Muscogee County School District Board Meeting Summary
June 23, 2025 Regular Board Meeting
Overview
The Muscogee County School District Board held its regular board meeting on June 23, 2025. The meeting included a public hearing on the Fiscal Year 2026 budget and millage rate, district recognitions, personnel and policy actions, budget approval, consent agenda items, and discussion items related to district planning and governance.
Opening and Welcome
The meeting opened with an inspiration message focused on perseverance, goals, and the importance of continuing to strive toward opportunities and success. The Board then held the Pledge of Allegiance and approved the meeting agenda.
The Board welcomed visitors and recognized several guests, including retired superintendent Dr. Jim Button and the district’s first-wide guidance counselor, Ms. Juanita Booker. Additional district and community representatives were also welcomed.
Public Hearing: FY2026 Budget and Millage Rate
The Board conducted the third and final required public hearing regarding the Fiscal Year 2026 budget and the proposed 2025 millage rate.
During the hearing, the Board reviewed the proposed millage rate:
- Proposed millage rate: 23.075 mills
The proposed rate was stated to be unchanged from Fiscal Year 2025.
The rate was described as being above the rollback rate, which required the district to announce a property tax increase under state law.
The district stated that the proposed increase was related to revenue above the rollback rate rather than an increase in the millage rate itself.
The district explained that property owners whose property values had not increased would see no change in their tax bill due to the Homestead exemption.
The hearing provided an opportunity for community members to share questions, concerns, or comments regarding the millage rate.
District Recognitions and Updates
The Board recognized individuals and highlighted contributions to the district community.
The Superintendent also acknowledged upcoming transitions involving district personnel and expressed appreciation for individuals completing their service with the district.
Action Agenda Highlights
Special Education Programs and Services
The Board discussed district efforts related to special education services and the district’s partnership with ChanceLight.
Discussion focused on:
- Supporting students with significant needs through appropriate educational settings.
- Moving students toward less restrictive environments when appropriate.
- Building district capacity to better serve students locally.
- The importance of specialized services and staffing in meeting student needs.
The Superintendent discussed the challenges districts face in finding appropriate placements and emphasized the value of expanding local capacity.
Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Approval
The Board considered approval of the Fiscal Year 2026 budget.
Discussion included employee compensation plans. The Board confirmed that the adopted budget included:
- A 3% raise for all employees.
- Continued discussion regarding possible additional compensation considerations for specific employee groups.
The Board approved the Fiscal Year 2026 budget.
FY2026 Millage Rate Approval
The Board considered approval of the Fiscal Year 2026 millage rate.
The Board confirmed that the proposed millage rate would remain:
The millage rate was approved.
Board Policy Discussion: Depository of Funds
The Board discussed changes to Board Policy DG regarding depository of funds.
Discussion focused on clarifying policy language related to:
- Depository services.
- Professional services terminology.
- Competitive bidding requirements.
- Avoiding confusion between different categories of services.
The Board discussed an amendment intended to clarify the policy language regarding depository funds. The amended agenda item was approved.
Additional Policy and Governance Items
The Board continued consideration of policy-related agenda items, including bids and quotations requirements.
Consent Agenda
The Board considered the consent agenda, which included routine district business items such as:
- Budget-related items.
- Financial documents.
- Personnel reports.
- Board minutes.
- Purchases and contracts.
- Grant and program funding items.
- Other operational matters.
The consent agenda was approved.
Discussion Items
Board and Committee Assessments
The Board discussed governance-related assessment topics.
Strategic Planning
The Board discussed ongoing strategic planning efforts and future district priorities.
Upcoming Meetings and Closing
The Board noted that the next regular board meeting would be held on July 21, 2025.
The meeting was adjourned following approval of a motion to close the meeting.
Key Takeaways
- The Board approved the Fiscal Year 2026 budget.
- The Board approved maintaining the millage rate at 23.075 mills.
- Employee compensation discussions included confirmation of a 3% raise included in the budget.
- The Board continued work on policy clarification and governance matters.
- Special education services and local capacity-building remained important discussion topics.
