Board of Education opts out of House Bill 581, congratulates more State Champions 

PERRY — The Houston County Board of Education held the third and final public hearing in regards to the Board opting out of House Bill 581. 

Chief Financial Officer Michelle Morris was the only one in attendance to speak in favor of the opt-out. Morris gave a similar presentation to the previous hearing and the reasoning for the Board’s opt-out can be found on our website.

One citizen who spoke against the opt-out said the reason for this bill is to stop enormous backdoor tax increases for a statewide freeze or homestead property tax exemptions. He states over 70% have voted in favor of this bill state-wide. 

“If you do decide to honor the outcome of the November election and not opt-out and and should you decide that you cannot find ways to save money and raise our taxes, then you would have to allow us to see where your shortfalls are in the areas where you need to spend,” he said. “Myself and my fellow constituents will then know the what and the why of the Board of Education spending.” 

Another citizen who spoke against it was happy to see House Bill 581 pass. She said 60% of the people in Houston County voted in favor of the bill, but said it would have been higher if more people understood the bill. 

“You’re looking around and seeing all the new subdivisions going up and all the houses being built, so to us that is more property taxes that are going to the county,” she said. “I know the tax digest has gone up 40% in the last five years and my taxes have almost doubled in five years, so what’s it going to be in the next five years?”  

Another citizen pointed out that this bill was intended to control the inflationary increases in property taxes. 

“We’re only talking about the inflationary increase that property owners who’ve had homestead [exemptions] the previous year and also have it this year and only homestead voters because to have a homestead [exemption] in Georgia you have to be a resident and to be a resident, you’re a voter,” he said. “This bill was literally written for just the voters to save on their property taxes.” 

The citizen also mentioned that State Representative Shaw Blackmon, a resident of Bonaire, sponsored the bill. 

“I find it hard to believe that he would create a bill that would hurt his own county,” he said.

Before resolving House Bill 581, Board member Jon Nichols said he feels like the Board has the capability of not allowing the state to control what they do. 

“If we don’t opt out of House Bill 581, what we’re saying is we can’t do the work we’ve done and we can’t really go through our $571 million budget the correct way doing what the state wants us to do, and I don’t think that’s fair,” he said. “I think we are capable and have shown the capability here in Houston County that we can control and spend money wisely and not haphazardly do that. The voters of Houston County need to trust that the Board of Education of Houston County is going to be good stewards of your money.” 

The Board approved unanimously to opt out of House Bill 581. 

Langston Road Primary, David Perdue Primary, Morningside Elementary, Parkwood Elementary, and Perry Middle were in attendance at this meeting. 

Each school principal brought their Teacher of the Year and two of their star students. 

“Thank you to each of our guests. You are truly inspiring and we love hearing your stories and love seeing you represent your schools, families and Houston County, so thank you for what you do to make us proud,” Board Chair Helen Hughes said. 

The Board also recognized FFA State Championship winners from Perry High School and Veterans High School. Veterans High School was also recognized for their AFJROTC Raiders who won their National Championship. The Houston County Sharks Varsity Team were also celebrated for winning their state championship in handball. 

Board member Clyde Jackson, Jr. provided comments centered around Black History Month. 

“Black History Month serves as a reminder of the profound contributions, struggles and triumphs of black people throughout history. It’s a time to reflect on not just the challenges they’ve faced but on the strength, resilience and brilliance they’ve shared with the world,” he said. “In Houston County, we have black excellence as part of our school system who were instrumental in educating our students.”

Jackson highlighted Pearl Stephens who was the driving force in getting a school built for the black community in Warner Robins. 

“Mrs. Stevens gave the Board of Education an offer, she would give them the land if they were to agree to build a school, the Board accepted their offer and a two-room schoolhouse and an outhouse was built as this would become a milestone in the history of Warner Robins and the first tax supported school in the Black community, now to us as Pearl Stephens Elementary,” he said. “We are thankful for Mrs. Stevens’ donation, land, time and money to serve our students.” 

Jackson also highlighted Herman C. Reagan, the first African American head coach and Athletic Director in Houston County. 

“We are thankful to Mr. Reagan for his services to our community and students,” he said. “This month, let’s not just commemorate the past but let us also act in the present. Let us educate ourselves, advocate for justice and empower each other to create a future that reflects the values of equality, respect and dignity for all people. The fight of equality is ongoing, but together we can continue to push forward as Black History is American History. It’s a story of perseverance, strength and sharing the dream and the better world for all.” 

The Superintendent’s Report, led by Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mark Scott, congratulated Quail Run Elementary and C.B. Watson Primary on being two of Georgia’s highest-performing Title One schools based on the 2023-24 data. 

The report also congratulated Perry and Veterans High School for winning first place at their regional swim championships. 

Scott also highlighted National School Counseling Week. 

“School counselors work closely with students to remove barriers to learning, address academic concerns and discuss career options and build social and emotional skills,” Scott said. “Thank you to our school counselors for your contributions towards our students’ successes and for all you do for our school district.” 

The next Houston County Board of Education meeting will be held on March 11, at 1 p.m. located at 1100 Main Street in Perry. 

To view the full agenda of this meeting go to  simbli.eboardsolutions.com/SB_Meetings/ViewMeeting.aspx?S=4089&MID=123728&Tab=Agenda