Current Documents
School Governance Council Meeting Documents
Each meeting of the School Governance Council typically generates three public documents: an agenda; a brief summary of action items that occurred during the meeting; and a detailed set of meeting minutes. We will display these documents on our website for the current school year, along with those from the previous year. If you need to view older documents, please contact our School Governance & Flexibility Department at schoolgovernance@fultonschools.org.
2025-26 SGC Meeting Documents
August
September
Agenda
September Agenda
School: Heards Ferry Elementary School
Date: 09/22/25
Time: 7:45 AM
Location: Principal’s Conference Room
SGC Members:
Karen Cooke (Principal), Lori Dunagan (Staff), Leila Sadri (Teacher), Alexis Frank (Teacher), Laney Chambless (Teacher), Nathan Madigan (Parent), Meredith Camp (Parent), Stephen Saussy (Parent), Stephen Isbill (Community Member), Selena Baumann (Community Member)
7:45AM Call to Order (Madigan)
7:47AM Action Item: Approve Agenda (Madigan)
7:50AM Action Item: Approve Previous Month’s Minutes (Madigan)
7:52AM Action Item: Finalize Council Staffing* (Madigan)
8:00AM Discussion Item: SGC Council Development Opportunities (In Person Officer Training and Cross Council) ** (All Members)
8:10AM Discussion Item: Determine SY25-26 Council Norms – sample below (All Members)
8:15AM Discussion Item: Review 2025 Council Self-Assessment and Create Initiatives*** (All Members)
8:25AM Action Item: Approve Strategic Plan**** (All Members) See pages 2-3 for more detailed information
8:40AM Informational Item: Principal’s Update (Cooke)
8:50AM Discussion Item: Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (All Members)
9:00AM Action Item: Charter Dollar Expenditure (Madigan)
9:05AM Action Item: Meeting Adjournment (Madigan)
Meeting Norms: Silence Phones, Be Respectful of Others’ Opinions, Work for the good of all Students
Notes and Reminders
* Finalizing Council Staffing: Please ensure all member updates have been submitted to the Governance & Flexibility Team using the Council Information Form.
** SGC Council Development Opportunities:
SGC Essential Training
Our comprehensive SGC training course is essential for understanding the vital roles and responsibilities within the School Governance Council. This training is designed to equip members with knowledge about the SGC's core structure and key processes for successful school governance.
Login Instructions for Canvas:
1. Open your browser and go to fultonschools.instructure.com.
2. Click "employee log in" and sign in with your Microsoft account.
3. Complete authentication and follow the prompts to reduce sign-in requests.
4. Once logged in, find the School Governance Essential Training listed under courses.
Requirements:
- All SGC members must complete all three modules by the end of August 2025.
- We suggest completing the training prior to your initial SGC meeting if possible.
2025 In Person Officer Training
All SGC Officers (Council Chairs, Vice-Chairs, and Parliamentarians) are required to complete Officer Training (unless completed in previous years). Please note that this will be a more in-depth, hands-on training for newly elected officers. This is different from the Officer Training Module found in the Canvas Training.
Click below to register to attend one of the sessions.
In-Person Officer Training Sign Up Genius
Fall 2025 Cross Council Events
The Governance & Flexibility Team is excited to invite all School Governance Councils to our Fall Cross Council events—two engaging mornings designed to connect, collaborate, and inspire.
Dates & Locations
- Monday, September 29 | South Learning Center | 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
- Friday, October 3 | North Learning Center | 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
These sessions are a unique opportunity for SGC members to learn from district leaders, the Governance & Flexibility Team, and each other. They bring together councils from across the district, creating space for collaboration within feeder patterns and across grade bands.
This year’s theme centers on three key pillars:
- Teamwork – Kicking off the governance year with energy and excitement for our shared work
- Integrity – Defining our goals and committing to action within our schools
- Accountability – Monitoring strategic priorities and sharing progress with our stakeholders
We are asking each school to send at least one representative to one of the two events (both sessions will cover the same material). Once every school has a representative registered, we will open additional spots for other members who would like to join.
Register now via our Sign-up Genius link to secure your spot and join us in shaping another successful year of governance in Fulton County Schools.
2025 Fall Cross Council Sign Up Link
*** SY25-26 Council Initiatives: Begin discussions to determine the focus of the council’s upcoming work. Lean on your school’s Semester Action Plan to ensure the work of the council is aligned with the goals and initiatives being targeted by the school leaders. Task the council with prioritizing 1 – 2 initiatives the SGC could lead or support throughout the year.
****Strategic Planning
August is the start of an important and exciting time for our School Governance Councils. Each year, councils work alongside their principal and school community to create a School Strategic Action Plan. This plan serves as a roadmap for the year ahead and focuses on the priorities that will have the greatest impact on student success.
This month, SGCs should begin conversations about their 2025–26 plan. These discussions are a chance to celebrate what is working well, identify areas for growth, and set clear goals that will guide the work of both the school and the council.
In September, councils will finalize their plan and take a formal vote to approve it. Principals will then submit the approved plan by September 30 using the online Strategic Action Plan form. All planning tools, including the form, metric definitions, drafting documents, and optional project planning templates, are available on the Charter System website Resources page.
In October, Zone Superintendents will review and approve each plan. Once approved, these plans should remain at the heart of SGC meetings, guiding decision making, tracking progress, and engaging the school community in the work ahead.
The strategic planning process is more than a requirement. It is an opportunity for councils to lead with purpose and to make a meaningful difference for their schools.
VAF/Programmatic Updates
All flexibility and programming submissions are due from schools by September 30 and can be completed using the VAF/Programming Form located on the Charter System Website Flexibility page.
Schools should use the form to submit the following:
- New Value-Added Flexibility Requests – Use the form to request any new flexibilities for the 2026–27 school year.
- Updates on Current Flexibilities – All schools approved for value-added flexibilities since 2021 must submit an implementation update. If your school has multiple approved flexibilities, you may select them from the dropdown in the form and submit a single update on overall progress. A separate update for each flexibility is not required.
- Magnet Program Updates/Requests – This includes requests for new magnet programs, updates on all current magnet programs, and notices of sunsetting or discontinuing magnet programs. All schools with magnet programs must submit an update for each program. Schools with multiple magnet programs will need to complete multiple forms.
All submissions require School Governance Council approval and a 30-day public comment period. Instructions for managing the public comment process are available on the Charter System Website.
Schools wishing to opt-in to one of the four district preapproved waivers should complete the short Opt-In Notice of Adoption form and follow the linked instructions.
Please contact the Governance & Flexibility Team with any questions or to request additional support.
Summary
September 2025 SOA
School: Heards Ferry Elementary School
Date: 08/26/2025
Time: 7:45 AM
Location: Principal’s Conference Room
SGC Members:
|
Present |
Absent |
|
Nathan Madigan (Parent), |
Meredith Camp (Parent) |
|
Lori Dunagan (Appointed Staff), |
Laney Chambless (Teacher) |
|
Selena Bauman (Community Member) |
|
|
Stephen Saussy (elected parent) |
|
|
Alexis Frank (Teacher)
|
|
|
Leila Sadri (Teacher) |
|
|
Karen Cooke (Principal) |
|
|
Steve Isbell (Community Member) |
|
|
|
|
Call to Order - The meeting was called to order at 7:50 by Nathan Madigan.
Action Items –
The agenda was approved unanimously.
Finalized council staffing
Training opportunities for SGC members were discussed.
The norms were reviewed and no additions or edits were made.
The group reviewed the responses from the self assessment. We discussed that we will do this together as a group moving forward.
The strategic action plan was approved.
Ideas for charter dollar expenditures were discussed.
Informational Items –
-
A school update was given by Principal Karen Cooke
-
An Eagle Alliance update was given with upcoming events.
Announcements and Adjournment –
Meeting was adjourned at 8:55 AM
Minutes
September Minutes
School: Heards Ferry Elementary School
Date: 09/22/25
Time: 7:45 AM
Location: Principal’s Conference Room
SGC Members:
Karen Cooke (Principal), Lori Dunagan (Staff), Leila Sadri (Teacher), Alexis Frank (Teacher), Nathan Madigan (Parent), Stephen Saussy (Parent), Stephen Isbill (Community Member), Selena Baumann (Community Member)
Absent:Laney Chambless (Teacher), Meredith Camp (Parent)
7:50AM Call to Order (Madigan)
7:51AM Action Item: Approve Agenda (Madigan)
Bauman made motion to approve agenda, Isbell, 2nd, passed Unanimously
7:53AM Action Item: Approve Previous Month’s Minutes (Madigan)
Isbill made motion to approve previous months minutes, Dunagan 2nd, passed unanimously
7:55AM Action Item: Finalize Council Staffing* (Madigan)
Bauman made motion to finalize council staffing, Isbill 2nd, Passed Unanimously
7:57 AM Discussion Item: SGC Council Development Opportunities (In Person Officer Training and Cross Council) ** (All Members)
Frank attended officer training
Chambless is registered or has already done the training
7:58AM Discussion Item: Determine SY25-26 Council Norms – sample below (All Members)
Madigan reviewed norms, asked for feedback but no additions or edits
Dunagan made motion to approve, Sadri, 2nd ,Passed unanimously
8:00AM Discussion Item: Review 2025 Council Self-Assessment and Create Initiatives*** (All Members)
3 people completed self assessment-reviewed those responses
We will complete it as a group going forward
Cooke Discussed using principal’s survey- will ask Foster
8:05 AM Action Item: Approve Strategic Plan**** (All Members) See pages 2-3 for more detailed information
Cooke shared strategic plan
Bauman made motion to approve strategic plan, Isbill 2nd, passed unanimously
8:36 AM- EA Update
Ackel shared poster maker has been delivered and staff trained, redoing staff area of cafeteria, new garden shed, screen beams for teachers that wanted them (waiting on county approval), stem day, boys night in October
8:40AM Informational Item: Principal’s Update (Cooke)
Cooke shared about new literacy standards
8:50AM Discussion Item: Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (All Members)
Add sub days for teacher planning to include ela and math
8:53AM Action Item: Charter Dollar Expenditure (Madigan)
8:55 AM Action Item: Meeting Adjournment (Madigan)
Bauman made motion to adjourn the meeting, Dunagan, 2nd, passed unanimously
Meeting Norms: Silence Phones, Be Respectful of Others’ Opinions, Work for the good of all Students
Notes and Reminders
* Finalizing Council Staffing: Please ensure all member updates have been submitted to the Governance & Flexibility Team using the Council Information Form.
** SGC Council Development Opportunities:
SGC Essential Training
Our comprehensive SGC training course is essential for understanding the vital roles and responsibilities within the School Governance Council. This training is designed to equip members with knowledge about the SGC's core structure and key processes for successful school governance.
Login Instructions for Canvas:
-
Open your browser and go to fultonschools.instructure.com.
-
Click "employee log in" and sign in with your Microsoft account.
-
Complete authentication and follow the prompts to reduce sign-in requests.
-
Once logged in, find the School Governance Essential Training listed under courses.
Requirements:
-
All SGC members must complete all three modules by the end of August 2025.
-
We suggest completing the training prior to your initial SGC meeting if possible.
2025 In Person Officer Training
All SGC Officers (Council Chairs, Vice-Chairs, and Parliamentarians) are required to complete Officer Training (unless completed in previous years). Please note that this will be a more in-depth, hands-on training for newly elected officers. This is different from the Officer Training Module found in the Canvas Training.
Click below to register to attend one of the sessions.
In-Person Officer Training Sign Up Genius
Fall 2025 Cross Council Events
The Governance & Flexibility Team is excited to invite all School Governance Councils to our Fall Cross Council events—two engaging mornings designed to connect, collaborate, and inspire.
Dates & Locations
-
Monday, September 29 | South Learning Center | 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
-
Friday, October 3 | North Learning Center | 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
These sessions are a unique opportunity for SGC members to learn from district leaders, the Governance & Flexibility Team, and each other. They bring together councils from across the district, creating space for collaboration within feeder patterns and across grade bands.
This year’s theme centers on three key pillars:
-
Teamwork – Kicking off the governance year with energy and excitement for our shared work
-
Integrity – Defining our goals and committing to action within our schools
-
Accountability – Monitoring strategic priorities and sharing progress with our stakeholders
We are asking each school to send at least one representative to one of the two events (both sessions will cover the same material). Once every school has a representative registered, we will open additional spots for other members who would like to join.
Register now via our Sign-up Genius link to secure your spot and join us in shaping another successful year of governance in Fulton County Schools.
2025 Fall Cross Council Sign Up Link
*** SY25-26 Council Initiatives: Begin discussions to determine the focus of the council’s upcoming work. Lean on your school’s Semester Action Plan to ensure the work of the council is aligned with the goals and initiatives being targeted by the school leaders. Task the council with prioritizing 1 – 2 initiatives the SGC could lead or support throughout the year.
****Strategic Planning
August is the start of an important and exciting time for our School Governance Councils. Each year, councils work alongside their principal and school community to create a School Strategic Action Plan. This plan serves as a roadmap for the year ahead and focuses on the priorities that will have the greatest impact on student success.
This month, SGCs should begin conversations about their 2025–26 plan. These discussions are a chance to celebrate what is working well, identify areas for growth, and set clear goals that will guide the work of both the school and the council.
In September, councils will finalize their plan and take a formal vote to approve it. Principals will then submit the approved plan by September 30 using the online Strategic Action Plan form. All planning tools, including the form, metric definitions, drafting documents, and optional project planning templates, are available on the Charter System website Resources page.
In October, Zone Superintendents will review and approve each plan. Once approved, these plans should remain at the heart of SGC meetings, guiding decision making, tracking progress, and engaging the school community in the work ahead.
The strategic planning process is more than a requirement. It is an opportunity for councils to lead with purpose and to make a meaningful difference for their schools.
VAF/Programmatic Updates
All flexibility and programming submissions are due from schools by September 30 and can be completed using the VAF/Programming Form located on the Charter System Website Flexibility page.
Schools should use the form to submit the following:
-
New Value-Added Flexibility Requests – Use the form to request any new flexibilities for the 2026–27 school year.
-
Updates on Current Flexibilities – All schools approved for value-added flexibilities since 2021 must submit an implementation update. If your school has multiple approved flexibilities, you may select them from the dropdown in the form and submit a single update on overall progress. A separate update for each flexibility is not required.
-
Magnet Program Updates/Requests – This includes requests for new magnet programs, updates on all current magnet programs, and notices of sunsetting or discontinuing magnet programs. All schools with magnet programs must submit an update for each program. Schools with multiple magnet programs will need to complete multiple forms.
All submissions require School Governance Council approval and a 30-day public comment period. Instructions for managing the public comment process are available on the Charter System Website.
Schools wishing to opt-in to one of the four district preapproved waivers should complete the short Opt-In Notice of Adoption form and follow the linked instructions.
Please contact the Governance & Flexibility Team with any questions or to request addition
October
Agenda
October Agenda
School: Heards Ferry Elementary School
Date: 10/28/25
Time: 7:45 AM
Location: Principal’s Conference Room
SGC Members:
Karen Cooke (Principal), Lori Dunagan (Staff), Leila Sadri (Teacher), Alexis Frank (Teacher), Laney Chambless (Teacher), Nathan Madigan (Parent), Meredith Camp (Parent), Stephen Saussy (Parent), Stephen Isbill (Community Member), Selena Baumann (Community Member)
7:45AM Call to Order (Madigan)
7:47AM Action Item: Approve Agenda (Madigan)
7:50AM Action Item: Approve September Minutes (Madigan)
7:52AM Discussion Item: SY25-26Council Initiatives* (All Members)
8:00AM Discussion Item: Review SGC Website for Compliance** (All Members)
8:10AM Discussion Item: Debrief Fall Cross Council Meeting(All Members)
8:15AM Discussion Item: Strategic Plan Update/Review All Members)
8:25AM Discussion Item: Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (All Members)
8:30AM Action Item: Approve Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (Madigan)
8:30AM Informational Item: Principal’s Update (Cooke)
8:40AM Action Item: Meeting Adjournment (Madigan)
Meeting Norms: Silence Phones, Be Respectful of Others’ Opinions, Work for the good of all Students
Notes and Reminders
* SY25-26 Council Initiatives: Begin discussions to determine the focus of the council’s upcoming work. Lean on your school’s Semester Action Plan to ensure the work of the council is aligned with the goals and initiatives being targeted by the school leaders. Task the council with prioritizing 1 – 2 initiatives the SGC could lead or support throughout the year.
**SGC Website Audits
Each school year, the Governance & Flexibility Team periodically performs website audits to ensure all School Governance Councils throughout the district are in compliance with Georgia Open Records and Meetings laws. These audits require councils to post information related, but not limited to the following:
-
Date, Time, Place/Access Instructions for all Meetings
-
Council Documentation (Minutes, Agendas, Summaries of Action)
-
Council Roster, Term-End Dates, FCS E-mail Addresses
-
Officer and Committee Information
The Governance & Flexibility Team will be completing website audits for all schools at the end of the month. For a list of SGC website requirements, please review the SGC Website Audit Form.
Summary
October 2025 SOA
School: Heards Ferry Elementary School
Date: 10/25/26
Time: 7:45 AM
Location: Principal’s Conference Room
SGC Members:
|
Present |
Absent |
|
Nathan Madigan (Parent), |
Karen Cooke |
|
Lori Dunagan (Appointed Staff), |
|
|
Laney Chambless (Teacher) |
|
|
Stephen Saussy (elected parent) |
|
|
Alexis Frank (Teacher)
|
|
|
Leila Sadri (Teacher) |
|
|
Steve Isbell ( Community Member) |
|
|
Meredith Camp (Parent) |
|
|
Selena Bauman ( Parent) |
|
Call to Order - The meeting was called to order at 7:50 by Nathan Madigan
Action Items –
The agenda was approved unanimously.
The minutes from September2025 were approved unanimously
Discussion Items-
-
Nathan shared information from the Fall cross counil meeting he attended.
-
Steve Isbill shared information from the most recent superintendent’s call
-
Strategic Plan update
Informational Items –
-
Ms. Dunagan gave the principal’s update
-
Eagle Alliance gave an update of events that happened during the month.
Announcements and Adjournment –
Meeting was adjourned at 8:40
Minutes
October Minutes
School: Heards Ferry Elementary School
Date: 10/28/25
Time: 7:45 AM
Location: Principal’s Conference Room
SGC Members:
|
Present |
Absent |
|
Nathan Madigan (Parent), |
Karen Cooke |
|
Lori Dunagan (Appointed Staff), |
|
|
Alexis Frank (Teacher) |
|
|
Steve Isbill (Community Member) |
|
|
Laney Chambless (Teacher)
|
|
|
Leila Sadri (Teacher) |
|
|
Stephen Saussy ( Parent) |
|
|
Meredith Camp ( Parent) |
|
7:45AM Call to Order (Madigan)
7:47AM Action Item: Approve Agenda (Madigan) Bauman motion to approve; Camp seconded unanimously passed
7:50AM Action Item: Approve September Minutes (Madigan) Chambless: Saussy 2nd unanimously
7:52AM Discussion Item: SY25-26Council Initiatives* (All Members) Pushed to next month
7:55 AM Discussion Item: Review SGC Website for Compliance** (All Members) Discussed but did not do the rubric
8:00 AM Discussion Item: Debrief Fall Cross Council Meeting(All Members)
Nathan shared information about everything being student focus. 30,000 charter dollars this year. In the middle of the charter renewal process with the state. Has to be done every 5 years been in place since 2012 Robust conversation on Title 1. February Safety meeting at Tech for parents. Family Matters event November 15.
Steven Saussy shared information from the superintendent call. Discussion about AI and how students are using in High School. Discussion about budget. Looking at how to increase revenue and how to cut costs so they don’t have to dig into reserves.
8:15AM Discussion Item: Strategic Plan Update/Review All Members)
8:25AM Discussion Item: Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (All Members)
8:30AM Action Item: Approve Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (Madigan)
8:30AM Informational Item: Principal’s Update Dunagan shared the new personnel.
8:40AM Action Item: Meeting Adjournment (Madigan) Camp made motion; Bauman seconded; unanimously passed
EA update
Screenbeams have been passed out.
Redecorated counseling suite. Repurposing
Meeting Norms: Silence Phones, Be Respectful of Others’ Opinions, Work for the good of all Students
Notes and Reminders
* SY25-26 Council Initiatives: Begin discussions to determine the focus of the council’s upcoming work. Lean on your school’s Semester Action Plan to ensure the work of the council is aligned with the goals and initiatives being targeted by the school leaders. Task the council with prioritizing 1 – 2 initiatives the SGC could lead or support throughout the year.
**SGC Website Audits
Each school year, the Governance & Flexibility Team periodically performs website audits to ensure all School Governance Councils throughout the district are in compliance with Georgia Open Records and Meetings laws. These audits require councils to post information related, but not limited to the following:
-
Date, Time, Place/Access Instructions for all Meetings
-
Council Documentation (Minutes, Agendas, Summaries of Action)
-
Council Roster, Term-End Dates, FCS E-mail Addresses
-
Officer and Committee Information
The Governance & Flexibility Team will be completing website audits for all schools at the end of the month. For a list of SGC website requirements, please review the SGC Website Audit Form.
November
December
Agenda
December Agenda
School: Heards Ferry Elementary School
Date: 12/16/25
Time: 7:45 AM
Location: Principal’s Conference Room
SGC Members:
Karen Cooke (Principal), Lori Dunagan (Staff), Leila Sadri (Teacher), Alexis Frank (Teacher), Laney Chambless (Teacher), Nathan Madigan (Parent), Meredith Camp (Parent), Stephen Saussy (Parent), Stephen Isbill (Community Member), Selena Baumann (Community Member)
7:45AM Call to Order (Madigan)
7:47AM Action Item: Approve Agenda (Madigan)
7:50AM Action Item: Approve October Minutes (Madigan)
7:52AM Discussion Item: Schedule Spring Committee Meetings* (All Members)
8:00AM Informational Item: Superintendent Advisory Council Update (Isbill)
8:10AM Discussion Item: Strategic Monitoring Update (Cooke & Dunagan)
8:20AM Discussion Item: Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (All Members)
8:25AM Action Item: Approve Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (Madigan)
8:30AM Informational Item: Principal’s Update (Cooke)
8:40AM Action Item: Meeting Adjournment (Madigan)
Meeting Norms: Silence Phones, Be Respectful of Others’ Opinions, Work for the good of all Students
Notes and Reminders
*Committee Meetings
Outreach & Communication Committees should plan to meet in January to start planning for the Spring Parent & Teacher Elections. Budget & Finance Committees should plan to meet in February to prepare for the council’s annual budget approval.
Summary
December 2025 SOA
School: Heards Ferry Elementary School
Date: 12/21/2025
Time: 7:45 AM
Location: Principal’s Conference Room
SGC Members:
|
Present |
Absent |
|
Nathan Madigan (Parent), |
|
|
Lori Dunagan (Appointed Staff), |
|
|
Laney Chambless (Teacher) |
|
|
Stephen Saussy (elected parent) |
|
|
Alexis Frank (Teacher)
|
|
|
Leila Sadri (Teacher) |
|
|
Karen Cooke (Principal) |
|
|
Meredith Camp (Parent) |
|
|
Steve Isbell (Community Member) |
|
|
Selena Bauman (Community Member) |
|
Call to Order - The meeting was called to order at 7:45 by Karen Cooke
Action Items –
The agenda was approved unanimously.
The minutes from November 2025 were approved unanimously with the change of the title from November Agenda to November Minutes.
Committee meetings were scheduled for the spring.
An update from the Superintendent Advisory council was given.
A strategic monitoring update on discipline, attendance, and ½ day planning for ELA and Math were given.
Charter dollar expenditures proposals were made and approved.
Informational Items –
-
A school update was given by Principal Karen Cooke
-
An Eagle Alliance update was given with updates from previous items and upcoming events.
Announcements and Adjournment –
Meeting was adjourned at 9:05 AM
Minutes
December Minutes
School: Heards Ferry Elementary School
Date: 12/16/25
Time: 7:45 AM
Location: Principal’s Conference Room
SGC Members:
Karen Cooke (Principal), Lori Dunagan (Staff), Leila Sadri (Teacher), Alexis Frank (Teacher), Laney Chambless (Teacher), Nathan Madigan (Parent), Meredith Camp (Parent), Stephen Saussy (Parent), Stephen Isbill (Community Member), Selena Baumann (Community Member)
7:45AM Call to Order (Madigan)
7:47AM Action Item: Approve Agenda (Madigan)
Madigan made motion to approve agenda, Dunagan,2nd, passed unanimously
7:48AM Action Item: Approve October Minutes (Madigan)
Chambless made motion to approve minutes, Camp, 2nd, passed unanimously
7:50AM Discussion Item: Schedule Spring Committee Meetings* (All Members)
Outreach and Communication- January 22nd; Teams-2:45 pm; Dunagan will send Teams link
-will send a communication about safety and security separately
Budget and Finance-January 21,2026; Teams -7:45 am; Cooke will send Teams link
-review budget; if budget is not available on the 21st, Cooke will reach out to reschedule
Principal Selection Committee-N/A
Committees will give updates at SGC meeting 1/27/26
7:58 AM Informational Item: Superintendent Advisory Council Update (Isbill)
-2027/2028 Academic Calendar-moved fall break to last week of September; concerns about no teacher workday in March
-Charter System Renewal
8:09 AM Discussion Item: Strategic Monitoring Update (Cooke & Dunagan)
Dunagan-discipline and attendance
-Discipline-no OSS; correlation of positive behavior helping with discipline; only 2 office referrals in December
-Attendance-3 students that are severe/chronic absences
Woodcox (math coach) and Hidock (Lit Coach) presented for half day literacy unpacking-county provides funds for most subs; math unit planning SGC funds are being used for
Math- valuable days for collaborating; dive into standards, look at learning progressions, GA milestones data 3rd-5th grade, dig into assessments with backwards design; add rigor to plans; accelerated teachers have opportunity to push in and plan
ELA-new expectations and way we approach curriculum has changed; delving into expectations and how to question around those expectations; exit tickets; challenging students using questioning/discourse and engagement; great results on mid year iready scores; considering asking SGC for ½ day planning for last unit
8:23 AM Discussion Item: Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (All Members)
-Math planning-$15,487.50
-Ela planning-$4,987.50
-Write Score-$1,060.09 (3rd and 5th grade)
Total- $21,535.09
Using funds for book vending machine- proposal will come next month
8:27AM Action Item: Approve Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (Madigan)
Camp made motion to approve charter dollar expenditure, Dunagan, 2nd, passed unanimously
8:30-AM EA Update
-Safety and security concerns and survey
Parents would like to have a separate fundraiser for a CSA officer
Bring survey results back to SGC to have a discussion in January
-Received $10,000 in donations outside of EA for food insecurity for Heards Ferry families
8:53 AM Informational Item: Principal’s Update (Cooke)
-Earned .4 tag teacher for 2nd semester
- Intent to return to current staff from Cooke in January
-Proposed number for a 2nd ap in an elementary school was changed from 750 to 800; our school is projected to have 790; we are a COSA school so numbers could increase
-Will lose ten dollars more per student next school year
9:05 AM Action Item: Meeting Adjournment (Madigan)
Chambless made motion to adjourn, Bauman 2nd, passed unanimously
Meeting Norms: Silence Phones, Be Respectful of Others’ Opinions, Work for the good of all Students
Notes and Reminders
*Committee Meetings
Outreach & Communication Committees should plan to meet in January to start planning for the Spring Parent & Teacher Elections. Budget & Finance Committees should plan to meet in February to prepare for the council’s annual budget approval.
January
Agenda
January Agenda
School: Heards Ferry Elementary School
Date: 1/27/26
Time: 7:45 AM
Location: Principal’s Conference Room
SGC Members:
Karen Cooke (Principal), Lori Dunagan (Staff), Leila Sadri (Teacher), Alexis Frank (Teacher), Laney Chambless (Teacher), Nathan Madigan (Parent), Meredith Camp (Parent), Stephen Saussy (Parent), Stephen Isbill (Community Member), Selena Baumann (Community Member)
7:45AM Call to Order (Madigan)
7:47AM Action Item: Approve Agenda (Madigan)
7:50AM Action Item: Approve December Minutes (Madigan)
7:52AM Discussion Item: Planning for Parent/Teacher SGC Elections*(All Members)
7:54AM Discussion Item: Planning for Annual Budget Approval**(All Members)
7:56AM Discussion Item: Schedule Spring Committee Meetings (All Members)
8:00AM Discussion Item: Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (All Members)
8:10AM Action Item: Approve Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (Madigan)
8:15AM Informational Item: Midyear Data Dive**** (Dunagan)
8:25AM Informational Item: Principal’s Update (Cooke)
8:30AM Informational Item: Eagle Alliance Update (Ackel & Casey)
8:35AM Action Item: Meeting Adjournment (Madigan)
Meeting Norms: Silence Phones, Be Respectful of Others’ Opinions, Work for the good of all Students
Notes and Reminders
*SGC Parent/Teacher Elections
The declaration period for parents and teachers interested in serving on their local SGCs will run from February 2nd to March 27th. 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 2nd and will conclude on February 20th (Elementary Schools), February 27th (Middle Schools), and March 6th (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 $30,000 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.
****Midyear Data Dig
January is a great time to partner with the Assessment Department for an SGC data dig to review fall trends and set priorities for spring.
Summary
Minutes
January Minutes
School: Heards Ferry Elementary School
Date: 1/27/26
Time: 7:45 AM
Location: Principal’s Conference Room
SGC Members:
Karen Cooke (Principal), Lori Dunagan (Staff), Leila Sadri (Teacher), Alexis Frank (Teacher), Nathan Madigan (Parent), Meredith Camp (Parent), Stephen Saussy (Parent), Stephen Isbill (Community Member), Selena Baumann (Community Member)
Absent: Laney Chambless (teacher)
7:45AM Call to Order (Madigan)
7:46 AM Action Item: Approve Agenda (Madigan)
Camp made motion to approve agenda, Bauman, 2nd, passed unanimously
7:47 AM Action Item: Approve December Minutes (Madigan)
Bauman made motion to approve minutes, Isbill, 2nd, passed unanimously
7:48 AM Discussion Item: Planning for Parent/Teacher SGC Elections*(All Members)
-Camp (parent), Chambless (teacher) are rolling off
-Plan with EA and SGC to gain interest in running in election if needed; haven’t had a hard time getting people to run in the past.
-EA meeting on February 11th and can speak on SGC elections.
-Signage from county about running will be put out.
-Standing SGC section of Eagle Eye for updates.
7:53AM Discussion Item: Planning for Annual Budget Approval**(All Members)
-Budget meeting is week of February 2nd and will have numbers- several cuts have been announced that are in the budget
-Dollar amount per pupil has gone down 10 dollars per student
-Flex money- reduced dollar amount
-need 800 students for 2nd AP
-need 1000 students for 2nd counselor
-waiting on official COSA numbers (80 spots applied and accepted)
-COSA looks at student population up to 95 percent of school capacity
-projected for 792 students next year not including COSA kids
-same ratio of students in classroom whether we have lower enrollment or higher enrollment
8:03 AM Discussion Item: Schedule Spring Committee Meetings (All Members)
-Budget committee meeting February 6th 7:45
-Communication meeting- February 11th EA meeting and presentation on SGC Election; March 18th at 7:45
-can set up future meetings as needed
8:06AM Discussion Item: Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (All Members)
-$21,535.09 total used so far
-about $8,500 left to spend -will have proposal for book vending machine at the next meeting; possible phonics refreshers; possible math games; maybe wrap book vending machine; rainy day recess cart refreshed; outdoor recess equipment refreshed; ask teachers and create a survey; make sure we have enough funds to refresh headphones each year
8:10AM Action Item: Approve Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (Madigan)
No formal proposals for this meeting
8:15AM Informational Item: Midyear Data Dive**** (Dunagan)
-Data is based on strategic action plan
-Midyear Iready growth for reading and math is a good predictor of how students will do in the milestones
- Goal is to be in high performing and high growth category; 5th grade is off the chart in reading; rethinking our 2nd semester plan in math because a lot of emphasis has been put on reading and math growth isn’t as large as reading. We have stronger data this year than last year.
-Geometry and measurement are biggest areas students struggle in for math. When students took iready in December, we hadn’t taught it yet.
-Vocabulary in ela is where students struggle. Vocabulary surge in 4th and 5th grade.
-Attendance: 1 student in severe/chronic stage; 85% satisfactory; 11 % at risk; 3 % moderate/chronic; per county we are on track to meet our attendance goal. Students are using participate remote days which also help with attendance.
-Discipline-Last year we had 24 major behaviors (OSS); August-December FY26-24 major behaviors (OSS)
-Minors- majority of minor behavior is disruptive behavior, refusing to do work, leaving designated word area, teasing/taunting, off task
-At the last faculty meeting Dunagan and Arias did a PD on classroom behaviors and strong tier 1 behavior management
-Dunagan to present on discipline at April EA meeting
8:32AM Informational Item: Principal’s Update (Cooke)
-Contracts will come out in the next few weeks; intent form from Cooke was sent out to think about school staffing for next year.
-4-5 people looking for transfer or promotion, but majority are looking to come back. Most people want to stay where they are. A few shifts are going to take place next year.
-Teacher retention rate at HFE is about 12 percent every year.
-12% family participation rate for School Climate survey
-Custodial inspection rate improved this year
8:38 AM Informational Item: Eagle Alliance Update (Ackel & Casey)
-Met membership goal
-Exceeded partners in education and spirit wear goal
- Asking 5th grade parents to contribute towards charter buses for field trips
-No field trip shirts next year
-Potentially paying for part time counselor next year
-Will be in a good financial position for next school year
-5th grade will be purchasing a cart with all of the school store items for their legacy gift
-Line on gyms will be painted; playpad and front sidewalk markings-waiting for approval
-Possible outdoor classroom for next year.
-Security survey results
9:10 AM Action Item: Meeting Adjournment (Madigan)
Dunagan made motion to adjourn meeting, Sadri, 2nd, passed unanimously
Meeting Norms: Silence Phones, Be Respectful of Others’ Opinions, Work for the good of all Students
Notes and Reminders
*SGC Parent/Teacher Elections
The declaration period for parents and teachers interested in serving on their local SGCs will run from February 2nd to March 27th. 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 2nd and will conclude on February 20th (Elementary Schools), February 27th (Middle Schools), and March 6th (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 $30,000 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.
****Midyear Data Dig
January is a great time to partner with the Assessment Department for an SGC data dig to review fall trends and set priorities for spring.
February
Agenda
February Agenda
School: Heards Ferry Elementary School
Date: 2/24/2026
Time: 7:45AM
Location: Principal’s Conference Room
TEAMS Link
SGC Members:
Karen Cooke (Principal), Lori Dunagan (Staff), Leila Sadri (Teacher), Alexis Frank (Teacher), Laney Chambless (Teacher), Nathan Madigan (Parent), Meredith Camp (Parent), Stephen Saussy (Parent), Stephen Isbill (Community Member), Selena Baumann (Community Member)
7:45AM Call to Order (Madigan)
7:47AM Action Item: Approve Agenda (Madigan)
7:49AM Action Item: Approve January Minutes (Madigan)
7:50AM Informational Item: Superintendent Advisory Councils Updates (Isbill)
8:00AM Discussion Item: Planning for Parent/Teacher SGC Elections*
8:10AM Discussion Item: Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (All Members)
8:20AM Action Item: Approve Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals*** (Madigan)
8:22AM Informational Item: EA Update (Ackel & Casey)
8:32AM Informational Item: Principal’s Update (Cooke)
8:42AM Action Item: Meeting Adjournment (Chair)
Meeting Norms: Silence Phones, Be Respectful of Others’ Opinions, Work for the good of all Students
Notes and Reminders
*SGC Parent/Teacher Elections
The declaration period for parents and teachers interested in serving on their local SGCs will run from February 2nd to March 27th. 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 2nd and will conclude on February 20th (Elementary Schools), February 27th (Middle Schools), and March 6th (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 $30,000 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.
Summary
Minutes
March
Agenda
March Agenda
School: Heards Ferry Elementary School
Date: 3/31/2026
Time: 7:45AM
Location: Principal’s Conference Room
SGC Members:
Karen Cooke (Principal), Lori Dunagan (Staff), Leila Sadri (Teacher), Alexis Frank (Teacher), Nathan Madigan (Parent), Meredith Camp (Parent), Stephen Saussy (Parent), Stephen Isbill (Community Member), Selena Baumann (Community Member), Laney Chambless (teacher)
7:45AM Call to Order (Madigan)
7:47AM Action Item: Approve Agenda (Madigan)
7:48AM Action Item: Approve February Minutes (Madigan)
7:40AM Informational Item: Superintendent Advisory Councils Updates (Isbill)
7:50AM Informational Item: Spring Cross Council Updates (Frank)
8:00AM Discussion Item: SGC Parent/Teacher Elections Update* (Outreach and Communications Committee)
8:05AM Discussion Item: Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (All Members)
8:15AM Action Item: Approve Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals*** (Madigan)
8:25AM Informational Item: Principal’s Update (Cooke)
8:35AM Informational Item: Eagle Alliance Update (Ackel & Casey)
8:45AM Action Item: Meeting Adjournment (Madigan)
Meeting Norms: Silence Phones, Be Respectful of Others’ Opinions, Work for the good of all Students
Notes and Reminders
*SGC Parent/Teacher Elections
The declaration period for parents and teachers interested in serving on their local SGCs will run from February 2nd to March 27th. Click here to check how many council seats your school has open for these positions in this year’s election cycle.
As of 3/26/26:
***Charter Dollars
This year, schools have received $30,000 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.