Transparency & Accountability
Public comment provides a space for community members to hold the school board and district leaders accountable for providing quality education. At this board meeting’s public comment:
- A parent at B.C. Haynie Elementary opposed the reassignment of Principal Muhammad, emphasizing the importance of consistent school leadership in student outcomes.
- A community member advocated for policy changes to ensure classified employees, such as bus drivers and custodians, have the same employment rights as certified staff.
- The President of the Young Democrats of Clayton County encouraged the Board to implement civic education across all grades and shared plans for a Back-to-School Empowerment Fundraiser.
District Finance Update
The Board discussed a $1 million dollar budget cut for Communities in Schools, a nonprofit organization that partners with the district to provide wraparound services to students in select schools. While the Board already voted to accept this budget cut when they approved the budget, some board members expressed concerns around the cuts and their lack of awareness of the cuts during the budgeting process. Superintendent Smith shared that the district is negotiating with Communities in Schools to achieve better pricing without impacting services, and will bring a proposal back to the board in July.
School Options & Access
Riverdale Early Learning Center Updates
Scheduled to open in August 2026, the Early Learning Center will serve pre-K and kindergarten, adding 1st grade the following year, expanding families’ access to early learning opportunities. The Department of Teaching and Learning shared plans around the Center’s structured literacy curriculum and early intervention approach, which is critical in light of the fact that 76.5% of K–5 CCPS students were identified as moderate/high risk readers on the 2025 dyslexia screener.
- Teachers will utilize Orton-Gillingham reading instruction for at-risk K–5 students. Orton-Gillingham is a reading program utilizing a structured, multisensory approach to teach foundational reading skills necessary for early reading success.
- Students in grades K-1 will have extended time for reading and math, with social studies and science integrated into the literacy curriculum.
Equity
CCPS’ Teacher Preparation Program (TAPP) is growing and aims to address the district’s high teacher vacancies. TAPP is a free teacher preparation program led by the district that trains and certifies teachers. Program graduates must commit to teaching for five years in the district. With 155 candidates enrolled in the program for the fall, TAPP enrollment will grow 33% from the previous year. 73 teachers completed the program during the 2024–2025 school year.
Teacher vacancies are at 292 as of June 12 according to the human resources update shared at the board meeting. Roughly 300 teachers resigned or did not renew their contracts for the upcoming school year. The highest vacancies remain in special education and elementary education.