School Board Agenda & Packet Summary – SCCPSS – May 6, 2026

Meeting Information

• Public Body: Savannah-Chatham County Public School System
• Organization Type: school-district
• Government Body: school-boards
• Meeting Title: Informal Board Meeting - May 06 2026
• Meeting Date: 2026-05-06
• City: Savannah
• County: Chatham County
• State: georgia
• Meeting Source URL: https://sccpss.community.diligentoneplatform.com/Portal/MeetingInformation.aspx?Org=Cal&id=1484
• Meeting Listing URL: https://sccpss.community.diligentoneplatform.com/Portal/
• Public Body Website: https://www.sccpss.com/board
• Meeting Video URL: https://www.youtube.com/sccpsscommunications/streams
• Video Channel URL: https://www.youtube.com/sccpsscommunications

What Community Members Should Know

The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System held an Informal Board Meeting on May 6, 2026, focused primarily on annual reports from three charter schools: Savannah Classical Academy, Tybee Island Maritime Academy, and Coastal Empire Montessori Charter School. The meeting agenda identified the presentations as part of Strategic Priority 1: Student Growth and Achievement for Choice-filled Futures.

The presentations provided updates on academic performance, student programs, enrollment, operations, staffing, financial management, governance, and future priorities. Rather than requesting major board action, the meeting centered on reviewing school performance information and discussing progress, challenges, and plans for the coming school years.

Savannah Classical Academy reported strong academic recognition, including Exceeding Standards designation from the State Charter School Commission’s Academic Accountability Report, Literacy and Math Leader School designations from the Georgia Department of Education, and a 2024-2025 Title I Distinguished School designation. The school reported that its Georgia Milestones performance exceeded district and state outcomes across all reported measures.

Tybee Island Maritime Academy highlighted academic growth, community-based learning, and operational stability. The school reported 432 enrolled students, a 95% average daily attendance rate, FY25 revenue of $7,526,794, expenditures of $6,815,438, and a fund balance of $4,988,834. The school also outlined plans to expand academic supports, staffing capacity, and maritime-focused educational opportunities.

Coastal Empire Montessori Charter School discussed ongoing academic improvement work, including literacy initiatives, Montessori-aligned instructional strategies, attendance efforts, staff retention, and plans to expand enrollment and move to a new campus in December 2026 or January 2027.

Major Discussion and Action Items

Charter School Annual Reports and Academic Performance Review

The primary focus of the meeting was review of annual reports from three charter schools operating within the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System. The reports examined academic outcomes, school climate, operational performance, finances, staffing, governance, and future goals.

The board reviewed information intended to measure how each charter school is meeting educational goals and serving students. The reports provided comparisons to district and state performance measures, identified improvement areas, and outlined future strategies.

Savannah Classical Academy Academic Update

Savannah Classical Academy reported several academic recognitions and performance indicators. The school received Exceeding Standards designation from the State Charter School Commission’s Academic Accountability Report and was recognized by the Georgia Department of Education as a Literacy and Math Leader School.

The school reported strong Georgia Milestones results, stating that student performance exceeded both Savannah-Chatham County Public School System and Georgia outcomes on all reported Georgia Milestones measures. Reported CCRPI content mastery rankings included Savannah Classical Academy middle school ranking first among district middle schools with a score of 98.1, high school ranking second among district high schools with a score of 92.1, and elementary/middle/high school comparisons showing strong district performance.

The school also highlighted student enrichment opportunities, including grade-level educational trips and experiences ranging from local community activities to national and international travel opportunities.

Tybee Island Maritime Academy Academic and Program Update

Tybee Island Maritime Academy presented results showing growth in elementary and middle school academic performance. Elementary students achieved content mastery scores of 87.3 in English language arts, 94.7 in math, and 90.0 in science. Middle grades students reported content mastery scores of 73.6 in ELA, 80.9 in math, 73.9 in science, and 61.4 in social studies.

The school emphasized place-based learning connected to coastal and maritime communities. Program highlights included designation as an AMLE School of Distinction, recognition as the only Georgia Department of Education Certified STEAM K-8 school in Georgia, and status as an Apple Distinguished School.

Future priorities include strengthening literacy and math interventions, adding instructional leadership and technology support positions, expanding hands-on maritime learning experiences, and pursuing a capital campaign for future facilities.

Coastal Empire Montessori Charter School Improvement Update

Coastal Empire Montessori Charter School reviewed academic improvement efforts under its Chevron Report. The school reported exceeding standards in learning environment, financial management, human resources management, operational performance, board governance, and LEA partnership areas.

Academic performance remained an area requiring continued attention. The school reported that it had previously been identified as a Comprehensive Support and Improvement school based on CCRPI component scores, later recognized as a CSI Progress school, and continued implementing improvement strategies focused on literacy, math, science instruction, attendance, and subgroup achievement gaps.

The school highlighted initiatives including structured literacy support, Science of Reading professional learning, Montessori literacy curriculum resources, instructional coaching partnerships, and monitoring of student subgroup progress.

Enrollment, Attendance, and Student Support Programs

Enrollment and student support measures were reviewed as part of each charter school report. Savannah Classical Academy reported FY26 enrollment counts of 504 students in October and 483 students in March, with projected FY27 enrollment of 597 students. April 2026 attendance rates were reported as 96.9% for high school students and 96.3% for K-8 students.

Tybee Island Maritime Academy reported 432 students enrolled for the 2025-2026 school year, with a waitlist history ranging from 162 to 171 students over recent years. The school reported 95% average daily attendance and continued use of attendance, behavior, and engagement strategies.

Coastal Empire Montessori Charter School reported reduced discipline incidents, including an 11% decrease overall year-to-date through March 31, 2026, along with reductions in defiance and disrespect incidents attributed to the Nautilus Approach.

Financial Matters

Financial discussions focused on charter school financial condition, audits, expenditures, and future sustainability.

Savannah Classical Academy reported that its FY25 audit was completed with no material weakness found. The school identified a $231 school nutrition meal claim error that was corrected and reported that FY26 expenditures remained within budget.

Tybee Island Maritime Academy provided a detailed FY25 financial snapshot. The school reported total revenue of $7,526,794 and expenditures of $6,815,438. Revenue sources included $7,207,675 from local and state funds, $119,886 from federal funds, and $151,049 from investment gains. Expenditures included instruction at $3,967,899, administration at $647,366, maintenance and operations at $692,314, transportation at $310,005, capital outlay at $356,535, and debt service at $100,384.

Tybee Island Maritime Academy also reported a prior financial finding related to an improperly recorded real estate purchase made in May 2023. The school stated that the issue was corrected during FY25 through a prior-period adjustment and that outside accounting and back-office services were engaged afterward.

Policies, Ordinances, Resolutions, and Governance

No major ordinances or resolutions were presented in the packet. Governance information was included within the charter school annual reports.

Savannah Classical Academy reported that governance requirements were completed and that its five-year strategic plan was updated for FY26-FY30, including implementation of an Artificial Intelligence policy.

Tybee Island Maritime Academy reported that board members completed required training.

Reports, Presentations, and Informational Updates

The meeting included charter school annual reports rather than a traditional legislative action agenda. Reports covered academic performance, instructional strategies, student experiences, financial management, staffing, governance, and future priorities.

Key themes included improving student achievement, expanding career-connected learning, strengthening literacy and math supports, maintaining strong attendance, and ensuring financial sustainability.

Personnel, Appointments, and Organizational Matters

Savannah Classical Academy reported participation as a GALEADS pilot school for teacher evaluations and expected completion of the evaluation process by the end of the school year.

Tybee Island Maritime Academy reported 50 total staff members, including 34 teachers, one current vacancy, 5.9% teacher turnover, and four new hires during the year. The school planned additional leadership and instructional support positions, including a Leader in Residence and Literacy Coach.

Coastal Empire Montessori Charter School reported strong staff retention, with 96% of student-serving instructional staff returning for the next school year.

Projects, Facilities, Infrastructure, and Operations

The most significant facility-related update came from Coastal Empire Montessori Charter School, which announced plans to move to a new campus in December 2026 or January 2027. The school also planned enrollment growth through additional Primary and Upper Elementary classrooms, with projected PK-5 enrollment of 255 students.

Tybee Island Maritime Academy identified future facility needs as part of its financial sustainability strategy and planned a capital campaign to acquire, remodel, or build facilities for students and the community.

Public Hearings and Opportunities for Community Input

The packet did not identify a public hearing, formal public comment session, or specific public participation deadline for this informal board meeting. The meeting agenda included informational presentations and a closed/executive session item.

Community Impact

Residents and taxpayers can use these reports to understand how charter schools within the district are performing academically and financially.

Students and families may be affected by continued investments in literacy, math intervention, enrichment programs, career-connected learning, and expanded educational opportunities.

Employees may see changes through staffing additions, professional development initiatives, teacher evaluation programs, and instructional support investments.

Community organizations and local partners may have opportunities to participate through school partnerships, maritime education programs, professional development collaborations, and future facility initiatives.

Questions Community Members May Want to Ask

1. How will the district evaluate whether charter school improvement strategies are producing long-term academic gains?
2. What additional supports are planned for student groups showing achievement gaps?
3. How will projected enrollment growth affect staffing, facilities, and resources?
4. What oversight processes will continue for charter school financial management?
5. How will Savannah Classical Academy’s AI policy implementation affect classrooms and instruction?
6. What timeline and funding strategy will guide Tybee Island Maritime Academy’s capital campaign?
7. How will Coastal Empire Montessori Charter School’s campus transition affect students and families?
8. What measures will be used to track attendance improvements and student engagement?
9. How will partnerships with outside organizations expand student opportunities?
10. What future board discussions are expected after these annual reports?

Important Dates, Deadlines, and Next Steps

• May 6, 2026: Informal Board Meeting held at 10:30 AM at the Jessie Collier Deloach Board Room, Whitney Administrative Complex, Savannah, Georgia.
• Summer 2026: Savannah Classical Academy planned student enrichment and academic support programs, including summer sessions and teacher professional development.
• December 2026/January 2027: Coastal Empire Montessori Charter School anticipated move to a new campus.
• FY26-FY30: Savannah Classical Academy strategic plan period, including AI policy implementation.

Key Takeaways

• The May 6, 2026 meeting focused on annual charter school performance reports.
• Savannah Classical Academy reported strong academic recognition and performance exceeding district and state comparisons.
• Tybee Island Maritime Academy reported academic growth, 432 enrolled students, and strong financial reserves.
• Coastal Empire Montessori Charter School continued academic improvement work while preparing for a campus transition.
• Charter schools reported ongoing investments in literacy, math, student support, and enrichment.
• Savannah Classical Academy reported FY26 expenditures within budget.
• Tybee Island Maritime Academy reported FY25 revenue of $7.53 million and expenditures of $6.82 million.
• Tybee Island Maritime Academy plans to expand maritime, STEAM, and career-connected learning.
• Coastal Empire Montessori Charter School reported an 11% decrease in discipline incidents year-to-date.
• Future discussions are expected to focus on student outcomes, growth, sustainability, and operational planning.

Official Sources

• Meeting source: https://sccpss.community.diligentoneplatform.com/Portal/MeetingInformation.aspx?Org=Cal&id=1484
• Meeting listing: https://sccpss.community.diligentoneplatform.com/Portal/
• Public body website: https://www.sccpss.com/board
• Meeting video: https://www.youtube.com/sccpsscommunications/streams
• Video channel: https://www.youtube.com/sccpsscommunications

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

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