Barnwell Elementary School Governance Council

Meeting Summary of Action Items

July 30, 2024 / 3:00PM

Barnwell Elementary Admin Conf. Room

Attendance: Takisha Benning, Renee Morris, Amber Wells, Joanna Thomas, Jill Reffitt, Mike Carey, Holli Freeman, Reed Moll, Saudy Fahm, and Amber Banks

Absent: N/A

Guests: Katie Kinsey

Action Item:  Approve Agenda

Action Item:  Approve May Meeting Minutes

Action Item:  Elect New Officers

Action Item:  Staff Standing Committees

Discussion Item:  Nominate Rep for Superintendent’s Parent/Community Advisory Council

Discussion Item:  Determine Meeting Schedule for SY 24-25

Discussion Item:  Draft Next Meeting Agenda

Informational Item: Principal’s Update

Next Barnwell SGC meeting:  September 10, 2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Barnwell Elementary School Governance Council

Meeting Minutes

July 30, 2024 / 3:00PM

Barnwell Elementary Admin Conf. Room

 Attendance:  Takisha Benning, Renee Morris, Amber Wells Lohnes, Joanna Thomas, Jill Reffitt, Amber Banks, Holli Freeman, Reed Moll, Saudhy Fahm, Mike Carey

Absent:

Guests:  Katie Kinsey

Call to order:  3:03pm

Action Item - Approve Agenda

Motion:  Amber Wells Lohnes

Second: Renee Morris

All in favor:  Approved

Action Item - Approve May Meeting Minutes

Motion:  Joanna Thomas

Second:  Holli Freeman

All in favor:  Approved

Discussion Item:  Member Introductions

●     We went around the room and everyone introduced themselves

Action Item:  Elect New Officers

●     Chair will be Amber Wells Lohnes

○     Motion to Approve: Saudy Fahm

○     Second: Holli Freeman

○     All in favor - Approved

●     Vice Chair will be Joanna Thomas

○     Motion to Approve: Takisha Benning

○     Second: Joanna Thomas

○     All in favor - Approved

●     Parlimentarian will be Holli Freeman

○     Motion to Approve: Amber Banks

○     Second: Joanna Thomas

○     All in favor - Approved  

Action Item:  Standing Staff Committees

●     Budget and Finance will be Jill Reffitt, Reed Moll, Amber Banks, and Amber Wells Lohnes

●     Outreach and Communication will be Mike Carey, Saudy Fahm, Joanna Thomas, and Renee Morris

●     Principal Selection will be Holli Freeman, Amber Wells Lohnes, Amber Banks, and Renee Morris

Discussion Item: Nominate Representative for Superintendent’s Parent/Community Advisory Council

●     Reed Moll agreed to represent our SGC

Inforamation Item: Principal’s Update

●     School/Staff Updates

○     Teachers returned this week for a fun, inspiring week

○     6 new hires and a literacy coach

○     626 projected and we are 50 kids over that

○     3rd grade definitely will have a class added; 4th and 5th grade are very close to doing so as well

●     SY 23-24 Charter Funds Project Update

○     Let’s start thinking NOW how to spend these funds

○     We purchased the recess equipment, new rugs, school signage near cafeteria, added the banner on the fence, branded the elevator with a Barnwell Bear, Bears for Kindergarten, shirts for staff, PBIS inventory, gift for staff on Friday this week will 23-24 expenditures

○     Strategic Plan Action Plan Metrics were passed out for review

●     Calendar of Upcoming School Events

○     Popsicles on the Playground and New Family Play Date on Wednesday, July 31st

○     Sneak Peek on Thursday, August 1st

Discussion Item: Determine Meeting Schedule for SY 24-25

●     Tuesdays at 3pm

●     Sept 10th, Oct 8th, Jan 7th, March 4th, and May 6th are the proposed dates

Discussion Item:  Draft Next Meeting Agenda

●     SGC Strategic Action plan

●     Charter funds expenditures - amount TBD

●     Update on Staff

Public Comments: None

Meeting Adjourned:  3:52pm

Date | time 09/10/2024 | 3:00pm | Location Barnwell Admin Conference Room

SGC Members

Ms. Takisha Benning, Principal | Ms. Renee Morris, Asst. Principal, Appointed Staff| Ms. Joanna Thomas, Teacher | Ms. Amber Lohnes, Teacher | Ms. Jill Reffitt, Appointed Staff | Ms. Amber Banks, Parent| Ms. Holli Freeman, Parent | Ms. Reed Moll, Parent| Ms. Saudhy Sanjuanelo, Community Member | Mr. Mike Carey, Community Member

Time	Item	Owner
3:00pm	Call to Order	Lohnes
3:01pm	Action Item: Approve Agenda	Lohnes
3:05pm	Action Item: Approve August Meeting Minutes	Lohnes
3:10pm	Discussion Item: Determine SY24-25 Council Norms	All Members
3:15pm	Discussion Item: Review SGC Website for Compliance	Thomas
3:20pm	Discussion Item: Review 2024 Council Self-Assessment and Create Initiatives	All Members
3:23pm   3:40 pm	Discussion Item: Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals   Discussion Item: Opportunity for Public Comment	Thomas   All Members
3:45pm	Informational Item: Principal's Update A.    Enrollment Update B.     Strategic Planning	Benning
3:55pm	Discussion Item: Draft Next Meeting Agenda	Lohnes
4:00pm	Action Item: Meeting Adjournment	Lohnes

Meeting Norms

Silences Phones | Be Respectful of Others’ Opinions | Work for the Good of All Students

 

 

Barnwell Elementary School Governance Council 

Meeting Summary of Action Items

September 10, 2024 / 3:00PM

Barnwell Elementary TAG Room

Attendance: Takisha Benning, Renee Morris, Amber Lohnes, Joanna Thomas, Jill Reffitt, Holli Freeman, Saudhy Fahm

Absent: Amber Banks, Reed Moll, Mike Carey

Guests: None

Action Item:  Approve Agenda

Action Item:  Approve August Meeting Minutes

Discussion Item:  Determine SY24-25 Council Norms

Discussion Item:  Review SGC Website for Compliance

Discussion Item:  Review 2024 Council Self-Assessment and Create Initiatives

Discussion Item:  Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals

Discussion Item:  Opportunity for Public Comment

Discussion Item:  Draft Next Meeting Agenda

Informational Item: Principal’s Update

Next Barnwell SGC meeting: October 10, 2024

 

Barnwell Elementary School Governance Council

Meeting Minutes

September 10, 2024 / 3:00PM

Barnwell Elementary Admin TAG Room

 

Attendance:  Takisha Benning, Renee Morris, Amber Lohnes, Joanna Thomas, Jill Reffitt, Holli Freeman, Saudhy Fahm

Absent: Amber Banks, Reed Moll, and Mike Carey

Guests: None

Call to order: 3:01pm

Action Item - Approve Agenda

●     Motion: Holli Freeman

●     Second: Saudy Fahm

●     All in favor: Approved

Action Item - Approve August Meeting Minutes

●     Motion: Renee Morris

●     Second: Saudy Fahm

●     All in favor: Approved

Discussion Item: Determine SY24-25 Council Norms 

●     All agreed on the norms set

Discussion Item: SGC Website for Compliance

●     Joanna reviewed the website, and thanks to Susan Agerton, we are up to date

Discussion Item: 2024 Council Self-Assessment and Create Initiatives

●     Only two people completed the survey

●     We’ll get some clarification for this year’s survey and make it a priority to have all members complete it

Discussion Item: Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals

●     We have $46K to spend for SY24-25

●     We should survey the teachers to see if they have input/proposals

●     Takesha suggests we spend it early (by January)

●     Council members are encouraged to brainstorm ideas

●     Cafeteria improvements could be an idea. The PTO is currently looking to fund that with money raised from the Fun Run in October.

Information Item: Principal’s Update

●     Enrollment Update

○     A sixth 3rd grade class has been added - Ms. Nephew is the new teacher. The kids’ first day was yesterday (Sept. 9th)

●     Strategic Planning

○     Plan is for the whole district, but we come up with a plan specific to our school

■     Increase academic achievement

■     Decrease office referrals

■     Increase percentage of students with disabilities meeting GMAS Reading indicator

■     Increase employee retention rate

■     Increase percentage of charter dollar expenditures

■     Decrease percentage of students absent 10% or more days enrolled (8 days per year)

○     This plan will be placed on the SGC website once Downey approves so absent SGC members can review

Discussion Item: Draft Next Meeting Agenda

●     Members to come up with two ideas each for charter money expenditure

●     Vote on strategic action plan

●     Next meeting is Oct. 8th

Public Comments: None

Meeting Adjourned: 3:34pm

 

 

 

 

 

 

October Agenda  

School: Barnwell Elementary School 

Date: 10/08/2024  

Time: 3:00 PM 

Location: Admin Conference Room  

SGC Members: Ms. Takisha Benning, Principal | Ms. Renee Morris, Asst. Principal, Appointed Staff| Ms. Joanna Thomas, Teacher | Ms. Amber Lohnes, Teacher | Ms. Jill Reffitt, Appointed Staff | Ms. Amber Banks, Parent| Ms. Holli Freeman, Parent | Ms. Reed Moll, Parent| Ms. Saudhy Sanjuanelo, Community Member | Mr. Mike Carey, Community Member  

3:00PM Call to Order (Lohnes) 

3:02PM Action Item: Approve Agenda (Lohnes) 

3:05PM Action Item: Approve September Minutes (Lohnes) 

3:07PM Discussion Item:  SY24-25 Council Initiatives* (All Members) 

3:20PM Discussion Item: Strategic Planning (Benning)  

3:25PM Action Item: Approve Strategic Plan (Lohnes) 

3:30PM Discussion Item: Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (All Members) 

3:45PM Action Item: Approve Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (Lohnes)  

3:50PM Informational Item: Principal’s Update (Benning)  

4:00PM Discussion Item: Draft Next Meeting’s Agenda (All Members) 

4:05PM Action Item: Meeting Adjournment (Lohnes) 

 

Meeting Norms: Silence Phones, Be Respectful of Others’ Opinions, Work for the good of all Students 

 

  

Barnwell Elementary School Governance Council 

Meeting Summary of Action Items

October 8, 2024 / 3:00PM

Barnwell Elementary TAG Room

 

Attendance: Takisha Benning, Renee Morris, Amber Lohnes, Joanna Thomas, Jill Reffitt, Holli Freeman, Saudhy Fahm, Amber Banks, Mike Carey, Reed Moll

Absent: None

Guests: Katie Kinsey

Action Item:  Approve Agenda

Action Item:  Approve September Meeting Minutes

Discussion Item:  SY24-25 Council Initiatives

Discussion Item:  Strategic Planning and Approval

Discussion Item:  Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals and Approval

Discussion Item:

Discussion Item:  Draft Next Meeting Agenda

Informational Item: Principal’s Update

Next Barnwell SGC meeting: January 7, 2025

 

Barnwell Elementary School Governance Council

Meeting Minutes

October 8, 2024 / 3:00PM

Barnwell Elementary Admin Conf. Room

 

Attendance:  Takisha Benning, Renee Morris, Amber Lohnes, Joanna Thomas, Jill Reffitt, Holli Freeman, Saudhy Fahm, Mike Carey, Reed Moll, Amber Banks

Absent:  None

Guests:  Katie Kinsey

Call to order:  3:01pm

Action Item:  Approve Agenda

Motion:  Holli Freeman

Second: Saudhy Fahm

All in favor:  Approved

Action Item:  Approve September Meeting Minutes

Motion:  Renee Morris

Second:  Holli Freeman

All in favor:  Approved

Discussion Item:  SY24-25 Council Initiatives

●      Begin discussions to determine the focus of our SGC

●      Council initiatives will fall in line with school’s strategic plan

Discussion Item:  Strategic Planning

●      Increase academic achievement

●      Decrease office referrals

●      Increase percentage of students with disabilities meeting GMAS Reading indicator

●      Increase employee retention rate

●      Increase percentage of charter dollar expenditures

●      Decrease percentage of students absent 10% or more days enrolled (8 days per year)

Action Item:  Approve Strategic Plan

Motion:  Reed Moll

Second: Joanna Thomas

All in favor:  Approved

Discussion Item:  Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals ($46,391)

●      Screen Beam - $18K (Breanna Rounds’s research from previous year)

●      Greg Tang Math Subscriptions - $299 per teacher

●      Gaga Ball pit improvements $1500-$1800

●      STEAM Week High Touch High Tech - $6K

●      Freckle subscriptions - $250 per teacher

●      Reflex Math subscriptions - $3300 school wide

●      Subs for planning days

●      Tutor paraprofessional

●      Color printer for K workroom

●      Blade replacement for die cutter

●      PBIS Funds - $5K

●      Principal’s List/Honor Roll celebrations

●      Pre-K Graduation

Action Item:  Approve Charter Dollar Expenditures

●      PBIS $5K

Motion:  Mike Carey

Second: Holli Freeman

All in favor:  Approved

●      Gaga Ball Pit Improvements - $2K

            Motion:  Saudhy Fahm

            Second:  Amber Banks

            All in favor:  Approved

Information Item: Principal’s Update

●      Fall break next week

●      International Night this Thursday

●      Successful Fun Run - school raised $33K

●      Lunch with parents started this week

●      Report cards going out soon

Discussion Item:  Draft Next Meeting Agenda

●      Specific pricing for expenditure ideas

●      Next meeting is January 7, 2025

Public Comments: None

Meeting Adjourned:  3:46pm

 

December Agenda  

School: Barnwell Elementary School 

Date: 12/03/2024  

Time: 3:00 PM 

Location: TEAMS 

SGC Members: 

Ms. Takisha Benning, Principal | Ms. Renee Morris, Asst. Principal, Appointed Staff| Ms. Joanna Thomas, Teacher | Ms. Amber Lohnes, Teacher | Ms. Jill Reffitt, Appointed Staff | Ms. Amber Banks, Parent| Ms. Holli Freeman, Parent | Ms. Reed Moll, Parent| Ms. Saudhy Sanjuanelo, Community Member | Mr. Mike Carey, Community Member   

3:00PM Call to Order (Lohnes)  

3:02PM Action Item: Approve Agenda (Lohnes)  

3:05PM Action Item: Approve October Minutes (Lohnes) 

3:07PM Action Item: Approve Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (Lohnes)   

3:30PM Action Item: Meeting Adjournment (Lohnes)  

Meeting Norms: Silence Phones, Be Respectful of Others’ Opinions, Work for the good of all Students 

 

***Charter Dollars 

  

This year, schools have received $46,391 in Charter Dollars to help meet their strategic goals through local innovative solutions. These funds should be used for non-personnel purchases such as supplies, registrations, communications, etc. When purchasing personnel, schools are advised to use other funding sources allowable for positions. If Charter Dollars are requested for personnel, the expenditure will require approval from the Zone Superintendent, SGC, and Executive Director of Governance and Strategy. Additionally, any materials purchased to support literacy instruction must align with GaDOE literacy requirements. 

  

Each Charter Dollar expenditure requires an SGC vote for approval, the completion of the Charter Dollar Expenditure Form, and is subject to the same district guidelines that govern school cost center budgets. All Charter Dollars must be spent in the year they are received to support our current student population. We encourage SGCs to schedule discussions early in the year to plan for these expenditures, ensuring all purchases are made before end-of-year spending deadlines. See our Charter Dollar Matrix for examples of FCS-supported expenditures. 

 

Items for Approval:  

 

Screen Beams ~18,000.00 

STEAM Week High Touch High Tech ~$7,610.25  

Reflex Math Subscription ~$3295.00 Schoolwide Subscription 

Barnwell Elementary School Governance Council 

Meeting Summary of Action Items

October 8, 2024 / 3:00PM

Virtual Teams Meeting 

Attendance: Takisha Benning, Renee Morris, Amber Lohnes, Joanna Thomas, Jill Reffitt, Holli Freeman, Saudhy Fahm, Amber Banks, Mike Carey, Reed Moll

Absent: Holli Freeman, Saudhy Fahm, Reed Moll

Action Item:  Approve Agenda

Action Item:  Approve October Meeting Minutes

Discussion Item:  Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals and Approval

Discussion Item:  Draft Next Meeting Agenda

Next Barnwell SGC meeting: January 7, 2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Barnwell Elementary

School Governance Council

Meeting Minutes

December 4, 2024 / 3:00PM

Virtual Teams Meeting 

Attendance:  Takisha Benning, Renee Morris, Amber Lohnes, Joanna Thomas, Mike Carey, Amber Banks, Jill Reffitt

Absent:  Saudhy Fahm, Reed Moll, Holli Freeman

Guests:  None

Call to order:  3:06pm

Action Item:  Approve Agenda

●      Motion:  Joanna Thomas

●      Second: Renee Morris

●      All in favor:  Approved

Action Item:  Approve October Meeting Minutes

●      Motion:  Mike Carey

●      Second: Amber Banks

●      All in favor:  Approved

Discussion Item:  Charter Dollar Expenditures

●      Benning proposed ordering a set amount (maybe 5 to 6) of Screen Beams instead of schoolwide to allow teachers to checkout from the media center.  Team voted for $3000 for set amount of screen beams

○      Motion: Amber Banks

○      Second: Jill Reffitt

●      Morris discussed purchasing a courtyard/backfield Sensory Path from Edumarking.  Proposed amount was an estimate as we are planning to partner with PTO to offset travel and initial setup fee of $6000.  Total for this project to include additional Edumarking on the backfield as well was $15,000.

○      Motion: Joanna Thomas

○      Second: Amber Banks

●      Lohnes discussed supporting Ms. Stiers with STEAM week activities to purchase Hi Tech/High Touch for grade levels.  The amount proposed was $7610.25.

○      Motion: Jill Reffitt

○      Second: Joanna Thomas

●      Benning introduced a Big Brother/Big Sister partnership with Northview High School.  To support the initiatives, we need games, coloring books, carts, cards for student engagement.  Social Worker, Ronda June, created a cart of proposed items in the amount of $350.

○      Motion: Amber Banks

○      Second: Mike Carey

●      Benning advised that the company that installed the gaga pit was contacted to order a floor for the existing pit.  We approved an expenditure of $2000 at the October meeting. An additional $889 was needed to fund the project. 

○      Motion: Amber Banks

○      Second: Mike Carey

Discussion Item:  Draft Next Meeting Agenda

●      Team discussed that we are in a good place with spending funds. We will move forward with spending additional funds at our next meeting, January 7, 2025

Public Comments: None

Meeting Adjourned:  3:28pm

 

 

 

 

January Agenda  

School: Barnwell Elementary School 

Date: 1/7/2025 

Time: 3:00PM 

Location: Admin Conference Room  

SGC Members: Ms. Takisha Benning, Principal | Ms. Renee Morris, Asst. Principal, Appointed Staff| Ms. Joanna Thomas, Teacher | Ms. Amber Lohnes, Teacher | Ms. Jill Reffitt, Appointed Staff | Ms. Amber Banks, Parent| Ms. Holli Freeman, Parent | Ms. Reed Moll, Parent| Ms. Saudhy Sanjuanelo, Community Member | Mr. Mike Carey, Community Member    

3:00PM Call to Order (Lohnes) 

3:02PM Action Item: Approve Agenda (Lohnes) 

3:05PM Action Item: Approve December Minutes (Lohnes) 

3:06PM Discussion Item: Planning for Parent/Teacher SGC Elections*  

3:15PM Discussion Item: Planning for Annual Budget Approval** 

3:25PM Discussion Item: Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (All Members) 

3:35PM Action Item: Approve Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals*** (Lohnes)  

3:45PM Informational Item: Principal’s Update (Benning)  

3:55PM Discussion Item: Draft Next Meeting’s Agenda (All Members) 

4:00PM Action Item: Meeting Adjournment (Lohnes) 

 

Meeting Norms: Silence Phones, Be Respectful of Others’ Opinions, Work for the good of all Students 

 

 

Notes and Reminders 

*SGC Elections 

 

The declaration period for parents and teachers interested in serving on their local SGCs will run from February 3rd to March 28th.  Click here to check how many council seats your school has open for these positions in this year’s election cycle. 

 

**Annual Budget Approval 

 

FY26 Budget development begins on February 10th and will conclude on February 28th (Elementary Schools) and March 7th (Middle & High Schools).  SGCs should schedule their February and March meetings prior to their budget closure date to ensure the council has time to discuss and approve FY26 fiscal allocations. 

 

All Dates are Subject to Change 

 

 

***Charter Dollars 

  

This year, schools have received $46,391 in Charter Dollars to help meet their strategic goals through local innovative solutions. These funds should be used for non-personnel purchases such as supplies, registrations, communications, etc. When purchasing personnel, schools are advised to use other funding sources allowable for positions. If Charter Dollars are requested for personnel, the expenditure will require approval from the Zone Superintendent, SGC, and Executive Director of Governance and Strategy. Additionally, any materials purchased to support literacy instruction must align with GaDOE literacy requirements. 

  

Each Charter Dollar expenditure requires an SGC vote for approval, the completion of the Charter Dollar Expenditure Form, and is subject to the same district guidelines that govern school cost center budgets. All Charter Dollars must be spent in the year they are received to support our current student population. We encourage SGCs to schedule discussions early in the year to plan for these expenditures, ensuring all purchases are made before end-of-year spending deadlines. See our Charter Dollar Matrix for examples of FCS-supported expenditures. 

Barnwell Elementary

School Governance Council 

Meeting Summary of Action Items

January 7, 2025 / 3:00PM

Virtual Teams Meeting 

Attendance: Takisha Benning, Renee Morris, Joanna Thomas, Amber Lohnes, Jill Reffitt, Amber Banks, Holli Freeman, Saudhy Fahm

Guest: None

Absent: Reed Moll, Mike Carey

Action Item:  Approve Agenda

Action Item:  Approve December Meeting Minutes

Discussion Item:  Planning for Parent/Teacher SGC Elections

Discussion Item:  Planning for Annual Budget Approval

Discussion Item:  Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals

Action Item:  Approve Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals

Information Item:  Principal’s Update

Discussion Item:  Draft Next Meeting Agenda

Next Barnwell SGC meeting: February 11, 2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Barnwell Elementary

School Governance Council

Meeting Minutes

January 7, 2025 / 3:00 PM

Admin Conference Room

 

Attendance: Takisha Benning, Renee Morris, Holli Freeman, Amber Lohnes, Joanna Thomas, Jill Reffitt, Saudhy Fahm, Amber Banks

Absent: Mike Carey, Reed Moll

Guests: N/A

Call to order: 3:02pm

Action Item:  Approve Agenda

●     Motion: Holli Freeman

●     Second: Jill Reffitt

●     All in favor: Approved

Action Item:  Approve December Meeting Minutes

●     Motion: Joanna Thomas

●     Second: Renee Morris

●     All in favor: Approved

Discussion Item: Planning for Parent/Teacher SGC Elections

●     Candidacy submissions are Feb 3-March 28

●     Two parent seats and one teacher seat available

●     Takisha will include in Principal’s newsletter this week

●     Outreach and Communication committee could meet this month

Discussion Item: Planning for Annual Budget Approval

●     Budget development is taking place Feb 10 - Feb 28

●     Reschedule March 4th meeting for February 11th

Discussion Item: Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals

●     We approved quite a few proposals in December

●     We have $12,540.75 left to spend

●     High Tech High Touch amount is last year’s number; Ms. Stiers will update

●     Mentorship Partnership will be up and running soon and take place the third Friday of each month

●     EduMark - Renee got feedback from the teachers on what needs to be put on the black top and in the courtyard; Renee to have a call this week with the vendor to get the ball rolling. It might be next school year before everything is complete.

●     Gaga Ball pit flooring has been ordered; awaiting delivery

●     ScreenBeams have been delivered and will reside in the Media Center for checkout

●     PBIS supply is stocked

●     Karla Lazzari would like new paint in the gym for a refresh

●     Milestones pep rally - maybe reach out to Boosterthon or get Freddie the Falcon or Blooper mascots

●     Reflex/Fracks - how much use are those accounts getting and do we want to continue?

Action Item:  Approve Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals

●     No voting took place at this meeting

Informational Item: Principal’s Update

●     Happy New Year!

●     Six new kids enrolled for this semester

●     Strategic Action Plan - one goal was to increase reading levels and we are well above our goal

●     Office referrals have seen much improvement; 41 this time last year and this year we have just 8

●     GMAS indicators for students with disabilities - we have work to do, but will continue supporting these students; 78% is the goal and we are at 75%

●     Strengthen workplace engagement - only two teachers not returning next year and one is a retirement

●     Absentee rate is low, which is great

Discussion Item: Draft Next Meeting’s Agenda

●     Budgeting ideas

●     Move March 4th meeting to Feb 11th

Public Comments: None

Meeting Adjourned: 3:25pm

 

 

 

 

 

 

February Agenda  

School: Barnwell Elementary School 

Date: 2/11/2025  (Meeting moved to 2/25/2025)

Time: 3:00PM 

Location: Admin Conference Room 

SGC Members: 

Ms. Takisha Benning, Principal | Ms. Renee Morris, Asst. Principal, Appointed Staff| Ms. Joanna Thomas, Teacher | Ms. Amber Lohnes, Teacher | Ms. Jill Reffitt, Appointed Staff | Ms. Amber Banks, Parent| Ms. Holli Freeman, Parent | Ms. Reed Moll, Parent| Ms. Saudhy Sanjuanelo, Community Member | Mr. Mike Carey, Community Member  

3:00PM Call to Order (Lohnes) 

3:02PM Action Item: Approve Agenda (Lohnes) 

3:04PM Action Item: Approve January Minutes (Lohnes)  

3:05PM Informational Item: Superintendent Advisory Councils Updates (Council Representative) 

3:15PM Discussion Item: Planning for Parent/Teacher SGC Elections* 

3:25PM Action Item: Annual Budget Approval** (Lohnes) 

3:35PM Discussion Item: Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (All Members) 

3:45PM Action Item: Approve Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals*** (Lohnes)  

3:47PM Informational Item: Principal’s Update (Benning)  

4:00PM Discussion Item: Draft Next Meeting’s Agenda (All Members) 

4:00PM Action Item: Meeting Adjournment (Lohnes) 

Meeting Norms: Silence Phones, Be Respectful of Others’ Opinions, Work for the good of all Students 

Notes and Reminders 

*SGC Elections 

The declaration period for parents and teachers interested in serving on their local SGCs will run from February 3rd to March 28th.  Click here to check how many council seats your school has open for these positions in this year’s election cycle. 

 

**Annual Budget Approval 

 

FY26 Budget development begins on February 10th and will conclude on February 28th (Elementary Schools) and March 7th (Middle & High Schools).  SGCs should schedule their February and March meetings prior to their budget closure date to ensure the council has time to discuss and approve FY26 fiscal allocations. 

Following the council’s approval, each school should complete and submit the FY26 Annual Budget Approval Form. 

 

All Dates are Subject to Change 

 

 

***Charter Dollars 

  

This year, schools have received $46,391 in Charter Dollars to help meet their strategic goals through local innovative solutions. These funds should be used for non-personnel purchases such as supplies, registrations, communications, etc. When purchasing personnel, schools are advised to use other funding sources allowable for positions. If Charter Dollars are requested for personnel, the expenditure will require approval from the Zone Superintendent, SGC, and Executive Director of Governance and Strategy. Additionally, any materials purchased to support literacy instruction must align with GaDOE literacy requirements. 

  

Each Charter Dollar expenditure requires an SGC vote for approval, the completion of the Charter Dollar Expenditure Form, and is subject to the same district guidelines that govern school cost center budgets. All Charter Dollars must be spent in the year they are received to support our current student population. We encourage SGCs to schedule discussions early in the year to plan for these expenditures, ensuring all purchases are made before end-of-year spending deadlines. See our Charter Dollar Matrix for examples of FCS-supported expenditures. 

Barnwell Elementary

School Governance Council 

Meeting Summary of Action Items

February 25, 2025 / 3:00 PM

Admin. Conf. Room

 

Attendance: Takisha Benning, Renee Morris, Amber Lohnes, Jill Reffitt, Amber Banks, Holli Freeman, Saudhy Fahm, and Reed Moll

Guest: None

Absent: Mike Carey and Joanna Thomas

Action Item:  Approve Agenda

Action Item:  Approve January Meeting Minutes

Informational Item: Superintendent Advisory Council Update

Discussion Item: Planning for Parent/Teacher SGC Election

Action Item: Annual Budget Approval

Discussion Item: Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals

Action Item:  Approve Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals

Information Item: Principal’s Update

Discussion Item: Draft Next Meeting Agenda

Next Barnwell SGC meeting: April 22, 2025

Barnwell Elementary

School Governance Council

Meeting Minutes

February 25, 2025 / 3:00PM

Admin Conference Room

 

Attendance:  Takisha Benning, Renee Morris, Holli Freeman, Amber Lohnes, Joanna Thomas, Jill Reffitt, Saudhy Fahm, Reed Moll, Amber Banks

Absent:  Mike Carey, Joanna Thomas

Guests:  N/A

Call to order:  3:04pm

Action Item:  Approve Agenda

●     Motion:  Holli Freeman

●     Second: Reed Moll

●     All in favor:  Approved

Action Item:  Approve January Meeting Minutes

●     Motion:  Saudhy Fahm

●     Second: Amber Banks

●     All in favor:  Approved

Informational Item:  Superintendent Advisory Council Update from Reed Moll

●     No update since there hasn’t been a recent meeting, but one is scheduled soon

Discussion Item: Planning for Parent/Teacher SGC Elections

●     Takisha received a call this week from a parent who is interested

●     Meg Kapsimalis has declared

●     Saudhy, Amber, and Reed all have parents in mind and said they’ll speak with them

●     Declaration period is still open

Discussion Item: Annual Budget Approval

●     Discussed the SY25-26 Budget

●     Motion to approve budget

○     Motion:  Amber Banks

○     Second: Saudhy Fahm

○     All in favor:  Approved     

Discussion Item:  Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals

●     Ms. Beckles asked about Book Creator - $3K. Renee to investigate usage of this program

●     Quotes on color printers/copiers

●     Edumarking update - Renee showed photos of the sensory path. Total will be about $23K - SGC and PTO to split the cost with SGC spending $15K and PTO closer to $10K

Action Item:  Approve Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals

●     No voting took place today

Informational Item: Principal’s Update

●     Board voted to close Parklane and Spalding elementary schools

●     We received 52 applications for COSA

●     Climate surveys - we need more participation

●     GMAS review on Tues/Thurs

Discussion Item:  Draft Next Meeting’s Agenda

●     Next meeting will be April 22nd - location TBD

Public Comments: None

Meeting Adjourned:  3:54pm

April Agenda

School: Barnwell Elementary School

Date: 4/22/2025

Time: 3:00PM

Location: Admin Conference Room

TEAMS Link (if applicable):

SGC Members: Ms. Takisha Benning, Principal | Ms. Renee Morris, Asst. Principal, Appointed Staff| Ms. Joanna Thomas, Teacher | Ms. Amber Lohnes, Teacher | Ms. Jill Reffitt, Appointed Staff | Ms. Amber Banks, Parent| Ms. Holli Freeman, Parent | Ms. Reed Moll, Parent| Ms. Saudhy Sanjuanelo, Community Member | Mr. Mike Carey, Community Member   

3:00PM Call to Order (Lohnes)

3:02PM Action Item: Approve Agenda (Lohnes)

3:04PM Action Item: Approve March Minutes (Lohnes)                               

3:05PM Informational Item: Superintendent Advisory Councils Updates (Moll)

3:15PM Discussion Item: SGC Parent/Teacher Elections Update* (Outreach and Communications Committee)

3:20PM Discussion Item: Spring 2025 Strategic Plan Retreat Debrief (All Members)

3:30PM Public Comment

3:35PM Discussion Item: Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (All Members)

3:40PM Action Item: Approve Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals**** (Lohnes)

3:42PM Informational Item: Principal’s Update (Benning)

3:45PM Complete Council Surveys (All Members)

                SY24-25 SGC Reflection Form (Completed as a group)

SGC Council Self-Assessment – 2025 (Completed individually)

Principal Feedback Survey – 2025 (Completed individually)

4:00PM Discussion Item: Draft Next Meeting’s Agenda (All Members)

4:00PM Action Item: Meeting Adjournment (Lohnes)

Meeting Norms: Silence Phones, Be Respectful of Others’ Opinions, Work for the good of all Students 

Notes and Reminders

* SGC Elections will take place between April 16^th- April 23^rd. Voters will receive ballots with candidate information for their schools through their email accounts that are registered in Infinite Campus.  Results will be shared with councils shortly following the close of the voting window and newly elected members will be contacted by the Governance Team to participate in New Member Onboarding.

** All councils must spend the entirety of their Charter Dollars prior to the end of the school year (Charter Dollar expenditures should align with all FCS Contracting requirements and purchase deadlines).  See the Charter Dollar Matrix for expenditure suggestions from each FCS district department.

*** SGC EOY Surveys (SGC Reflection Form, Council Self-Assessment, Principal Feedback Survey). Please find time to complete all three surveys with your council before the end of the school year.

 

Barnwell Elementary

School Governance Council 

Meeting Summary of Action Items

April 22, 2025 / 3:00PM

Admin. Conf. Room 

Attendance: Takisha Benning, Renee Morris, Amber Lohnes, Jill Reffitt, Joanna Thomas, Holli Freeman, Saudhy Fahm, Reed Moll, Mike Carey

Guest: None

Absent: Amber Banks

Action Item:  Approve Agenda

Action Item:  Approve February Meeting Minutes

Informational Item:  Superintendent Advisory Council Update

Discussion Item:  SGC Parent/Teacher SGC Election Update

Discussion Item:  Spring 2025 Strategic Plan Retreat Debrief

Discussion Item:  Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals

Action Item:  Approve Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals

Discussion Item: Complete Council Surveys

Information Item:  Principal’s Update

Discussion Item:  Draft Next Meeting Agenda

Next Barnwell SGC meeting: May 13, 2025

 

 

Barnwell Elementary

School Governance Council

Meeting Minutes

April 22, 2025 / 3:00PM

Admin Conference Room

Attendance:  Takisha Benning, Renee Morris, Holli Freeman, Amber Lohnes, Joanna Thomas, Jill Reffitt, Saudhy Fahm, Reed Moll, Mike Carey

Absent:  Amber Banks

Guests:  N/A

Call to order: 3:03pm

Action Item:  Approve Agenda

●     Motion:  Holli Freeman

●     Second: Renee Morris

●     All in favor:  Approved

Action Item:  Approve February Meeting Minutes

●     Motion:  Saudhy Fahm

●     Second: Mike Carey

●     All in favor:  Approved

Informational Item:  Superintendent Advisory Council Update from Reed Moll

●     Big focus was the SY25-26 Budget

●     Factors affecting the budget are:  Inflation, tax exemptions/cuts, property values, low enrollment, benefit costs, and special program expenditures

●     Overall, a $117M cut to district

●     iReady might be a budget cut, but there is a free state program available to take its place

●     District purchased three Labrador Retrievers for safety and security measures

●     Limewise, a device monitoring software, has been effective

●     Cell phone policy went into effect which restistrics high school students from using them during instructional time

Discussion Item: SGC Parent/Teacher Election Update

●     One teacher and four parents are running

●     Voting ends tomorrow

●     Takisha sending a reminder email this evening

Discussion Item: Spring 2025 Strategic Plan Retreat Debrief

●     Takisha attended and said that every school was well represented

●     Most of the discussions were about how schools spent their charter dollars and collaborating on expenditure ideas

Discussion Item:  Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals

●     Balance is about $12K

●     Edumarking is good to go

●     Staff wants Reflex renewed which is $4795

●     Reed Moll made a few great suggestions, but there are restrictions on how the money can be spent

●     Vending machine that is stocked with parent donations of snacks

●     Purchase extra school supply kits

●     Headphones for students

Action Item:  Approve Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals

●     Reflex renewal $4795

○     Motion:  Saudhy Fham

○     Second:  Joanna Thomas

○     All in favor: Approved

Informational Item: Principal’s Update

●     Takisha expressed her gratitude for all SGC members

●     Milestone Testing next week

●     Possible pep rally with JCHS

●     Barnival May 9th

●     Field Day May 20th

●     Class parties May 21st

Discussion Item: Council Surveys

●     We completed the SY24-25 SGC Reflection Form

●     Members were encouraged to complete the SGC Self Assessment and Principal Feedback Survey

Discussion Item:  Draft Next Meeting’s Agenda

●     Virtual meeting May 13th to vote on final charter dollar ideas/suggestions

Public Comments: None

Meeting Adjourned: 3:45pm

May Agenda  

School: Barnwell Elementary School 

Date: 5/13/2025 

Time: 3:00PM 

Location: TEAMS  

TEAMS Link (if applicable): https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_NzI0MWNjNDQtZWUzMS00M2ZkLTlhNTItZjBmZWJlZjE3MDk2%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%220cdcb198-8169-4b70-ba9f-da7e3ba700c2%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22f2d7bb8b-81fd-44dd-9670-44283e33e0ef%22%7d 

SGC Members: Ms. Takisha Benning, Principal | Ms. Renee Morris, Asst. Principal, Appointed Staff| Ms. Joanna Thomas, Teacher | Ms. Amber Lohnes, Teacher | Ms. Katie McCourtie, Teacher | Ms. Jill Reffitt, Appointed Staff | Ms. Amber Banks, Parent| Ms. Holli Freeman, Parent | Ms. Reed Moll, Parent| Ms. Saudhy Sanjuanelo, Community Member | Mr. Mike Carey, Community Member | Ms. Meg Kapsimalis, Parent | Ms. Jennifer Nyquist, Parent 

3:00PM Call to Order (Lohnes) 

3:02PM Action Item: Approve Agenda (Lohnes) 

3:04PM Action Item: Approve April Minutes (Lohnes)  

3:05PM Informational Item: Superintendent Advisory Councils Updates (Moll) 

3:10PM Discussion Item: New Member Transition (All Members) 

1. Celebrate Members Rolling off Council (Banks, Fahm, Morris, Thomas, Freeman)  

2. Welcome New Members (McCourtie, Kapsimalis, Nyquist)  

3:20PM Discussion Item: Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (All Members) 

3:30PM Action Item: Approve Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals* (Lohnes)  

3:35PM Informational Item: Principal’s Update (Benning)  

3:45PM Complete Council Surveys** (All Members) 

Council Self-Assessment– 2025 (Completed individually) 

Principal Feedback Survey– 2025 (Completed individually) 

4:00PM Action Item: Meeting Adjournment (Lohnes) 

Meeting Norms: Silence Phones, Be Respectful of Others’ Opinions, Work for the good of all Students 

Notes and Reminders 

*All councils must spend the entirety of their Charter Dollars prior to the end of the school year (Charter Dollar expenditures should align with all FCS Contracting requirements and purchase deadlines).  See the Charter Dollar Matrix for expenditure suggestions from each FCS district department. 

** SGC EOY Surveys (SGC Reflection Form, Council Self-Assessment, Principal Feedback Survey). Please find time to complete all three surveys with your council before the end of the school year.