residence. Lacking any one of these criteria can qualify a child for the Homeless Assistance Act.
As of May 1st, 380 students are being served under this act.
Alison Boatright presented the general fund. There were no changes from the last meeting. The general fund budgeted revenues are $146,203,778, with expenditures at $160,312,308.
The financial outlook shows a decrease in fund balance. Superintendent Wilson pushed the importance of intentionality when discussing the budget shortfall.
Consent Agenda
Bus Purchases
Superintendent Wilson recommended the purchase of seven regular buses and one special education bus, totaling $1,227,333.
The bus purchases were unanimously approved, and buses will be purchased using ESPLOST funds.
Hurricane Helene Repairs
The superintendent recommended the board use Colony Roofers to repair the roofs of the schools damaged during Hurricane Helene. The roof repairs will cost $263,380.80. The board approved it unanimously.
The board then went into an executive session. They voted to approve the personnel and FY26 contract recommendations for May 8, which can be reviewed here. Mr. Lanier recused himself from voting on the contract recommendations, as he had a family member on the list.
The meeting was dismissed.
