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Board Briefs - October 2026

Posted Date: 10/16/26 (05:38 PM)
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Student Growth & Success

Graduates celebrating with 92% grad rate
BCSS Class of 2026 Graduation Rate 92%
Congratulations to the BCSS Class of 2026 for achieving a graduation rate of 92%. Together, 1,052 graduates from Apalachee High School, Barrow Arts and Sciences Academy, and Winder-Barrow High School made up the 92% grad rate. Read more about the Class of 2026.
Barrow County Organizations Collaborate for Literacy
Representatives from the Barrow County School System and several community organizations are working together to develop a shared vision for literacy across Barrow County. The goal of the collaboration is to establish a unified direction that aligns resources and efforts and supports literacy within our community. 

Math Matters Act & New Course for Students
The goal of the Georgia Math Matters Act (HB 1030) is to expand access to advanced mathematics and provide the support needed for success. In alignment with this legislation, a new course, Enhanced Advanced Algebra and AP Precalculus: Concepts and Connections, is planned for implementation beginning in the 2027–2028 school year.
BOLD Spotlight: Haymon-Morris Middle School
This month's BOLD Spotlight featured Haymon-Morris Middle School. Principal Rebecca Bronnum shared how high expectations for students and staff create many opportunities to celebrate success. Watch the spotlight through this link.

Positive Culture & Safety

Project Aware Mental Health Program Update
Director of Student Services Dr. Christina Lowe updated the Board on how the Project AWARE program has been helping students with mental health-related promotion, awareness, prevention, intervention, and resilience activities. The Board approved acceptance of the federal grant funds for Project AWARE for FY2027 and the MOU with Northeast Georgia RESA for monitoring and implementation of the funds.

Quality Workforce

BCSS Leader Academy Focuses on Growth
Chief Academic Officer Dr. Katherine Brown shared information about the meaningful professional learning opportunities for teachers, instructional coaches, specialists, and assistant principals.

Organizational Effectiveness

Benefits Update & Open Enrollment
Executive Director of Human Resources Meggan McNally updated the Board on the changes to benefits for employees. Barrow County selected a new benefits broker, Your One Single Source, to administer all insurance benefits. Their team worked with our human resources department and our benefits committee to identify and select insurance plans that generally lower costs, improve coverage, and expand in-network providers. Open Enrollment is October 19 through November 6.
Updates & Approvals
  • Tracks are finished and being enjoyed at WBHS and AHS
  • Approval to purchase 11 new buses
  • Approval to update WBHS Emergency HVAC Controls

Superintendent's Recognitions

BCSS Human Resources earns GaDOE Certified Teacher Induction Program

State Recognition for BCSS Human Resources Team

BCSS is proud to be recognized by the Georgia Department of Education as a 2026 Certified Teacher Induction Program. Barrow is one of only 14 districts in the state to receive this distinguished 5-year certification. It honors BCSS’s commitment to providing meaningful support, mentorship, and professional learning for our new teachers as they begin their careers in education. Thank you to Dr. Nicole Baker and Meggan McNally for their dedication in leading this important collaborative work across our district to foster educator success.
2026 Zaxby's Urgency to Serve Grant Recipients

Zaxby's Urgency to Serve Grant Winners

We are grateful to our District Partner in Education Zaxby's for their continued support of student success and their commitment to serving the community. Since 2019, our Barrow County locations have awarded more than $56,000 through 127 "Urgency to Serve" grants. Congratulations to the teachers who won grants for their projects that will enrich educational experiences for students. See a list of the projects and winning teachers.
 
WBHS JROTC Cadets

Presentation of Colors

Cadets from Winder-Barrow High School JROTC presented the colors and led the Pledge of Allegiance at the meeting.

  • Cadet Emily Bentley
  • Cadet Miguel Quintana
  • Cadet Brianna Bell
  • Cadet Tania Panti
 
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The Barrow County Board of Education (BOE) has nine members. Board members serve a four-year term, with three districts elected at-large and six elected by district. The Board is the official governing body of the Barrow County School System. The regular business BOE meetings take place on the first Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the Professional Development Center (PDC) at 179 W. Athens St., Winder, GA 30680. BCSS uses eBoard to be transparent in governance and operations. You can find the most recent information concerning the BOE meetings on eBoard.
Visit eBoard Transparency Portal
Board of Education meetings are live-streamed on our YouTube Channel.
 

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