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The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System’s April 8, 2026 Regular Board Meeting focuses on student programs, school operations, major construction and facility investments, financial management, contracts, and several policy reviews. The meeting agenda includes both informational presentations and formal actions requiring Board approval.
Several of the most significant decisions involve large financial commitments. The Board is scheduled to consider funding for a new student identification system, summer school programming, school nutrition support, playground replacements at five elementary schools, nursing services, technology and construction projects, and major ESPLOST-funded improvements.
The meeting also addresses changes affecting daily school operations. Proposed bell schedule adjustments for the 2026–2027 school year are intended to support transportation changes caused by construction projects and school relocations, including Pooler Elementary’s planned move to Bloomingdale as a swing site while Pooler is converted into an Early Learning Center.
Community members should also note decisions involving charter school oversight, student performance reporting, employee compensation matters, and district financial transfers. The Board will review the renewal terms for Coastal Empire Montessori Charter School, receive a College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI) presentation, and consider multiple budget amendments and operating transfers.
Major Discussion and Action Items
2026–2027 Bell Schedule Modifications
The Board is considering approval of revised bell schedules for the 2026–2027 school year. The changes are designed to support transportation planning and accommodate construction-related school movements.
The proposed changes include moving J.G. Smith Elementary from 8:45 a.m.–3:30 p.m. to 9:15 a.m.–4:00 p.m.; Georgetown K-8 from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. to 8:15 a.m.–3:15 p.m.; Pooler Elementary and Bloomingdale Elementary to 8:40 a.m.–3:40 p.m.; and the WINGS elementary alternative program to align with elementary schedules at 9:15 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
The district states that these changes are connected to construction projects, including Pooler Elementary’s conversion into an Early Learning Center and the use of Bloomingdale as a temporary location for Pooler students. Students, families, transportation staff, and school employees may be affected by changes in start and dismissal times.
Student Identification System Contract
The Board is scheduled to consider awarding RFP 26-13 for a Student Identification System to Omicron Technology Solutions. The proposed award amount is not to exceed $373,482, including implementation, equipment, supplies, and first-year maintenance. The agreement would also include an annual recurring cost of $88,500 with options for two additional one-year renewals.
The proposal includes a related budget transfer within Fund 100 to align technology equipment, supplies, and software accounts for implementation. The project may affect students, families, schools, and district technology operations through changes in student identification processes.
Coastal Empire Montessori Charter School Renewal Term Amendment
The Board is considering an amendment to the previously approved renewal terms for Coastal Empire Montessori Charter School (CEMCS). The proposed charter term would run from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029, with the first two years serving as a probationary period for performance review.
The district’s review found strengths as well as concerns related to academic and organizational compliance. The revised term is intended to provide additional time to evaluate progress using state assessment data and other performance information before making future decisions.
Students, families, and charter school stakeholders may be affected by future decisions regarding continued operation after the review period.
ESPLOST Construction and Facility Projects
The meeting includes several major ESPLOST-related construction and improvement actions. One significant item is the Gamble Road Projects guaranteed maximum price amendment, with a proposed amount of $22,631,621 for Reeves Young, LLC for construction manager at-risk services.
The Board is also considering a $689,250 change order for additional design services related to converting Bloomingdale Elementary into a K-8 school. Additional ESPLOST actions include a $769,817 change order for Johnson High School roof replacement work and a deductive change order of $271,495.87 for the Charles Ellis K-8 Audio Enhancement Project.
These projects affect school facilities, long-term district infrastructure planning, and future learning environments.
Playground Replacement Projects
The Board is considering purchases of new playground equipment at five elementary schools. The proposed purchases are:
- Heard Elementary School: $449,138.42
- Marshpoint Elementary School: $449,990.01
- Brock Elementary School: $445,435.25
- Gadsden Elementary School: $448,712.68
- Southwest Elementary School: $467,530.85
The recommended vendor is PlayPower LT Farmington, Inc., doing business through Playworx Playsets, LLC.
The projects would provide updated playground facilities for students at the affected schools.
Summer School Funding
The Board is scheduled to consider a $3,016,507 operating transfer from the General Fund to support FY26 Summer School programming.
The funding supports continued summer learning opportunities and may affect students participating in summer programs, along with educators and staff assigned to those programs.
Financial Matters
The district’s financial report provides year-to-date revenue and expenditure information as of February 2026. The financial presentation covers multiple funds, including the General Fund, debt service, capital projects, ESPLOST funds, federal programs, and school nutrition.
Major financial actions include:
- A $14,375,991 budget amendment and operating transfer related to salary supplements.
- A $4,200,000 transfer from the General Fund to the School Nutrition Fund for FY26.
- A $1,072,532 budget transfer for Preschool Intervention Speech-Language Pathology accounts.
- A $1,260,000 estimated annual contract for office supplies through Lakeshore Learning Materials, School Specialty, Staples Contract & Commercial, and VIP Office Furniture and Supply.
- A $478,800 estimated first-year cost for district nursing services contracts.
- A $250,000 estimated renewal cost for athletic uniforms and accessories.
- A $250,000 estimated renewal expenditure for districtwide tire contracts.
These financial decisions affect district services, employee support, student programs, facilities, and daily operations.
Policies, Ordinances, Resolutions, and Governance
The Board is reviewing several policies as part of required review cycles. Items include Staff Involvement in Decision Making, Teacher Evaluation Appeals, Employee Compensation, Internet Acceptable Use, and Unemployment Compensation. The agenda indicates first readings with no proposed policy changes for these reviewed items.
The Board is also considering approval of policies related to Possession of Weapons by Visitors and Professional Personnel Compensation Guides and Contracts.
The Board will consider a proclamation recognizing April 2026 as National School Library Month, highlighting the role of Library Media Technology Specialists in literacy, digital resources, and student learning.
The Superintendent’s Report includes recognition of the March Student of the Month, Good News Headlines, and a Professional Senate Report.
The Board will receive a presentation on SY 2025 CCRPI performance, the statewide accountability measure used to report school and district performance. The presentation is listed as informational.
The Board will also consider approval of an Audit of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), which is included as a consent agenda item.
Personnel, Appointments, and Organizational Matters
The consent agenda includes retirements, resignations, appointments, reassignments and salary adjustments, salary adjustments, and charter school personnel actions. The agenda does not provide detailed individual information in the extracted material.
The Board will also consider approval of a settlement related to EEOC Charge No. 415-2025-01339. The proposed settlement includes a $12,800 payment, a general release, and a neutral reference indicating the date the employee would be eligible for rehire.
Projects, Facilities, Infrastructure, and Operations
Major operational matters include transportation-related bell schedule changes, facility renovations, technology projects, playground replacements, roof work, school conversions, and construction planning.
The conversion of Bloomingdale Elementary into a K-8 school and the use of Bloomingdale as a swing site for Pooler Elementary students represent significant operational changes. The district is also advancing ESPLOST-funded construction projects intended to improve facilities and infrastructure.
The agenda includes an opportunity for members of the public to address the Board under “Appearances.” The extracted agenda does not provide additional details regarding speaker registration procedures, deadlines, or specific topics.
Residents and taxpayers may be affected by decisions involving millions of dollars in construction, technology, staffing, and operational spending.
Students and families may experience changes in school schedules, transportation patterns, student identification procedures, facility improvements, summer programming, and charter school oversight.
Employees may be affected by compensation actions, staffing changes, policy reviews, and operational adjustments.
Schools and community organizations may be affected by facility investments, improved learning spaces, and continued partnerships supported through district programs.
- How will families be notified about the 2026–2027 bell schedule changes and transportation adjustments?
- What outcomes will determine whether Coastal Empire Montessori Charter School continues after the probationary review period?
- How will the district measure the success of the new Student Identification System?
- What safeguards will protect student information in the new identification system?
- How will ESPLOST projects be prioritized and monitored for cost and timeline performance?
- What improvements will students see from the playground replacement projects?
- How will the $4.2 million School Nutrition Fund transfer support meal services?
- What performance indicators will be reviewed as part of the CCRPI discussion?
- How will summer school funding be used to support student needs?
- What community input opportunities are available before major operational changes take effect?
Important Dates, Deadlines, and Next Steps
- April 8, 2026: Regular Board Meeting held at 2:00 PM at the Jessie Collier DeLoach Board Room at the Whitney Administrative Complex.
- July 1, 2026: Proposed start date for the amended Coastal Empire Montessori Charter School term.
- June 30, 2029: Proposed end date for the amended charter term.
- 2026–2027 School Year: Proposed implementation period for bell schedule modifications and related operational changes.
- FY26: Funding actions, budget amendments, and transfers approved during the meeting would support current-year district programs and operations.
Key Takeaways
- The Board is considering major operational changes for the 2026–2027 school year.
- Bell schedules are proposed to change because of construction and school relocation needs.
- A new Student Identification System contract valued up to $373,482 is under consideration.
- Five elementary schools are proposed to receive new playground equipment totaling more than $2.2 million.
- The district is advancing major ESPLOST construction projects, including Gamble Road and Bloomingdale conversion work.
- Coastal Empire Montessori Charter School is proposed for a three-year renewal term with a two-year probationary review period.
- Summer school programming would receive a $3,016,507 General Fund transfer.
- The Board is reviewing and approving multiple financial transfers and contracts.
- National School Library Month will be recognized in April 2026.
- The meeting includes public comment opportunities through Board appearances.
Official Sources
About the Public Body
- Name: Savannah-Chatham County Public School System
- Organization type: school-district
- Government body: school-boards
- Location: Savannah, georgia
- County: Chatham County
- Provider: diligent-community
Keywords
Savannah-Chatham County Public School System, SCCPSS, Regular Board Meeting, April 8 2026, school board, Savannah schools, Chatham County, bell schedule modifications, student identification system, Omicron Technology Solutions, ESPLOST, Bloomingdale Elementary, Pooler Elementary, Gamble Road Projects, Coastal Empire Montessori Charter School, charter renewal, summer school, CCRPI, school nutrition, playground replacement, Johnson High School roof project, Charles Ellis K-8, school facilities, district finances, employee compensation, library month, public education, construction projects
