Board approves new budget, hears candidate concerns in recent meeting

PERRY—In its most recent meeting, the Houston County Board of Education discussed a new budget and heard comments from concerned citizens. 

After the agenda and the minutes from the previous meetings were approved, the meeting proceeded to the Superintendent’s Report. 

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mark Scott started his report by recognizing the many graduations that took place a few weeks ago, with over 2100 graduates. 

“We’re so proud of them, their accomplishments and all of the teachers’ hard work that goes in to get them across the stage and to achieve that milestone,” Scott said. “I’d also like to say a special thanks to school operations on an outstanding job planning and organizing that event, and also to our school principals who work so very hard and support us in various roles throughout the weekend on graduation.” 

The report also stated the Houston Association of Educational Office Professionals awarded 55 $1,000 scholarships to seniors in the five high schools this past year. 

“Thank you so much to the members,” he said. “They really focus on raising that money to benefit our students.” 

The report mentioned the Houston County School District will continue to offer free meals to all children ages 18 and under. The meals will be served at Huntington Middle, Northside High School and Perry High School from 10 a.m. to noon, ending July 19. Families can also pick up multi-day meal packs each Thursday at Langston Road Primary, Bonaire Middle and Northside Elementary from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., ending July 18. 

“Thank you to all of our school nutrition staff that work hard in the summer to make sure that these meals are delivered as it’s always a successful event each and every summer,” he said. 

After the report, the meeting turned over to a public hearing about the Fiscal Year 2025 budget. According to the agenda the General Fund budget contains expenditures of  almost $434 million and a projected ending fund balance of $67.8 million.  The Debt Service and Capital Projects Funds include expenditures of $9.3 million and almost $51.3 million respectively.  The overall budget for the Board of Education is expected to be approximately $570.8 million, including potential and expected grants. 

No citizens spoke for or against the proposed budget, which was then approved for FY ‘25. 

After the financial and purchasing reports were approved, the Board approved the 2025-2026 school calendar. The calendar will follow the normal pattern of holidays, with the school year beginning on Wednesday, July 31, and ending on Wednesday, May 20. 

The meeting included several individuals addressing the board.

“On behalf of our Board members, we certainly appreciate your willingness to present your concerns, issues and possibly your frustrations,” Board Chair Helen Hughes said.

Daryl Vining had concerns about Board requirements. 

“I observe what it is that you, which is you approve funding, disseminate the money that creates opportunity for people to grow and to learn in this District, and that means you have a responsibility as part of your requirement,” he said. “You’re elected officials, so you’re the only ones that we can actually hold accountable as a public.” 

Vining referenced the disqualification and reinstatement of School Board candidate Clyde Jackson. 

“I was very taken back last week at the Board of Elections when they threw all of you under the bus when they said it was a request from the Board of Education to remove a candidate,” he said. “The requirement for you to be here is a vote of the people, and the people need you to have more of a dialogue between you and the people.”

Vining also mentioned that he did not see any kind of budget rollback due to the increasing taxes. 

Josh B. Kirvin Sr. also had concerns about the recent attempt to disqualify Clyde Jackson. 

“The efforts used to use and attempt to disqualify Mr. Jackson, according to several legal scholars, disregarded the laws of the State of Georgia, therefore, they were illegal,” he said. “As I understand it, they were not even in compliance with the guidelines authored by this administration and rubber stamped by this board.”

Kirvin said these acts were unethical, deceitful and in his opinion, evil.

“This attempt has sought to disenfranchise the will of the people, undermine a fair election and to ensure that a hand-picked candidate won a seat and to cast dispersions upon Mr. Jackson as well as his wife Dr. Tracy Jackson. 

Kirvin wanted to know who authorized these actions against Jackson and the citizens of Houston County. 

Houston County NAACP President Jonathan Johnson shared his own concerns about the attempt to disqualify School Board candidate Clyde Jackson. 

“One thing that I found out about the situation that disturbed me more than anything was the fact that this was your people,” he said. “What you did to the Jacksons, just remember that you all work for the Board of Education as well, so if they’ll do it to those who have devoted 30 years and 20 years working for the school system, tell me what makes you any different from them when your time comes. As the NAACP, I am proud that he got put back on the election, so he can run and be who he is and bring his experience to Houston County.” 

The next Houston County School Board meeting will be held on July 9 at 1 pm. at 1100 Main St. in Perry. 

The agenda of this meeting can be found at simbli.eboardsolutions.com/SB_Meetings/ViewMeeting.aspx?S=4089&MID=118132