Savannah Chatham County Public School System (SCCPS) Update:
- Board received Alvarez & Marsal Financial Stewardship update; fiscal improvements reviewed and FY28 budget planning prioritized.
- First Quarter Attendance Update showed student on-track attendance rose to 84%, exceeding the 80% target and above state average.
- Board approved renewal with Hazel Health for telehealth mental health services, funded by DBHDD for $377,187.
- Board approved eight-year charter renewal for Savannah Classical Academy; denied requested enrollment increase and Tybee preference.
Transportation On-Time Arrival Update
At the Informal Meeting of the Board, a presentation detailing improvements in on-time arrival for district transportation showed that in the week ending September 11th, the SY 27 Target goal of 84% on-time arrivals was being met. This was a dip from the 87.90% achieved at the end of the last school year. Staffing Vacancies and Leave accounted for the largest reported share of late arrivals. The report also included an update on the Choice transportation pilot program being tested at Charles Ellis Montessori and Garrison School for the Arts this year. The pilot boasts a morning participation rate of more than 80% of registered students with surveyed parents describing the pilot as convenient, reliable, and worth continuing.
Financial Stewardship Update
The Informal Meeting also featured an update from vendor Alvarez & Marsal on the district’s Financial Stewardship. The presentation highlighted fiscal management efforts over the past three fiscal years and detailed what planned improvements will be examined this year for the FY28 budget. Progress made in all financial process areas since the beginning of Alvarez & Marsal’s examination was detailed, along with key priorities and topics for ongoing Board Support.
First Quarter Attendance Update
Chief Academic Officer Derrick Butler presented a First Marking Period Attendance Update to the Board at the Regular Meeting. The report showed that more students stayed on track for attendance in SY26 with the number absent less than 10% of enrolled days rising from 77% in the 2025SY to 84% so far in the 2026SY.That is four points above the 80% target and two points above the state average of 82%. District conditions and school actions that helped create this success were detailed, along with plans for the next phase to focus on consistent habits and targeted support.
Student of the Month Recognized
The Superintendent’s Student of the Month for September is Tamia Simmons, a Junior at Woodville-Tompkins High School. Congratulations, Tamia!
Superintendent’s Professional Senate Report
A report from the latest meeting of the Superintendent’s Professional Senate was presented by our District Teacher and Instructional Support Persons of the Year.
School Bus Safety and Transportation Appreciation Week
The Board proclaimed the week of October 19-23, 2026, to be observed as School Bus Safety and Transportation Appreciation Week in recognition of the contribution drivers and other school transportation staff make to our public education system.
National School Lunch Week
The Board proclaimed the week of October 12-16, 2026 as NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH WEEK and encouraged all residents to join us in this recognition in hopes of achieving a more healthful citizenry for today and the future.
National Custodial Worker’s Day
The Board recognized October 7, 2026, as National Custodial Worker’s Recognition Day and encouraged all citizens to join us and celebrate their daily contributions all through the month of October.
National School Principal’s Month
The Board celebrates all school principals and asks our entire community to join us in recognizing the month of October 2026 as National School Principals Month! On behalf of the Board of Education and the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System, we extend our sincere appreciation for every school principal in our school system and across this nation.
Policy First Reads
Policy AC – School District Organization (Four Year Review)
• No Policy Changes
• Recommended changes to Regulation
Pursuant to Board Policy BDE- Policy Review, District Administration has reviewed Board Policy AC along with the supporting regulation. There are no changes recommended for Board Policy. The proposed revisions to Regulation AC-R(0) make the Principal responsible for gathering stakeholder input, remove the required PTA-led process and 75% support thresholds, and update the review and submission responsibilities for proposed changes.
Policy AE – School Year (Four Year Review – Changes Recommended)
Pursuant to Board Policy BDE- Policy Review, District Administration has reviewed Board Policy AE. Proposed updates memorialize the requirements for academic calendar approval and conditions that allow for deviation from the number of state required academic days.
Policy EDCA – Bus Safety Inspection (Four Year Review)
• No Policy Changes
Pursuant to Board Policy BDE- Policy Review, District Administration has reviewed Board Policy EDCA. There are no changes recommended for Board Policy.
Policy Adopted
Policy JBC – School Admissions
(Mid Period Review – Changes Recommended)
District Administration has reviewed Board Policy JBC along with the supporting regulation. The revisions strengthen and clarify admissions procedures by expandingrequired disclosures and student records, detailing transfer and military-family documentation, and tightening provisional-enrollment timelines and eligibility. The regulation also updates registration to allow district or school level online processing, requires completion of an electronic enrollment form, and clarifies verification and records-request responsibilities.
Policy JBCD – Transfer and Withdrawals
(Four Year Review – Changes Recommended)
Pursuant to Board Policy BDE- Policy Review, District Administration has reviewed Board Policy JBCD along with the supporting regulation. The revisions align transfer and withdrawal procedures with HB 268 and SBOE Rule 160-5-1-.28 by strengthening enrollment documentation, records-release, withdrawal-date, attendance, and agency referral requirements.
Other Board Actions and Updates
2027 Legislative Priorities Discussed
The Board discussed its annual Legislative Priorities that will serve as a platform for engaging the Chatham County Delegation during the 2027 Legislative Session. The Board seeks to ensure legislative support that will ensure student success, financial stability, and continued support for local control and workforce needs.
Hazel Health Contract Renewed for Telehealth Services
The Board approved a renewal of the contract with Hazel Health, Inc., to provide telehealth mental health services and support the purchase of equipment and supplies, in the amount of $377,187, funded by The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities.
Savannah Classical Academy Charter Renewal
Based on applicable performance standards, the Board approved the renewal of an eight-year charter contract for Savannah Classical Academy. The renewal 8-year term will begin July 1, 2027, and will conclude June 30, 2035, subject to the applicable state approval process. Based on the SCCPSS Charter Renewal Review Panel’s recommendations, the Board did not approve requests from the school to include a student enrollment increase to 1,000, and an enrollment preference for students matriculating from Tybee Island Maritime Academy.
Lighting Expenditure Approved for New Savannah High Baseball and Softball Fields
The Board approved the use of RFP C21-03 Energy Conservation Services (Annual Contract) with Georgia Power to provide area and site lighting for a cost of $75,181 and sports lighting for the baseball and softball field for a cost of $598,030. The work is expected to be completed by December 1st which will allow the work on the fields to be completed without any delays.
Termite Remediation Funds Approved for Rice Creek School
The Board approved emergency specialized pest control and whole-structure fumigation services from Rentokil-Terminix for a total cost not to exceed $150,000 at Rice Creek School. The funds are for the remediation of identified drywood termite activity at Rice Creek School to provide whole structure fumigation to reach concealed areas and prevent spread. Drywood areas include deep crevices and concealed internal cabinet framing. There are no identified issues that would raise structural concerns due to the concrete masonry form of construction used at this facility.
ESPLOST UPDATES
CMR Services Contract Approved for Pooler Elementary Renovation
The Board approved the award of RFP C26-13 (ESPLOST) CMR Services for the Pooler Elementary School Renovation Project to West Construction Company of Georgia, LLC with fees as described and an initial Stated Cost Limitation of $13,000,000.
Funds Approved from Georgetown K-8 Renovation Contract to J.E. Dunn for Largo-Tibet Renovations
On February 5, 2025, the Board approved the award of RFP C25-05 CMR Services for Georgetown K-8 Renovations to J.E. Dunn Construction Company, Inc. with an Initial Stated Cost Limitation of $25,000,000. On August 13, 2025, the GMP was established and the Board approved the recommended GMP in the amount of $29,887,983. The GMP work scope included both the additions and renovations to Georgetown K-8 and the renovations required at Largo Tibet to use as swing school. Now, with Georgetown staff and students back at their school site, staff seek to continue site renovations at the Largo Tibet facility in preparation for use as a swing site for Windsor Forest Elementary students and staff while their new building is being constructed. The work primarily consists of removal and replacing existing flooring, refinishes, and site storm corrective work and exterior upgrades. The Board approved the GMP CO in the amount of $800,000 for RFP C25-05 CMR Services for Georgetown K-8 Renovations to J.E. Dunn Construction Company.
Change Order Approved for Hubert Middle School Renovations
The Board approved Professional Services Agreement Change Order No. 12 with Greenline Architecture in the amount of $221,338 for additional architectural services for the Hubert Middle School renovation, increasing the agreement to $1,217,088.
Purchase of Video Monitoring Cameras and Related Software for Special Education Adaptive Classrooms – Autism Separate Classrooms
The Board approved the purchase of video monitoring cameras and related software for Special Education Adaptive- Autism Separate Classrooms from NetPlanner Systems, Inc., utilizing Statewide Contract 99999-SPD0000172-012, for a total cost not to exceed $178,754.16. This investment will provide comprehensive video coverage within designated Autism Separate Classrooms, enhance the safety and security of students and staff, support the timely review and investigation of incidents when warranted, and ensure compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements related to video monitoring and record preservation.
UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS
Fall Break/No School for Students
Thursday, October 8, 2026
STAFF PLANNING DAY
Fall Break/No School for Staff/Students
Friday. October 9 – Monday, October 12
Capital Improvement Committee Meeting
Wednesday, October 14, 2026 – 3:30pm
Whitney Administrative Complex
First 9 Weeks Report Cards Issued
Friday, October 16, 2026
Board Accountability Committee Meeting
Tuesday, October 27, 2026 – 3:30pm
Whitney Administrative Complex
Remote Learning Day (Half-Day for Students)
Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Finance Committee Meeting
Wednesday, November 4, 2026 – 9:00am
Whitney Administrative Complex
November Board Meeting
Wednesday, November 4, 2026
Informal Meeting – 10:30am
Regular Meeting – 2:00pm
Whitney Administrative Complex
Read more on the official SCCPSS website
