The Richmond County Board of Education held its committee meeting ahead of its regular board meeting Tuesday, reviewing district finances, facilities projects, and school safety initiatives before recognizing students and staff later in the evening.
Facilities projects update
Jeff Baker, who is the GMK program manager, told board members the district currently has 18 active construction and planning projects across phase 6 and phase 7 of its long-range facilities plan.
“Both programs continue on budget,” Baker said. “We have a lot going on, and the progress is very visible across the district.”
Projects include work at Westside High School, Butler High School, Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School, and Langford Middle School, as well as major infrastructure upgrades such as HVAC replacements.
Financial status and budget amendments
Chief Financial Officer Bobby A. Smith reported the district recorded $196.1 million in revenue and $155 million in expenditures through Nov. 30, resulting in a $41.6 million positive balance.
Sales tax collections for November totaled $4.59 million, with year-to-date collections up more than 6% compared to last year.
The board approved December budget amendments that include proceeds from the sale of the former Southside Elementary School property. The funds will be used for school bus camera upgrades, a Boys & Girls Club partnership, and employee benefit funding.
School safety initiatives
The Student Services Committee reviewed updates on school safety. These updates included information on a pilot program for cameras in low-incidence special education classrooms and the continued rollout of metal detectors at district high schools.
District officials said metal detectors are now installed at all comprehensive high schools. They also emphasized that the measures being taken are intended to enhance safety while maintaining clear communication with parents and students.
Regular board meeting recognitions
Following the committee meeting, the board began its regular session. The regular session opened with a performance by the Warren Road Elementary School Chorus under the direction of Lynwood Holmes.
Board members thanked the students and families for participating and helping set a festive tone for the meeting.
Student and staff recognitions
The board recognized the Richmond County School System’s Special Education Department for its work supporting students with disabilities across the district.
The board also honored Vivian Xiao, a fifth-grade student at C.T. Walker Magnet School, whose artwork was selected for Mayor Garnett Johnson’s 2025 holiday card.
In addition, board members recognized Richmond County School System crossing guards for their dedication throughout the year.
“I’ve seen crossing guards put themselves in front of cars to protect a child,” board member Shontae Boyd said. “Their commitment to student safety does not go unnoticed.”
Proposed school changes outlined in facilities plan
During the committee meeting, Tracy Richter, vice president of planning services with HPM, presented recommendations as part of the district’s 2026–2027 Long-Range Facilities Master Plan. This includes potential school closures, boundary adjustments and facility replacements.
Among the recommendations discussed was the closure of Jenkins-White Elementary School. Doing so would likely reassign students to nearby schools through a series of feeder pattern changes.
Richter also outlined a proposal involving Barton Chapel Elementary School, which would be demolished following the completion of the 2025–2026 school year. Students from Barton Chapel would be temporarily reassigned to Glenn Hills Elementary while construction begins on a new Barton Chapel school, which is projected to open in fall 2028.
Additional recommendations tied to the Barton Chapel proposal include possible boundary changes affecting Belair Middle School, and Westside High School, as well as future decisions regarding the closure of another elementary school within the Glenn Hills feeder pattern once the new Barton Chapel facility opens.
District leaders emphasized that the recommendations are part of a planning framework, not final actions, and that any decisions would require public hearings, community input, and board approval before moving forward.
