The January 9, 2025 meeting of the Bulloch County Board of Education began with the swearing-in of newly elected board members Lannie Lanier (District 1), Jennifer Mock (District 3), and Lisha Nevil (District 7). Maurice Hill (District 8) was re-sworn for another term. Probate Judge Lorna Deloach officiated the ceremony, marking the official start of the new members’ service.
Elizabeth Williams was re-elected as Chair of the Board, and Maurice Hill was elected as Vice Chair.
Board Member Comments
Board member Elizabeth Williams welcomed the new members and expressed enthusiasm for working together. She thanked the board for its trust in her leadership and highlighted the importance of collaboration to prioritize the education and well-being of students. Reflecting on the start of the second semester, Williams shared her hope for a smooth term and humorously noted that, while students might wish for snow days, she prefers uninterrupted school weeks.
Board member Donna Clifton also welcomed the new members and shared her excitement for the fresh ideas they bring to the board. Clifton thanked Maurice Hill for stepping into the role of Vice Chair and acknowledged Superintendent Charles Wilson for his support of a January employee bonus. She showed the significance of this bonus for staff, particularly during the long gap between December and January paychecks.
Clifton also took a moment to thank Mandy Motes for her organizational skills, which she said have been essential to the board’s operations. Wrapping up her comments, Clifton expressed her hope for a productive semester with minimal school closures and recognized Elikem Gato, a Southeast Bulloch student, for earning a full-ride scholarship.
Board member Glennera Martin welcomed the new members and highlighted the importance of their role in advancing education in Bulloch County. She praised Maurice Hill and Elizabeth Williams for their leadership and thanked the audience members for attending and supporting the board’s efforts. Martin shared her gratitude for the opportunity to serve on the board and contribute to decisions that benefit the community’s students.
Board member Lisha Nevil, one of the newly sworn-in members, expressed her excitement about joining the board and her gratitude to the voters for trusting her with this responsibility. She said she looks forward to working with the board to prioritize the needs of students and to ensure the school system continues to improve.
Board member Jay Cook Jr. welcomed everyone to the meeting and shared his excitement for the new year, while Board member Lannie Lanier expressed his happiness to return to the board after a time away. Board member Jennifer Mock echoed the sentiments of her fellow members, stating she looks forward to a productive year and working with the team to support the schools.
Public Participation
During public participation, Lawton Sack addressed the board about the upcoming General Assembly session and its focus on property tax relief through the equalization grant. Sack explained that a proposed reduction of the grant from 14% to 10% has the potential to significantly lower property taxes for Bulloch County residents without affecting the board’s funding or the resources available to students.
He shared his work with Representative Lehman Franklin and noted that the measure has the support of Speaker Jon Burns and Rules Chair Butch Parrish. However, he cautioned that the proposal might face challenges in the State Senate and urged the board to lobby Senator Billy Hickman and other state leaders for their support. Sack emphasized the importance of the board’s advocacy to help bring relief to taxpayers while maintaining funding for the school system.
Superintendent’s Report
School Spotlight: William James Middle School
William James Middle School Principal John McAfee presented a detailed update on the school’s progress, challenges, and plans for improvement. He began by acknowledging the theme of change, both within the board and at William James, and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead during this transformative time.
McAfee highlighted key areas of academic improvement, including increases in proficiency rates in English Language Arts, math, and social studies. He shared data showing a nearly 4% rise in the number of students achieving distinguished scores, along with progress in closing achievement gaps among subgroups such as students with disabilities and economically disadvantaged students.
Attendance, McAfee noted, has been a persistent challenge. He acknowledged past shortcomings and outlined new strategies to improve attendance, including district-wide plans, in-house incentives, and strengthened outreach to families. These efforts have already led to a 5% decrease in absenteeism.
McAfee also reported a 33% reduction in suspension days, crediting the school’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program, "Knights Do Right," for promoting positive student behavior.
McAfee emphasized the importance of a data-driven approach to improvement, using professional learning communities (PLCs) and individualized student support plans to address academic and behavioral needs. He highlighted the school’s rich history and shared a recent visit from the great-granddaughter of the school’s namesake, William James, who praised the school’s mission of uniting students from diverse backgrounds.
McAfee concluded by recognizing his team for their hard work and reaffirming the school’s commitment to continuous growth and student success.
Mattie Lively Elementary HVAC Project Review
Bill Vickery provided an update on the HVAC replacement project at Mattie Lively Elementary School. The current system, installed in 2015, has caused significant issues due to its incompatibility with the local environment and the lack of replacement parts after the manufacturer went out of business. The $2.9 million project, partially funded by $1.1 million in state capital outlay funds, involves replacing the entire HVAC system with a more reliable and energy-efficient variable refrigerant flow (VRF) system.
Vickery outlined the project’s phased timeline, with key equipment arriving between February and May 2025. Temporary measures, such as portable air conditioning units, are in place for areas experiencing severe HVAC failures, including pod one classrooms and the media center. Permanent replacements are scheduled to begin as soon as the equipment is delivered, with the entire project expected to be completed by summer 2025. Additional energy efficiency measures, such as window tinting and the replacement of fluorescent lights with LEDs, are also being implemented to reduce the system’s load.
Vickery emphasized that improved air quality can enhance student performance, behavior, and staff morale. He noted that the project includes updated digital control systems to allow for better energy management and remote maintenance. Board members asked about heating reliability and the logistics of the new system. Vickery assured them that the upgrades will address current heating issues and offer significant improvements in comfort and efficiency.
Additional Updates
The board reviewed its norms, protocols, strategic plan, and the FY25 planning schedule. They approved the 2025 board meeting schedule and the FY26 Family Connection Partnership Fiscal Agent Request. Personnel recommendations for January 2025 were also reviewed and approved before the meeting adjourned.
The January meeting set a productive tone for the new year, with the board focusing on collaboration, transparency, and continued improvements to benefit students and staff across Bulloch County.
View the online agenda and supporting documents here
Swearing-In Ceremony
Conducted by Probate Judge Lorna Deloach
- District 1: Lannie Lanier
- District 3: Jennifer Mock
- District 7: Lisha Nevil
- District 8: Maurice Hill
Meeting Agenda
A. Call to Order
B. Moment of Silence / Pledge of Allegiance
C. Election Process
- Election of Officers:
- Chair: Elizabeth Williams
- Vice Chair: Maurice Hill
D. Amend/Adopt the Agenda
E. Board Member Comments
Elizabeth Williams, Chair of the Bulloch Board of Education, welcomed new board members and expressed enthusiasm for working together to make decisions that prioritize the well-being of students. She thanked the board for their trust in her ability to set agendas and serve as a communication link with the superintendent. Reflecting on the start of the second semester, Williams expressed optimism for a smooth term without snow days, acknowledging that students might feel differently. She concluded with a personal hope to walk on the graduation field this year instead of using a wheelchair, highlighting her optimism for the months ahead.
Donna Clifton welcomed the new board members and said she’s excited to work with them, appreciating new ideas and teamwork. She praised Elizabeth Williams for her work as Chair, saying the board feels more united since she took on the role, and thanked Maurice Hill for stepping in as Co-Chair.
Clifton also thanked Charles Wilson for supporting her idea to give employees a bonus in January, noting how much it helps during the long gap between December and January paychecks. She took a moment to thank Mandy for being organized and keeping things running smoothly, saying she’s done a great job filling an important role.
Clifton wrapped up by hoping for a smooth second semester with no more missed school days and mentioned a Southeast Bulloch High School student who received a full-ride scholarship.
Glennera Martin welcomed the three new board members, expressing excitement about working together to improve education in the Bulloch County school system. She applauded Maurice Hill as Co-Chair and Elizabeth Williams as Chair, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and sharing ideas for progress. Martin thanked the audience members for attending and showing support for local education. She concluded by expressing her gratitude for the opportunity to serve on the board and contribute to the community's educational efforts.
Lisha Nevil expressed excitement about joining the board and gratitude to the voters for giving her the opportunity to serve. She thanked the board members for their warm welcome and shared her commitment to prioritizing the education and success of the county’s students.
Jay Cook Jr welcomed everyone, showed excitement for the New Year.
Lannie Lanier said he was happy to be back after some time away from the board.
Jennifer Mock concluded by echoing the comments from the other members, by stating she was happy to see everyone and is looking forward to a great year.
F. Public Participation
Lawton Sack addressed the board to discuss the upcoming General Assembly session and its focus on the equalization grant. He encouraged the board to support efforts to reduce the equalization grant from 14% to 10%, a measure he has worked on with Representative Lehman Franklin. Sack noted that the proposal has the support of Speaker John Burns and Rules Chair Butch Parrish but may face challenges in the State Senate.
He urged the board to lobby Senator Billy Hickman and other senators like Max Burns to back this initiative, emphasizing that the reduction would provide property tax relief for Bulloch County residents without impacting the board’s funding or students. Sack explained that this change would allow the board to roll back the millage rate while maintaining funding levels. He highlighted the work behind the scenes to bring this proposal forward and stressed the importance of the board’s support to help taxpayers in the county.
Superintendent's Report
1. School Spotlight: William James Middle School
John McAfee, principal of William James Middle School, presented an overview of the school’s progress, challenges, and plans for the future during the board meeting’s school spotlight segment. He began by acknowledging the theme of change, both within the board and at William James, and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead the school during this transformative time.
McAfee highlighted key areas of academic improvement, noting that their efforts have focused on moving students from lower achievement levels to proficient and distinguished categories, as seen in GMAS and i-Ready data. The school has made strides in closing achievement gaps among subgroups, including students with disabilities and economically disadvantaged students, and has exceeded state averages in both progress and gap-closing metrics. While some areas have remained stagnant, McAfee pointed to a nearly 4% increase in students achieving distinguished scores as evidence of meaningful progress.
Attendance emerged as a significant challenge, with McAfee taking responsibility for past shortcomings and detailing new strategies to improve it. These include implementing district-wide attendance plans, introducing in-house incentives, and establishing stronger connections with families through consistent outreach. Early results have shown a 5% decrease in absenteeism, reinforcing the school’s belief that attendance is critical for academic success.
Behavioral improvements were another focal point, with McAfee reporting a 33% decrease in suspension days, thanks to the school’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program, "Knights Do Right." He emphasized the importance of addressing behavior proactively and transparently, ensuring students have the opportunity to learn and grow while maintaining clear expectations.
McAfee also spoke about the importance of a data-driven approach, highlighting their use of professional learning communities (PLCs) and individualized student support plans to address both academic and behavioral needs. These efforts aim to ensure that all students, regardless of their starting point, experience measurable growth.
The presentation concluded with a reflection on the school’s rich history, including a visit from the great-granddaughter of the school’s namesake, William James. McAfee shared how her connection to the school’s founding mission—to unite students from diverse backgrounds for a common goal—inspires the team to continue advancing that legacy.
McAfee introduced several staff members who have been instrumental in driving the school’s progress, thanking them for their hard work and dedication. He reaffirmed the school’s commitment to continuous improvement, celebrating successes while remaining focused on addressing challenges to provide the best possible education for their students.
View the presentation given here
2. MLES HVAC Project Review
Bill Vickery presented an update on the HVAC replacement project at Mattie Lively Elementary School, addressing the significant challenges posed by the existing system and the comprehensive steps being taken to resolve them. The current variable refrigerant flow (VRF) system, installed in 2015, has been plagued by issues due to its incompatibility with the local environment and the lack of replacement parts after the manufacturer went out of business. Vickery explained that the $2.9 million project, partially funded by $1.1 million in state capital outlay funds, will replace the entire HVAC system with a more reliable and efficient setup.
The project, which involves phased replacements, will focus on key areas currently experiencing the most severe issues. For example, pod one classrooms and the media center, where the HVAC systems have failed, will be addressed first. Temporary measures are in place, such as portable air conditioning units, but permanent replacements will begin in February 2025 as equipment becomes available. Energy recovery units, critical for providing fresh air and maintaining proper air pressure in classrooms, are also slated for replacement, with delivery expected in April.
The new system will incorporate advanced VRF technology, providing individualized climate control for each classroom while improving energy efficiency. The project also includes updated digital control systems that allow for remote monitoring and management, enabling quicker responses to maintenance needs. To further enhance energy efficiency, the school is tinting windows to reduce heat load and replacing fluorescent lights with LEDs.
Vickery highlighted the importance of creating a comfortable and healthy learning environment, emphasizing how air quality affects student performance, behavior, and staff morale. He shared data from other schools showing improved test scores and reduced disciplinary issues after similar HVAC upgrades. The team aims to complete as much work as possible before the summer, minimizing disruptions to students and staff.
Board members asked about heating reliability, energy efficiency, and the logistics of the new system. Vickery explained that the new setup addresses current heating issues and offers significant improvements in energy management. He acknowledged the project's complexity but reassured the board that the phased approach and careful planning will ensure its success. The project is expected to be completed during the summer of 2025, providing a more sustainable and comfortable environment for students and staff.
3. Review of Board Norms and Protocols
4. Review of Strategic Plan
5. FY25 Board Planning Schedule
APPROVED: Consent Agenda
- Board Minutes
- Board Member Payroll
- Financial Report
Old Business for Approval
APPRROVED: Board Meeting Schedule for 2025
New Business for Approval
APPROVED: FY26 Family Connection Partnership Fiscal Agent Request
Executive Session
M. Return to Open Session
Personnel Recommendations
- Personnel Recommendations for January 9, 2025
O. Adjournment
