SGC Documents

August Agenda

School: Sandtown Middle School

Date: 08/12/2025

Time: 6:00PM

Location: Microsoft TEAMS Meeting

TEAMS Link (if applicable):  

SGC Members:  Gina Foster – Facilitator, Monica Roberts – Principal, Deidre Caldwell – Parent, Keisha Lash-Edwards – Parent, Edward Lee – Parent, Rachael Shields – School Employee, Arianne Warner – School Employee, Azuloy Life – Teacher, Maya Jones – Teacher, Maya Solomon – Community, Thomas Morse – Community

PM Call to Order (Principal)

PM Action Item: Approve Agenda (Principal)

PM Action Item: Approve Previous Minutes (Principal)

PM Discussion Item: Member Introductions (All Members)

PM Action Item: Approve nominated Community Member (Principal)

PM Action Item: Elect New Officers (Chair, Vice Chair, Parliamentarian) (Principal)

PM Action Item: Action Items: Staff Standing Committees (Budget and Finance, Outreach and Communication, Principal Selection) (Chair)

PM Discussion Item: Confirm Parent/Community and Student (HS only) Superintendent Advisory Council Representative

PM Discussion Item: Determine Meeting Schedule for SY25-26 (All Members)

PM Discussion Item: Strategic Planning (Principal) See page 3 for more detailed information

PM Informational Item: Principal’s Update (Principal)

A. Potential School Staffing Changes

B. Shifts in District Policy or School Practices

C. Calendar of Upcoming School Events

D. Training Requirements for all Members

PM Discussion Item: Draft Next Meeting’s Agenda (All Members)

PM Action Item: Meeting Adjournment (Chair)

August Summary of Action

Date: 08/12/2025
Time: 6:00PM
Location: Microsoft Teams
SGC Members: Gina Foster (Facilitator), Monica Roberts (Principal), Deidre Caldwell (Parent), Keisha Lash-Edwards (Parent), Edward Lee (Parent), Rachael Shields (School Employee), Arianne Warner (School Employee), Azuloy Life (Teacher), Maya Jones (Teacher), Maya Solomon (Community Member), Thomas Morse (Community Member)
Not in Attendance: All members present
Action Items Approved: Agenda, Community Member Nomination, Officer Elections (Chair – Warner, Vice Chair – Caldwell, Parliamentarian – Shields), Standing Committee Assignments
Discussion Items: Member Introductions, Superintendent Advisory Council Representatives (Lash-Edwards and Morse), Meeting Schedule (2nd Tuesdays at 6:00PM), Strategic Planning (tabled), Drafting Next Meeting Agenda
Information Items: Principal’s Update (First 10 Days Expectations, Device Policy, iReady Testing, Laptop Use, Staffing Freeze and Vacancies, Parent Newsletter Reminder)

                                                                           September Agenda  

School: Sandtown Middle School 

Date: 09/09/2025 

Time: 6:00 PM 

Location: TEAMs 

TEAMS Link (if applicable): https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZDhiOWY2MDktZjM2OC00MTRkLTk2NGItZGEwNDYxZWRjMjI3%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%220cdcb198-8169-4b70-ba9f-da7e3ba700c2%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%2293a84b80-5585-4e3d-ac48-dea4108b5f38%22%7d 

SGC Members: 

Principal Monica Roberts (Principal), Dr. Arianne Warner (Dean-Chair), Mrs. Diedre Caldwell (Parent- Vice Chair) Mrs. Rachael Shields (Parliamentarian), Mrs. Maya Jones (Teacher), Mrs. Keisha Lash-Edwards (Elected Parent), Mr. Edward Lee (Elected Parent), Ms. Azuloy Yvette Life (Teacher), Mr. Thomas Morse (Community Member),  Mrs. Myana Solomon (Community Member) 

6:00PM Call to Order (Chair) 

6:02PM Action Item: Approve Agenda (Chair) 

6:05PM Action Item: Approve Previous Month’s Minutes (Chair) 

6:10PM Action Item: Finalize Council Staffing* (Chair) 

6:15PM Discussion Item: SGC Council Development Opportunities (In Person Officer Training and Cross Council) ** (All Members) 

6:20PM Discussion Item: Determine SY24-25 Council Norms (All Members) 

6:30PM Discussion Item: Review SGC Website for Compliance (All Members) 

6:35PM Discussion Item: Review 2024 Council Self-Assessment and Create Initiatives*** (All Members) 

6:45PM Action Item: Approve Strategic Plan**** (All Members) See page 2 for more detailed information 

6:50PM Informational Item: Principal’s Update (Principal)  

6:55PM Discussion Item: Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (All Members) 

7:00PM Action Item: Charter Dollar Expenditure (Chair) 

7:05PM Action Item: Cross Council Events 

7:10PM Discussion Item: Draft Next Meeting’s Agenda (All Members) 

7:15PM Action Item: Meeting Adjournment (Chair) 

September Summary of Action

Date: 09/09/2025
Time: 6:00PM
Location: Microsoft Teams
SGC Members: Monica Roberts (Principal), Dr. Arianne Warner (Chair), Diedre Caldwell (Vice Chair), Rachael Shields (Parliamentarian), Maya Jones (Teacher), Keisha Lash-Edwards (Parent), Edward Lee (Parent), Azuloy Yvette Life (Teacher), Thomas Morse (Community Member), Myana Solomon (Community Member)
Not in Attendance: All members present
Action Items Approved: Agenda, Previous Minutes, Council Staffing Finalization, Strategic Action Plan
Discussion Items: Officer Training & Cross Council Events, SY24–25 Meeting Norms, SGC Website Compliance, Strategic Plan Goals, Drafting Next Meeting Agenda
Information Items: Principal’s Update (iReady Reading & Math Proficiency, Discipline Data, Attendance Trends—8th grade chronic absences, Volunteer Needs)

September Minutes

School: Sandtown Middle School

Date: 09/09/2025

Time: 6:00 PM

Location: TEAMs

TEAMS Link (if applicable): https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZDhiOWY2MDktZjM2OC00MTRkLTk2NGItZGEwNDYxZWRjMjI3%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%220cdcb198-8169-4b70-ba9f-da7e3ba700c2%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%2293a84b80-5585-4e3d-ac48-dea4108b5f38%22%7d

SGC Members:

Principal Monica Roberts (Principal), Dr. Arianne Warner (Dean-Chair), Mrs. Diedre Caldwell (Parent- Vice Chair) Mrs. Rachael Shields (Parliamentarian), Mrs. Maya Jones (Teacher), Mrs. Keisha Lash-Edwards (Elected Parent), Mr. Edward Lee (Elected Parent), Ms. Azuloy Yvette Life (Teacher), Mr. Thomas Morse (Community Member),  Mrs. Myana Solomon (Community Member)

6:00PM Call to Order (Chair, Warner) Motion to begin the meeting (M. Jones); seconded (Life)

6:02PM Action Item: Approve Agenda (Chair)

6:05PM Action Item: Approve Previous Month’s Minutes (Chair); Motion to approve (Caldwell); Seconded – (Shields)

6:10PM Action Item: Finalize Council Staffing* (Chair).  Roberts says the Council is fully staffed.

6:15PM Discussion Item: SGC Council Development Opportunities (In Person Officer Training and Cross Council) ** (All Members)

·       Chair (Warner) reminded all council chairs to attend one of the In-Person Officer Trainings. 

6:16PM Discussion Item: Determine SY24-25 Council Norms (All Members)

·       24-25 Meeting Norms: Silence Phones, Be Respectful of Others’ Opinions, Work for the good of all Students

6:17PM Discussion Item: Review SGC Website for Compliance (All Members)

·       Sandtown website SGC page in compliance

PM Discussion Item: Review 2024 Council Self-Assessment and Create Initiatives*** (All Members)

6:18PM Action Item: Approve Strategic Plan**** (All Members) See page 2 for more detailed information

·       Principal Roberts went over the Strategic Action Plan Goals:

o   Strengthen Work Force Engagement by increasing teacher retention

o   Ensure Impactful Programming by improving SEC proficiency in Reading

o   Prioritize Safety and Operational Efficiency by decreasing ISS and OSS days

o   Deepen Community Connections by improving student school attendance

o   Enhancing Performance for all Students by increasing number of students reading at or above grade level and increasing Milestones proficiency in math

·       Motion to approve Strategic Action Plan (Caldwell); Seconded (Lee); Approved by all members

6:22PM Informational Item: Principal’s Update (Principal)

·       Data Overview

o   SMS on track to meet goal for iReady Reading Proficiency

o   SMS on track to meet goal for iReady Math Proficiency

o   SMS on track to meet goal for Discipline data goals

o   Attendance data shows the most chronic absences are coming from 8^th grade

·       SMS Volunteers needed: Morning duty, afternoon dismissal, lunch duty, copies, cafeteria monitors, bathroom monitors, hall monitors, PBIS Store

6:25PM Discussion Item: Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (All Members)

·       No proposals at this time

PM Action Item: Charter Dollar Expenditure (Chair)

6:26PM Action Item: Cross Council Events

·       Dates - 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.

·       Members interested in attending: Lee, others TBD

6:29PM Discussion Item: Draft Next Meeting’s Agenda (All Members)

·       Morse requests to be added to next month’s agenda to discuss Community Partners to help with Strategic Action Plan goals

6:33PM Discussion Item: Public Comment (Chair)

6:33PM Action Item: Meeting Adjournment (Chair); Motion to adjourn (Morse), Seconded (M. Jones)

Meeting Norms: Silence Phones, Be Respectful of Others’ Opinions, Work for the good of all Students

October Agenda

School: Sandtown Middle School 

Date: 10/07/2025 

Time: 6:00PM 

Location: Teams 

TEAMS Link (if applicable): https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZDhiOWY2MDktZjM2OC00MTRkLTk2NGItZGEwNDYxZWRjMjI3%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%220cdcb198-8169-4b70-ba9f-da7e3ba700c2%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%2293a84b80-5585-4e3d-ac48-dea4108b5f38%22%7d 

SGC Members: 

Principal Monica Roberts (Principal), Dr. Arianne Warner (Dean-Chair), Mrs. Diedre Caldwell (Parent- Vice Chair) Mrs. Rachael Shields (Parliamentarian), Mrs. Maya Jones (Teacher), Mrs. Keisha Lash-Edwards (Elected Parent), Mr. Edward Lee (Elected Parent), Ms. Azuloy Yvette Life (Teacher), Mr. Thomas Morse (Community Member), Mrs. Myana Solomon (Community Member) 

6:00PM Call to Order (Chair) 

6:02PM Action Item: Approve Agenda (Chair) 

6:05PM Action Item: Approve September Minutes (Chair) 

6:07PM Discussion Item: SY25-26 Council Initiatives* (All Members) 

6:15PM Discussion Item: Review SGC Website for Compliance** (All Members) 

6:20PM Discussion Item: Debrief Fall Cross Council Meeting (All Members) 

6:25PM Public Comment 

6:30PM Discussion Item: Strategic Plan Update/Review All Members)  

6:40PM Discussion Item: Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (All Members) 

6:45PM Action Item: Approve Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (Chair)  

6:45PM Informational Item: Principal’s Update (Principal)  

6:55PM Discussion Item: Draft Next Meeting’s Agenda (All Members) 

7:00PM Action Item: Meeting Adjournment (Chair) 

Meeting Norms: Silence Phones, Be Respectful of Others’ Opinions, Work for the good of all Students 

October Summary of Action

Date: 10/07/2025
Time: 6:00PM
Location: Microsoft Teams
SGC Members: Monica Roberts (Principal), Dr. Arianne Warner (Chair), Diedre Caldwell (Vice Chair), Rachael Shields (Parliamentarian), Maya Jones (Teacher), Azuloy Yvette Life (Teacher), Thomas Morse (Community Member), Myana Solomon (Community Member)
Not in Attendance: Keisha Lash-Edwards (Parent), Edward Lee (Parent)
Action Items Approved: Agenda, September Minutes, Charter Dollar Expenditures (Scoreboard, Polaroid Cameras, PBIS Store Items, Saturday School Pay, Math/ELA Camp, Amended Baseball Proposal), Finalization of Committee Chairs
Discussion Items: SY25–26 Council Initiatives (PBIS, SEC Reading Scores), SGC Website Compliance, Strategic Plan Review, Charter Dollar Proposals, Fall Cross Council Meeting Debrief, Drafting Next Meeting Agenda
Information Items: Principal’s Update (PBIS Celebrations, Beta Club, Red Ribbon Week, Basketball Game, Cookie Fundraiser, Soccer Team Record, Unit Test/Discipline/Attendance Data, Volunteer Needs)

October Meeting Minutes

School: Sandtown Middle School

Date: 10/07/2025

Time: 6:00PM

Location: Teams

TEAMS Link (if applicable): https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZDhiOWY2MDktZjM2OC00MTRkLTk2NGItZGEwNDYxZWRjMjI3%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%220cdcb198-8169-4b70-ba9f-da7e3ba700c2%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%2293a84b80-5585-4e3d-ac48-dea4108b5f38%22%7d

SGC Members:

Principal Monica Roberts (Principal), Dr. Arianne Warner (Dean-Chair), Mrs. Diedre Caldwell (Parent- Vice Chair) Mrs. Rachael Shields (Parliamentarian), Mrs. Maya Jones (Teacher), Mrs. Keisha Lash-Edwards (Elected Parent), Mr. Edward Lee (Elected Parent), Ms. Azuloy Yvette Life (Teacher), Mr. Thomas Morse (Community Member), Mrs. Myana Solomon (Community Member)

6:00PM Call to Order (Chair), motion to approve (Solomon), seconded (Brown)

6:02PM Action Item: Approve Agenda (Chair); motion to approve (Solomon), seconded (Brown)

6:05PM Action Item: Approve September Minutes (Chair); motion to approve (Shields); seconded (Caldwell)

6:07PM Discussion Item: SY25-26 Council Initiatives* (All Members)

·       Options for Council Initiatives - PBIS Initiatives to address discipline; Employee retention; increasing students enrolled in Acc/Adv classes; Improving SEC reading scores; Improving Student attendance.

·       1^st Goal – Focusing on PBIS Initiatives.  These can be used to address discipline, encourage attendance, and can reward academic progress

·       2^nd Goal – Improving SEC reading scores

6:15PM Discussion Item: Review SGC Website for Compliance** (All Members)

·       Website checked for compliance

6:20PM Amended Action Item: Finalize SGC Committee Chairs

6:25PM Public Comment

·       No public comment

6:30PM Discussion Item: Strategic Plan Update/Review All Members)

6:30PM Discussion Item: Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (All Members)

·       Scoreboard (Athletic Department)

·       Amount $5,000

·       Charter Dollar Expenditure Categories: Community Connections and Operations

·       Vote: 6 yes, proposal approved

·       Two Polaroid Cameras (PBIS)

·       Amount: $400

·       Charter Dollar Expenditure Categories: Student Support, Interventions, Technology

·       Vote: 6 yes, proposal approved

·       Paraphernalia for the PBIS Store (hoodies, shirts, stuffed jaguars, hats, towels)

·       Amount: $1,200

·       Charter Dollar Expenditure Categories: Student Support, Community Connections, Other, Interventions

·       Vote: 5 votes, proposal approved

·       Additional Pay for Saturday School Personnel

·       Amount: $5,000

·       Charter Dollar Expenditure Categories: Interventions, Operations/Personnel

·       Vote: 6 yes, proposal approved

·       Math/ELA Enrichment Camp

·       Amount: $5,000

·       Charter Dollar Expenditure Categories: Student Support, Inventions, Operations/Personnel

·       Vote: 5 yes, proposal approved

·       Sandtown Baseball Team

·       Proposed Amount: $5,300

·       Items proposed to be purchased: baseballs, 15 helmets, pitching machine, 15 practice shirts, 15 game uniforms, indoor facility rental fee

·       Final Amount: $1,500 (15 practice shirts, 15 game uniforms)

·       Baseballs ($150) will be purchased by community partners

·       Vote: 5 yes, amended proposal of $1,500 approved

7:07PM Action Item: Approve Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (Chair)

·       Proposals have been approved

7:09PM Informational Item: Principal’s Update (Principal)

·       PBIS Celebrations for Students and Staff

·       Beta Club Shout-Out

·       Red Ribbon Week. 

o   T-shirts are for purchase

o   Parent vs. Teacher Basketball Game on Friday, 10/31. 7^th grade: 9:15AM, 8^th grade: 1:00PM, and 6^th grade: 2:05PM.  Looking for volunteers!

·       Sandtown Sweethearts Cookie Fundraiser through November 7^th

·       Soccer team finishes the season with 4-3 record

·       Review of unit test data thus far

·       Review of current discipline data

·       Review of attendance data

·       Parent volunteers needed, especially for bulletin board upkeep

7:20PM Discussion Item: Debrief Fall Cross Council Meeting (All Members)

·       No members currently present

7:20PM Discussion Item: Draft Next Meeting’s Agenda (All Members)

7:22PM Action Item: Meeting Adjournment (Chair); seconded (Solomon)

November Agenda

School: Sandtown Middle School

Date: 11/11/2025

Time: 6:00PM

Location: TEAMs

TEAMS Link (if applicable): https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZDhiOWY2MDktZjM2OC00MTRkLTk2NGItZGEwNDYxZWRjMjI3%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%220cdcb198-8169-4b70-ba9f-da7e3ba700c2%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%2293a84b80-5585-4e3d-ac48-dea4108b5f38%22%7d

SGC Members:

Principal Monica Roberts (Principal), Dr. Arianne Warner (Dean-Chair), Mrs. Diedre Caldwell (Parent- Vice Chair) Mrs. Rachael Shields (Parliamentarian), Mrs. Maya Jones (Teacher), Mrs. Keisha Lash-Edwards (Elected Parent), Mr. Edward Lee (Elected Parent), Ms. Azuloy Yvette Life (Teacher), Mr. Thomas Morse (Community Member), Mrs. Myana Solomon (Community Member)

6:00PM Call to Order (Chair)

6:02PM Action Item: Approve Agenda (Chair)

6:05PM Action Item: Approve Previous Month’s Minutes (Chair)

6:07PM Discussion Item: Review SGC Website Audit Results (All Members)

6:15PM Informational Item: Superintendent Advisory Council Update (Advisory Council Representative)

6:20PM Discussion Item: Strategic Planning Update (All Members)

A.      Review Feedback

B.      Monitor Progress

6:30PM Discussion Item: Create Council Initiatives (All Members)

6:45PM Discussion Item: Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (All Members)

6:55PM Action Item: Approve Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (Chair)

7:00PM Informational Item: Principal’s Update (Principal)

7:15PM Discussion Item: Draft Next Meeting’s Agenda (All Members)

7:20PM Action Item: Meeting Adjournment (Chair)

Meeting Norms: Silence Phones, Be Respectful of Others’ Opinions, Work for the good of all Students

November Summary of Action

Date: 11/11/2025
Time: 6:00PM
Location: Microsoft Teams
SGC Members: Monica Roberts (Principal), Diedre Caldwell (Vice Chair), Rachael Shields (Parliamentarian), Maya Jones (Teacher), Azuloy Yvette Life (Teacher), Thomas Morse (Community Member), Keisha Lash-Edwards (Parent)
Not in Attendance: Dr. Arianne Warner (Chair), Myana Solomon (Community Member), Edward Lee (Parent)

Action Items Approved: Agenda, October Minutes, Charter Dollar Expenditure (Basketball Team Uniforms)

Discussion Items: SGC Website Audit Results (Compliance achieved), Strategic Planning Update (Feedback review, progress monitoring), Council Initiatives (Budget Committee met; others to follow), Cross-Council Meeting Debrief (South Zones collaboration, “What If” scenarios, parent engagement, attendance issues, Drafting Next Meeting Agenda

Information Items: Superintendent Advisory Council Update (AI in schools, county budget challenges, health insurance options), Principal’s Update (PBIS Celebrations, Math Unit Assessments, Discipline/Attendance Data, Volunteer Needs, “Turkey, Tally, and Tech” event recap)

November Agenda

School: Sandtown Middle School

Date: 11/11/2025

Time: 6:00PM

Location: TEAMs

TEAMS Link (if applicable): https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZDhiOWY2MDktZjM2OC00MTRkLTk2NGItZGEwNDYxZWRjMjI3%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%220cdcb198-8169-4b70-ba9f-da7e3ba700c2%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%2293a84b80-5585-4e3d-ac48-dea4108b5f38%22%7d

SGC Members:

Principal Monica Roberts (Principal), Dr. Arianne Warner (Dean-Chair), Mrs. Diedre Caldwell (Parent- Vice Chair) Mrs. Rachael Shields (Parliamentarian), Mrs. Maya Jones (Teacher), Mrs. Keisha Lash-Edwards (Elected Parent), Mr. Edward Lee (Elected Parent), Ms. Azuloy Yvette Life (Teacher), Mr. Thomas Morse (Community Member), Mrs. Myana Solomon (Community Member)

6:00PM Call to Order (Chair)

6:02PM Action Item: Approve Agenda (Chair), Motion to approve agenda (Chair); seconded (M. Jones)

6:05PM Action Item: Approve Previous Month’s Minutes (Chair); Motion to approve October minutes (Morse), seconded (Brown)

6:07PM Discussion Item: Review SGC Website Audit Results (All Members)

-          Original results were satisfactory, except for the Action Summaries.  Shields made the necessary changes.  We are in full compliance now.

6:15PM Informational Item: Superintendent Advisory Council Update (Advisory Council Representative: Lash-Edwards)

-          Discussions about AI use in school

-          Discussions about the county’s budget (Senior Exemption passed at last election, will result in loss of revenue).  Looking for new ways to generate revenue for the county.  More information at: www.fultonschools.org/glide

-          Discussions about health insurance about moving from the state plan and providing different options for non-certified staff. 

6:20PM Discussion Item: Strategic Planning Update (All Members)

A.      Review Feedback

B.      Monitor Progress

6:20PM Discussion Item: Create Council Initiatives (All Members)

-          Budget Committee met last month to create initiatives

-          Other committees plan to meet soon

6:20PM Discussion Item: Last Month’s (September) Cross Council Meeting (Life)

-          This meeting was an informative collaboration of attendees of the South Zones 1, 2 and 3 of School Council Members that were administrators, teachers and parents. 

-          “WHAT IF Scenarios”:

o    What if a natural disaster occurred and school building was destroyed?

o    Teacher Shortages

o    Budget Cuts Staff/Extracurricular Activities had to be cut  

o    What if your school merged with another campus 

o    What if technology failed for a week 

-          Small Groups – Elementary/Middle/High – What are some “existing issues?” 

o    Elem/Middle – Parent Engagement (reps – as teachers and parents/the only time they have heard from teachers are at the beginning of the school year – or behavior issue – 

o    High School – Attendance  

-          Announcements: 

o    FCS Graduation Rate is 91.9 – 95% Goal 

o    Reading Proficiency is currently 75.8 – Goal is 80% Determined by GA Milestones 

o    GA Milestones – Also 80% proficiency 

o    Every school should have submitted a school action plan and submitted it by Sept. 30^th  

o    Every school receives $30,000 charter dollars that should be spent by the end of the school year with SGC approval – Align our spending with our goals – fund ideas that bring goals to life and create visible impact for students and teacher  

o    We are considered a charter school district since 2012 and we are now up for renewal that will extend until 2031 – with us being a chartering district this keeps SGC central in decision making 

-          Representatives from: 

o    Community Schools – Mrs. Patricia Barlow: who shared insight on the protocols of schools partnering with the community and reviewed the partnership agreement forms and apps, the dos and don’ts of setting up partnerships, building partnerships and telling our Sandtown Story.  

o    The Assessment Dept – Reps who oversee monitoring our school plans and goals and ensuring we are in alignment with our goals and reviewing our school data on a regular basis (examples – Deeping community connections, utilizing fiscal resources, strengthen employee engagement, prioritizing safety and operational efficiency,) 

o    Community Engagement – Rebecca Goddard – Many of these activities are listed on our website – Family Matters – Oct. 25^th – Tri Cities form 10 -2 

-          Nov. 15^th – Roswell -High from 10-2

o    Family Fun, Interactive Sessions, Free Food and Give aways 

-          Jan. 24^th (Sat/Marta Transportation) –

o    GA Tech Parent Event for Parents only – 8:30 – 3:30 – Make it Take it, Gun Safety, How to Support Children at Home, Mental Health and Nutrition Safety

6:30PM Discussion Item: Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (All Members)

-          Sandtown Basketball Team

o   Proposed Amount: $931

o   Items to be purchased: new uniforms for the team ($55 each = $825, plus tax $68.07, plus shipping $37.12)

o   Vote: 6 yes, approved

6:35PM Action Item: Approve Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (Chair)

-          New uniforms for the Sandtown Basketball team approved

6:40PM Informational Item: Principal’s Update (Principal)

-          PBIS Student Celebrations: PBIS Store, Perfect Attendance, “Caught Doing Good”, Fall Festival, November Skating Event

-          PBIS Staff Celebrations: “Caught Doing Good”, Apple Nachos, Yogurt Bar

-          Review of Data:  Math Unit Assessments, Discipline, Attendance

-          Volunteers needed at Sandtown

-          Turkey, Tally, and Tech put on by the Math Department and Dr. Warner was on November 11^th.  Math workshops were organized and families received Thanksgiving raffles.  Turn-out was low, however.  Principal Roberts is open to ideas to get more engagement and a higher turn-out next time.

7:00PM Discussion Item: Draft Next Meeting’s Agenda (All Members)

7:00PM AMENDED Action Item: Approve Previous Month’s Minutes (Chair); Motion to approve October minutes (Chair), seconded (Shields)

7:00PM Action Item: Meeting Adjournment (Chair) 

December Agenda

School: Sandtown Middle School

Date: 12/09/2025

Time: 6:00PM

Location: TEAMs

TEAMS Link (if applicable): https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZDhiOWY2MDktZjM2OC00MTRkLTk2NGItZGEwNDYxZWRjMjI3%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%220cdcb198-8169-4b70-ba9f-da7e3ba700c2%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%2293a84b80-5585-4e3d-ac48-dea4108b5f38%22%7d

SGC Members:

Principal Monica Roberts (Principal), Dr. Arianne Warner (Dean-Chair), Mrs. Diedre Caldwell (Parent- Vice Chair) Mrs. Rachael Shields (Parliamentarian), Mrs. Maya Jones (Teacher), Mrs. Keisha Lash-Edwards (Elected Parent), Mr. Edward Lee (Elected Parent), Ms. Azuloy Yvette Life (Teacher), Mr. Thomas Morse (Community Member), Mrs. Myana Solomon (Community Member)

6:00PM Call to Order (Chair)

6:02PM Action Item: Approve Agenda (Chair)

6:05PM Action Item: Approve Previous Month’s Minutes (Chair)

6:07PM Discussion Item: Schedule Spring Committee Meetings* (All Members)

6:15PM Informational Item: Superintendent Advisory Council Update (Advisory Council Representative)

6:25PM Discussion Item: Strategic Monitoring Update** (Principal)

6:35PM Discussion Item: Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (All Members)

6:40PM Action Item: Approve Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (Chair)

6:45PM Informational Item: Principal’s Update (Principal)

6:55PM Discussion Item: Draft Next Meeting’s Agenda (All Members)

7:00PM Action Item: Meeting Adjournment (Chair)

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.

**Strategic Monitoring (December)

December Summary of Action

Date: 12/09/2025
Time: 6:00PM
Location: Microsoft Teams
SGC Members: Monica Roberts (Principal), Dr. Arianne Warner (Chair), Diedre Caldwell (Vice Chair), Rachael Shields (Parliamentarian), Maya Jones (Teacher), Azuloy Yvette Life (Teacher), Thomas Morse (Community Member), Keisha Lash-Edwards (Parent), Edward Lee (Parent), Myana Solomon (Community Member)
Action Items Approved: Agenda, November Minutes (No Charter Dollar Expenditure proposals submitted)

Discussion Items: Spring Committee Meetings Scheduled (Budget & Finance – Jan 27, Outreach – Jan 13, Parent Superintendent – Feb, Teacher Superintendent – Feb), Strategic Monitoring Update (No updates), Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (None submitted), Drafting Next Meeting Agenda

Information Items: Superintendent Advisory Council Update (Calendar feedback via Thought Exchange, Color Guard wooden rifle policy concerns, Senior tax exemption impact, Potential changes to FAVE structure, Email communication restrictions, Elementary bus rider safety, PTO support for tech insurance fees, Anti-Semitism and free speech concerns, Legislative advocacy and Fair Share list), Principal’s Update (i-Ready Winter Diagnostic Dec 8–12, Reminder to parents: Check Smore/newsletter for updates)

December Minutes

School: Sandtown Middle School

Date: 12/09/2025

Time: 6:00PM

Location: TEAMs

TEAMS Link (if applicable): https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZDhiOWY2MDktZjM2OC00MTRkLTk2NGItZGEwNDYxZWRjMjI3%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%220cdcb198-8169-4b70-ba9f-da7e3ba700c2%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%2293a84b80-5585-4e3d-ac48-dea4108b5f38%22%7d

SGC Members:

Principal Monica Roberts (Principal), Dr. Arianne Warner (Dean-Chair), Mrs. Diedre Caldwell (Parent- Vice Chair) Mrs. Rachael Shields (Parliamentarian), Mrs. Maya Jones (Teacher), Mrs. Keisha Lash-Edwards (Elected Parent), Mr. Edward Lee (Elected Parent), Ms. Azuloy Yvette Life (Teacher), Mr. Thomas Morse (Community Member), Mrs. Myana Solomon (Community Member)

6:09PM Call to Order (Chair)

6:02PM Action Item: Approve Agenda (Chair); motion to approve (Lash-Edwards); seconded (Jones)

6:05PM Action Item: Approve Previous Month’s Minutes (Chair); motion to approve (Caldwell); seconded (Shields)

6:07PM Discussion Item: Schedule Spring Committee Meetings* (All Members)

·       Budget and Finance Committee – January 27^th 2026, 5 pm

·       Outreach Committee – January 13^th 2026, 5 pm

·       Parent Superintendent Committee – February 2026

·       Teacher Superintendent Committee – February 2026

6:21PM Informational Item: Superintendent Advisory Council Update (Advisory Council Representative)

·       Draft Student Instructional Calendar Feedback: The council reviewed the draft student instructional calendar, inviting members to provide feedback via a Thought Exchange, and encouraging members to share the survey with their school communities. Please share this link with your school communities to gather feedback.

·       Color Guard Wooden Rifle Policy Concerns: A parent had concerns about the use of wooden rifles in color guard demonstrations at schools, prompting a discussion about policy inconsistencies, parental notification, and possible alternatives. District staff are committed to discussing the matter with district leaders.

·       Senior Tax Exemption Impact and Collaboration: Questions were raised on the recently passed senior tax exemption on school funding and the potential for increased collaboration between school boards and city councils.

·       Potential Changes to FAVE Structure Due to Budget Cuts: Questions were raised around the continuation or change in structure of FAVE, and Dr. Looney is committed to stakeholder engagement before decisions are made. 

·       Parent-Teacher-Student Email Communication Restrictions: The Strategy and Technology department is working on a solution. The goal is to have a solution by early second semester. 

·       Student Instructional Calendar Start Date and Committee Representation: The early August start is influenced by the desire to provide full fall and winter breaks, align with neighboring districts, and accommodate the preferences of a narrow majority of stakeholders. The calendar committee includes representatives from all school zones and levels, as well as district staff, teachers, and parents, ensuring diverse input in the decision-making process.

·       Elementary Bus Rider Identification and Safety: A suggestion was made to implement a manifest and photo identification system for elementary bus riders to improve safety and accountability.

·       PTO Support for Technology Insurance Fees: Advice was requested for PTOs to determine how they can preemptively pay technology insurance fees for students in financial need without violating privacy.

·       Addressing Anti-Semitism and Free Speech in Schools: Concerns were raised about anti-Semitism experienced by their child, and they asked about the balance between free speech and school disruption. Dr. Looney discussed the applicable laws, ongoing administrator and teacher training, and invited private follow-up for specific incidents.

·       State Legislative Advocacy and Fair Share List: The following is the list of the Fulton County Schools’ Delegation. Their contact information can be found on the state legislative website: https://www.legis.ga.gov/

6:25PM Discussion Item: Strategic Monitoring Update** (Principal)

·       No updates from Principal Roberts

6:25PM Discussion Item: Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (All Members)

·       No proposals

6:25PM Action Item: Approve Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (Chair)

6:25PM Informational Item: Principal’s Update (Principal)

·       SMS is currently taking i-Ready Winter Diagnostic the week of 12/8-12/12. 

·       Reminder to parents – please refer to parent smore/newsletter for important information from SMS and Principal Roberts

6:30PM Discussion Item: Draft Next Meeting’s Agenda (All Members)

6:32PM Action Item: Meeting Adjournment (Chair); motion to adjourn (Shields); seconded (Life)

January Agenda

School: Sandtown Middle School

Date: 1/13/2026

Time: 6:00 PM

Location: TEAMs

TEAMS Link (if applicable): https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZDhiOWY2MDktZjM2OC00MTRkLTk2NGItZGEwNDYxZWRjMjI3%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%220cdcb198-8169-4b70-ba9f-da7e3ba700c2%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%2293a84b80-5585-4e3d-ac48-dea4108b5f38%22%7d

SGC Members:

Principal Monica Roberts (Principal), Dr. Arianne Warner (Dean-Chair), Mrs. Diedre Caldwell (Parent- Vice Chair) Mrs. Rachael Shields (Parliamentarian), Mrs. Maya Jones (Teacher), Mrs. Keisha Lash-Edwards (Elected Parent), Mr. Edward Lee (Elected Parent), Ms. Azuloy Yvette Life (Teacher), Mr. Thomas Morse (Community Member), Mrs. Myana Solomon (Community Member)

6:00PM Call to Order (Chair)

6:02PM Action Item: Approve Agenda (Chair)

6:05PM Action Item: Approve Previous Month’s Minutes (Chair)

6:06PM Discussion Item: Planning for Parent/Teacher SGC Elections*

6:08PM Discussion Item: Planning for Annual Budget Approval**

6:10PM Discussion Item: Schedule Spring Committee Meetings (All Members)

6:15PM Discussion Item: Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (All Members)

6:30PM Action Item: Approve Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals*** (Chair)

6:35PM Informational Item: Midyear Data Dive**** (Principal)

6:45PM Informational Item: Principal’s Update (Principal)

6:55PM Discussion Item: Draft Next Meeting’s Agenda (All Members)

7:00PM 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 2^nd to March 27^th.  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 2^nd  and will conclude on February 20^th (Elementary Schools), February 27^th (Middle Schools), and March 6^th (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.

Date: 01/13/2026
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Microsoft Teams
SGC Members: Monica Roberts (Principal), Dr. Arianne Warner (Chair), Diedre Caldwell (Vice Chair), Rachael Shields (Parliamentarian), Maya Jones (Teacher), Azuloy Yvette Life (Teacher), Thomas Morse (Community Member), Keisha Lash-Edwards (Parent), Edward Lee (Parent), Myana Solomon (Community Member)

Action Items Approved: Agenda, December Minutes, Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (PBIS – $1,200 for recognition/rewards, $950 for PBIS store, $250 for teacher recognition; Fine Arts Department – $1,400 for microphones)

Discussion Items: Parent/Teacher SGC Elections (Declaration period Feb 2–Mar 27), Annual Budget Approval (FY26 development begins Feb 2; ends Feb 27 for middle schools), Spring Committee Meetings Scheduled (Budget & Finance – Jan 27, Outreach – Rescheduling TBD, Parent Superintendent – Feb, Teacher Superintendent – Feb), Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (Campus Beautification $2,600 – tabled until Feb), Drafting Next Meeting Agenda

Information Items: Principal’s Update (Schedule changes for Study Skills classes, Updated morning arrival procedures, PBIS celebrations: Store, Perfect Attendance Ceremony, Grade Level Events, Lunchroom Takeover, Volunteers needed for arrival/dismissal, lunch duty, PBIS store, hall monitoring), Midyear Data Dive (iReady Math scores 4% above end-of-year goal, Discipline data improved, Employee retention TBD, Student attendance exceeds goal; chronic absenteeism down to 1.3% [goal 9%], severe chronic absenteeism at 5.7% [goal 4%])

January Agenda

School: Sandtown Middle School

Date: 1/13/2026

Time: 6:00 PM

Location: TEAMs

TEAMS Link (if applicable): https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZDhiOWY2MDktZjM2OC00MTRkLTk2NGItZGEwNDYxZWRjMjI3%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%220cdcb198-8169-4b70-ba9f-da7e3ba700c2%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%2293a84b80-5585-4e3d-ac48-dea4108b5f38%22%7d

SGC Members:

Principal Monica Roberts (Principal), Dr. Arianne Warner (Dean-Chair), Mrs. Diedre Caldwell (Parent- Vice Chair) Mrs. Rachael Shields (Parliamentarian), Mrs. Maya Jones (Teacher), Mrs. Keisha Lash-Edwards (Elected Parent), Mr. Edward Lee (Elected Parent), Ms. Azuloy Yvette Life (Teacher), Mr. Thomas Morse (Community Member), Mrs. Myana Solomon (Community Member)

6:00PM Call to Order (Caldwell)

6:02PM Action Item: Approve Agenda (Chair) Motion to Approve (Lee); Seconded (Life)

6:05PM Action Item: Approve Previous Month’s Minutes (Chair) Motion to approve (Lee); Seconded (Life)

6:06PM Discussion Item: Planning for Parent/Teacher SGC Elections*

·       The declaration period for parents and teachers interested in serving on their local SGCs will run from February 2^nd to March 27^th.

6:10PM Discussion Item: Planning for Annual Budget Approval**

·       FY26 Budget development begins on February 2^nd and will conclude on February 20^th (Elementary Schools), February 27^th (Middle Schools), and March 6^th (High Schools). 

6:12PM Discussion Item: Schedule Spring Committee Meetings (All Members)

·      Budget and Finance Committee – January 27^th 2026, 5 pm

·      Outreach Committee – Rescheduling TBD

·      Parent Superintendent Committee – February 2026

·      Teacher Superintendent Committee – February 2026

6:15PM Discussion Item: Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (All Members)

·      PBIS – Asking for $1,200 for PBIS team for teacher and student recognition/rewards.  $950 needed to continue the successful PBIS store.  $250 needed to recognize teachers who are supporting PBIS initiatives.

·      Drama and Fine Arts Department – Asking for $1400 for microphones. 

·      Campus Beautification – Asking for $2600 to purchase mulch, fence cups, and other supplies to complete project.  Itemized list needed, tabled until February. 

6:30PM Action Item: Approve Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals*** (Caldwell)

·      PBIS – 8 yes, 0 no

·      Fine Arts Department – 8 yes, 0 no

6:35PM Informational Item: Principal’s Update (Principal)

·      New Schedule Changes for Study Skills Classes (determined by recent data)

·      Updated Morning Arrival Procedures.  These new procedures are determined by grade level.  It provides additional planning time for teachers, as well as additional tutoring opportunities, due to the loss of planning time due to schedule changes.

·      PBIS Celebrations – PBIS Store, Perfect Attendance Ceremony for Students, PBIS Grade Level Events, Lunchroom Takeover Event

·      Volunteers needed for morning arrival, afternoon dismissal, lunch duty, copies, cafeteria monitors, bathroom monitors, hall monitors, PBIS store

6:45PM Informational Item: Midyear Data Dive**** (Principal)

·      iReady Math scores are already 4% higher than our end of year goal

·      Discipline data has improved without sacrificing expectations

·      Employee retention TBD when contracts are released

·      Student attendance has improved.  We are currently exceeding our end of year goal.  Chronic absenteeism is down to 1.3% (goal is 9%).  Severe chronic absenteeism is at 5.7% (goal is 4%)

6:55PM Discussion Item: Draft Next Meeting’s Agenda (All Members)

6:55PM Action Item: Meeting Adjournment (Caldwell); Seconded (Shields)

February Agenda

School: Sandtown Middle School

Date: 2/23/2026

Time: 6:00PM

Location: TEAMs

TEAMS Link (if applicable): https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZDhiOWY2MDktZjM2OC00MTRkLTk2NGItZGEwNDYxZWRjMjI3%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%220cdcb198-8169-4b70-ba9f-da7e3ba700c2%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%2293a84b80-5585-4e3d-ac48-dea4108b5f38%22%7d

SGC Members: Principal Monica Roberts (Principal), Dr. Arianne Warner (Dean-Chair), Mrs. Diedre Caldwell (Parent- Vice Chair) Mrs. Rachael Shields (Parliamentarian), Mrs. Maya Jones (Teacher), Mrs. Keisha Lash-Edwards (Elected Parent), Mr. Edward Lee (Elected Parent), Ms. Azuloy Yvette Life (Teacher), Mr. Thomas Morse (Community Member), Mrs. Myana Solomon (Community Member)

6:00PM Call to Order (Chair)

6:02PM Action Item: Approve Agenda (Chair)

6:04PM Action Item: Approve January Minutes (Chair)                   

6:05PM Informational Item: Superintendent Advisory Councils Updates (Council Representative)

6:15PM Discussion Item: Planning for Parent/Teacher SGC Elections*

6:25PM Action Item: Annual Budget Approval** (Chair)

6:35PM Discussion Item: Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (All Members)

6:45PM Action Item: Approve Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals*** (Chair)

6:47PM Informational Item: Principal’s Update (Principal)

7:00PM Discussion Item: Draft Next Meeting’s Agenda (All Members)

7:00PM 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 2^nd to March 27^th.  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 2^nd  and will conclude on February 20^th (Elementary Schools), February 27^th (Middle Schools), and March 6^th (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.

Date: 02/23/2026
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Microsoft Teams
SGC Members: Monica Roberts (Principal), Dr. Arianne Warner (Chair), Diedre Caldwell (Vice Chair), Rachael Shields (Parliamentarian), Maya Jones (Teacher), Azuloy Yvette Life (Teacher), Thomas Morse (Community Member), Keisha Lash-Edwards (Parent), Edward Lee (Parent), Myana Solomon (Community Member)

Action Items Approved: Agenda, January Minutes, Annual Budget Approval (FY27), Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (Science Olympiad – $2,100 for charter bus; 8th Grade Team – $2,900 toward charter buses for end-of-year trip)

Discussion Items: Parent/Teacher SGC Elections (two parents expressed interest; no teachers yet), Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (Science Olympiad request and 8th Grade team request), Drafting Next Meeting’s Agenda

Information Items: Superintendent Advisory Council Updates (AI use regulations in schools, possible 2025–2026 furlough days, proposed step increase for salaried employees starting 2026–2027); Principal’s Update (Countdown to Showdown GMAS prep, Saturday help sessions, study skills enrichment, basketball playoffs Feb 25–27, Black History Showcase Feb 26, discipline data, school volunteers needed); FY27 Budget Presentation

February Minutes

School: Sandtown Middle School

Date: 2/23/2026

Time: 6:00PM

Location: TEAMs

TEAMS Link (if applicable): https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZDhiOWY2MDktZjM2OC00MTRkLTk2NGItZGEwNDYxZWRjMjI3%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%220cdcb198-8169-4b70-ba9f-da7e3ba700c2%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%2293a84b80-5585-4e3d-ac48-dea4108b5f38%22%7d

SGC Members: Principal Monica Roberts (Principal), Dr. Arianne Warner (Dean-Chair), Mrs. Diedre Caldwell (Parent- Vice Chair) Mrs. Rachael Shields (Parliamentarian), Mrs. Maya Jones (Teacher), Mrs. Keisha Lash-Edwards (Elected Parent), Mr. Edward Lee (Elected Parent), Ms. Azuloy Yvette Life (Teacher), Mr. Thomas Morse (Community Member), Mrs. Myana Solomon (Community Member)

6:10PM Call to Order (Chair); Motioned (Shields); Seconded (Jones)

6:11PM Action Item: Approve Agenda (Chair); Motioned to approve (Shields); Seconded (Jones)

6:12PM Action Item: Approve January Minutes (Chair); Motioned to approve (Shields); Seconded (Life)

6:13PM Informational Item: Superintendent Advisory Councils Updates (Council Representative)

·       Review of Rules and Regulations of AI Use in schools

·       Possible Furlough Days for the 25_26 school year

·       Proposal for salaried employee step increase in January 26_27 school year

6:15PM Discussion Item: Planning for Parent/Teacher SGC Elections*

·       Emails sent out regarding those interested in declaring candidacy for SGC.  2 parents have expressed interest and will be on the ballot. No teachers as of yet

6:15PM Informational Item: Principal’s Update (Principal)

·       “Countdown to Showdown”

o   Saturday help sessions offered to students who need more support in GMAS preparation

o   Study skills enrichment and remediation

·       Upcoming Dates

o   Feb 25-27 - Basketball Playoffs

o   Feb 26 - Student Black History Showcase

·       Discipline Data

o   261 total discipline incidents

o   130 total ISS Days

o   923 total OSS Days

o   Most incidents occur in the classroom

·       Volunteers Needed

o   Morning arrival, afternoon dismissal, lunch duty, copies, cafeteria monitors, bathroom monitors, hall monitors, PBIS store

6:22PM Informational Item: FY 27 SMS Budget Presentation by Principal Roberts.

·       Staffing: All current positions are funded, two additional instructional coaches, one additional world language teacher, two additional connections teachers, three AU program classes

·       Instructional Resources: novels, math manipulatives, SmartPass, IB, classroom management PD, instructional coaching PD

·       Student Support: Pathways 4Life, school-community facilitator, PBIS

·       Facilities/Operations: Screen-printing, grounds maintenance

6:35PM Action Item: Annual Budget Approval** (Chair). Motion to approve (Caldwell); Seconded (Life). 

6:35PM Discussion Item: Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (All Members)

·       Science Olympiad. Requesting $2,100 for a charter bus to Athens, Georgia for Science Olympiad Competition. 

·       8^th Grade Team and End of Year Festivities.  Requesting $5,800 for transportation to Andretti Indoor Karting and Games via 5 charter buses.  Countered with half of original request, $2,900. 

6:45PM Action Item: Approve Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals*** (Chair)

·       Science Olympiad - Yes – 6, No – 0.  Unanimously approved for $2,100.

·       8^th Grade Team - Yes – 6, No – 0.  Unanimously approved for $2,900.

7:17PM Discussion Item: Draft Next Meeting’s Agenda (All Members)

7:17PM Action Item: Meeting Adjournment (Chair); Motion to adjourn (Lee); Seconded (Jones)

March Agenda

School: Sandtown Middle School

Date: 3/23/2026

Time: 6:00PM

Location: TEAMs

TEAMS Link (if applicable): https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZDhiOWY2MDktZjM2OC00MTRkLTk2NGItZGEwNDYxZWRjMjI3%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%220cdcb198-8169-4b70-ba9f-da7e3ba700c2%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%2293a84b80-5585-4e3d-ac48-dea4108b5f38%22%7d

SGC Members: Principal Monica Roberts (Principal), Dr. Arianne Warner (Dean-Chair), Mrs. Diedre Caldwell (Parent- Vice Chair) Mrs. Rachael Shields (Parliamentarian), Mrs. Maya Jones (Teacher), Mrs. Keisha Lash-Edwards (Elected Parent), Mr. Edward Lee (Elected Parent), Ms. Azuloy Yvette Life (Teacher), Mr. Thomas Morse (Community Member), Mrs. Myana Solomon (Community Member)

6:00PM Call to Order (Chair)

6:02PM Action Item: Approve Agenda (Chair)

6:04PM Action Item: Approve February Minutes (Chair)                           

6:05PM Informational Item: Superintendent Advisory Councils Updates (Council Representative)

6:15PM Discussion Item: SGC Parent/Teacher Elections Update* (Outreach and Communications Committee)

6:35PM Discussion Item: Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (All Members)

6:45AM Action Item: Approve Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals**** (Chair)

6:47PM Informational Item: Principal’s Update (Principal)

7:00PM Discussion Item: Draft Next Meeting’s Agenda (All Members)

7:00PM Action Item: Meeting Adjournment (Chair)

Meeting Norms: Silence Phones, Be Respectful of Others’ Opinions, Work for the good of all Students

Notes and Reminders

Spring Cross Council

We are excited to share that our Spring Cross Council will be held on Thursday, March 19^th from 8AM-2PM with this year’s focus being Strategic Planning & Celebrating Success.

As we step into 2026, this gathering will give us the opportunity to align our goals and priorities for the coming year, ensuring that our collective efforts continue to make a meaningful impact across our schools. It will also be a time to celebrate the incredible accomplishments of our School Governance Councils—from innovative initiatives to strengthened community engagement. Your dedication has truly made a lasting difference, and we look forward to recognizing that together.

Each council is encouraged to select two members to attend. Please use the Sign Up Genius link provided here to register each individual representative.

*SGC Parent/Teacher Elections

The declaration period for parents and teachers interested in serving on their local SGCs will run from February 2^nd to March 27^th.  Click here to check how many council seats your school has open for these positions in this year’s election cycle.

**Annual Budget Approval

FY27 Budget development begins on February 2^nd  and will conclude on February 20^th (Elementary Schools), February 27^th (Middle Schools), and March 6^th (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 FY27 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.

Date: 03/23/2026
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Microsoft Teams
SGC Members: Monica Roberts (Principal), Dr. Arianne Warner (Chair), Rachael Shields (Parliamentarian), Maya Jones (Teacher), Azuloy Yvette Life (Teacher), Thomas Morse (Community Member)

Action Items Approved:
Agenda, February Minutes, Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (TSA – $4,000 for national convention travel; GMAS Testing Headphones – $765 for approx. 700 wired reusable headphones)

Discussion Items:
Parent/Teacher SGC Elections (still seeking a teacher candidate; one parent candidate has declared),
Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (TSA request and GMAS headphone request),
Drafting Next Meeting’s Agenda

Information Items:
Superintendent Advisory Council Updates (GLISI-facilitated sessions; review of school strategic plans; reflections on council strengths, needs, and improvement opportunities; Sandtown’s shared focus on reading enhancement, need for increased community engagement, and student-centered decision-making; school one-liner: “Enhancing Performance for ALL students, one day at a time!”);
Principal’s Update (GMAS schedule for April 20–May 1; Saturday help sessions, study skills support, and morning tutorials; discipline trends improving in March; volunteers needed for arrival/dismissal, lunch duty, hallway and restroom monitoring, PBIS store, and copies)

March Minutes

School: Sandtown Middle School 

Date: 3/23/2026 

Time: 6:00PM 

Location: TEAMs 

TEAMS Link (if applicable): https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZDhiOWY2MDktZjM2OC00MTRkLTk2NGItZGEwNDYxZWRjMjI3%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%220cdcb198-8169-4b70-ba9f-da7e3ba700c2%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%2293a84b80-5585-4e3d-ac48-dea4108b5f38%22%7d 

SGC Members: Principal Monica Roberts (Principal), Dr. Arianne Warner (Dean-Chair), Mrs. Diedre Caldwell (Parent- Vice Chair) Mrs. Rachael Shields (Parliamentarian), Mrs. Maya Jones (Teacher), Mrs. Keisha Lash-Edwards (Elected Parent), Mr. Edward Lee (Elected Parent), Ms. Azuloy Yvette Life (Teacher), Mr. Thomas Morse (Community Member), Mrs. Myana Solomon (Community Member) 

6:12PM Call to Order (Chair); Life (motion to approve); M. Jones (seconded)

6:13PM Action Item: Approve Agenda (Chair); Shields (motion to approve); M. Jones (seconded)

6:14PM Action Item: Approve February Minutes (Chair); Shields (motion to approve); Life (seconded)

6:14PM Informational Item: Superintendent Advisory Councils Updates (Council Representative) 

·        The Spring 2026 School Governance Council was hosted by Frederick Benschine, Director of Fulton County ‘s School Governance and Flexibility and the Analysts for the North’s SGC schools, Ms. Katie Lawson and the South’s SGC schools, Mrs. Gina Foster.   

·        Representatives from schools across Fulton County included elementary, middle and high that included administrators, leadership team members, teachers, community schools, parent liaisons, parents and student representatives Yusuf Abulalahi (Senior) at Innovation Academy and Taylor Walton (Senior and former Sandtown Middle Student) from Westlake High School.

·        The event was facilitated by representatives from GLISI:(Georgia Leadership Institute for School Improvement). 

·        The agenda included: (1) Building Connections with service mementos, “yes and doubt” moments (strengths and weakness or areas of growth within our own school governance councils and collaborating with other councils for feedback and strategies). (2) Deepening our understanding on qualities of an effective school governance council and reflecting on our own practices that we utilize within our meetings to make them effective. (3) Copies of every school’s strategic plan was distributed, and time was used to “illuminate success and opportunities – where teams discussed purposeful actions and strategies to connect the school’s improvement to our school system’s goals. 

·        During this time, schools shared their patterns, tensions, insights and “one-liner’s.” Our team emphasized:  Patterns: emphasis placed on reading enhancement for general ed, remedial, SEC and enrichment. Tensions: working on continued additional support from parents/guardians and our community. Insights – Our goal is to always put students first! One- Liner: “Enhancing Performance for ALL students, one day at a time!” (4) Illuminating Success & Opportunities – having a deep discussion within our groups of purposeful actions, cross -zone sharing and learning and key takeaways. 

·        There was opportunity for reflection, feedback and elaboration. The conference was very insightful and well attended by SGS councils across Fulton County. 

6:18PM Discussion Item: SGC Parent/Teacher Elections Update* (Outreach and Communications Committee) 

·       Still in need of a teacher candidate.  We do have 1 parent who has declared candidacy.

6:19PM Discussion Item: Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (All Members) 

·       Sandtown Technology Students Association (TSA) Requesting $3,500-4,000 for transportation (flights), registration, and hotel to National TSA Convention in Washington DC.

·       Wired headphones for GMAS testing (Mr. Bush).  In need of approx. 700 reusable headphones. Requesting $765 total.

6:33PM Action Item: Approve Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals**** (Chair)  

·       TSA – Yes – 5, No – 0.  Unanimously approved for $4,000

·       GMAS headphones – Yes – 5, No – 0.  Unanimously approved for $765

6:47PM Informational Item: Principal’s Update (Principal)  

·       Proposed GMAS Schedule starting April 20^th and ending May 1^st.  Tested subjects: ELA and Math all 3 grade levels, 8^th grade Social Studies, Algebra, and 8^th grade Science

·       Support – Saturday Help Sessions, Study Skills Enrichment and Remediation, Morning Tutorial 8:25-8:55 (6^th grade Monday and Wednesday, 7^th grade Monday and Thursday, and 8^th grade Wednesday and Friday)

·       SMS Discipline – February saw an increase in incidents, but March incidents have decreased.  Classroom is still seeing the most discipline incidents by location. Sandtown is on track to meet the goal for lowering the total # of OSS days. 

·       Volunteers needed for morning arrival, afternoon dismissal, lunch duty, copies, cafeteria monitors, bathroom monitors, hall monitors, PBIS store

6:55PM Discussion Item: Draft Next Meeting’s Agenda (All Members) 

6:57PM Action Item: Meeting Adjournment (Chair); motion (Morse); seconded (Life)

April Agenda

School: Sandtown Middle School

Date: 4/14/2026

Time: 6:00PM

Location: TEAMs

TEAMS Link (if applicable): https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZDhiOWY2MDktZjM2OC00MTRkLTk2NGItZGEwNDYxZWRjMjI3%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%220cdcb198-8169-4b70-ba9f-da7e3ba700c2%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%2293a84b80-5585-4e3d-ac48-dea4108b5f38%22%7d

SGC Members: Principal Monica Roberts (Principal), Dr. Arianne Warner (Dean-Chair), Mrs. Diedre Caldwell (Parent- Vice Chair) Mrs. Rachael Shields (Parliamentarian), Mrs. Maya Jones (Teacher), Mrs. Keisha Lash-Edwards (Elected Parent), Mr. Edward Lee (Elected Parent), Ms. Azuloy Yvette Life (Teacher), Mr. Thomas Morse (Community Member), Mrs. Myana Solomon (Community Member)

6:00PM Call to Order (Chair)

6:02PM Action Item: Approve Agenda (Chair)

6:04PM Action Item: Approve Previous Month’s Minutes (Chair)                           

6:05PM Informational Item: Superintendent Advisory Councils Updates (Council Representative)

6:20PM Discussion Item: Spring 2025 Cross Council Debrief (All Members)

6:30PM Public Comment

6:35PM Discussion Item: Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (All Members)

6:40PM Action Item: Approve Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals** (Chair)

6:40PM Informational Item: Principal’s Update (Principal)

6:50PM Complete Council Surveys***(All Members)

• Council Self-Assessment (completed individually)
• Principal Feedback Survey (completed individually)
• SY25-26 SGC Reflection Form (completed as a group)

7:00PM Discussion Item: Draft Next Meeting’s Agenda (All Members)

7:00PM 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 Elections will take place between April 22^nd-April 29^th. Voters will receive ballots with candidate information for their schools through their email accounts that are registered in Infinite Campus.  Results will be shared with councils shortly following the close of the voting window and newly elected members will be contacted by the Governance Team to participate in New Member Onboarding.

** All councils must spend the entirety of their Charter Dollars prior to the end of the school year (Charter Dollar expenditures should align with all FCS Contracting requirements and purchase deadlines).  See the Charter Dollar Matrix for expenditure suggestions from each FCS district department.

*** SGC EOY Surveys (SGC Reflection Form, Council Self-Assessment, Principal Feedback Survey). Please find time to complete all three surveys with your council before the end of the school year.

• Council Self-Assessment (completed individually)
• Principal Feedback Survey (completed individually)
• SY25-26 SGC Reflection Form (completed as a group)

Quorum was not met.  April meeting rescheduled. 

Quorum was not met.  April meeting rescheduled. 

May Agenda

School: Sandtown Middle School

Date: 5/12/2026

Time: 6:00PM

Location: TEAMs

TEAMS Link (if applicable): https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZDhiOWY2MDktZjM2OC00MTRkLTk2NGItZGEwNDYxZWRjMjI3%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%220cdcb198-8169-4b70-ba9f-da7e3ba700c2%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%2293a84b80-5585-4e3d-ac48-dea4108b5f38%22%7d

SGC Members: Principal Monica Roberts (Principal), Dr. Arianne Warner (Dean-Chair), Mrs. Diedre Caldwell (Parent- Vice Chair) Mrs. Rachael Shields (Parliamentarian), Mrs. Maya Jones (Teacher), Mrs. Keisha Lash-Edwards (Elected Parent), Mr. Edward Lee (Elected Parent), Ms. Azuloy Yvette Life (Teacher), Mr. Thomas Morse (Community Member), Mrs. Myana Solomon (Community Member)

6:00PM Call to Order (Chair)

6:02PM Action Item: Approve Agenda (Chair)

6:04PM Action Item: Approve Previous Month’s Minutes (Chair)                           

6:05PM Informational Item: Superintendent Advisory Councils Updates (Council Representative)

6:15PM Discussion Item: New Member Transition (All Members)

A.      Celebrate Members Rolling off Council

B.      Welcome New Members

6:35PM Discussion Item: Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (All Members)

6:40PM Action Item: Approve Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals* (Chair)

6:42PM Informational Item: Principal’s Update (Principal)

6:45PM Complete Council Surveys** (All Members)

• Council Self-Assessment (completed individually)
• Principal Feedback Survey (completed individually)
• SY25-26 SGC Reflection Form (completed as a group)

7:00PM Action Item: Meeting Adjournment (Chair)

May Summary of Minutes

Date: 5/12/2026

Time: 6:00PM

Location: Microsoft Teams

SGC Members: Monica Roberts (Principal), Dr. Arianne Warner (Chair), Diedre Caldwell (Vice Chair), Rachael Shields (Parliamentarian), Maya Jones (Teacher), Keisha Lash-Edwards (Parent), Edward Lee (Parent), Azuloy Yvette Life (Teacher), Thomas Morse (Community Member), Myana Solomon (Community Member)

Not in Attendance: None

Action Items Approved: Agenda, April Minutes, Charter Dollar Expenditures (Girls Basketball Uniforms, Instructional Coach Teacher Wish List)

Discussion Items: New Member Transition (Recognition of Rolling Members, Welcome New Members), Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals

Information Items: Superintendent Advisory Council Updates (No Updates), Principal’s Update (GMAS Scores Received Except ELA, iReady Growth Data, Discipline Goal Progress, IB Focus for 26–27, New A/B/C Day Schedule for 26–27), Council Surveys Completed (Self-Assessment, Principal Feedback, SGC Reflection)

May Minutes

School: Sandtown Middle School

Date: 5/12/2026

Time: 6:00PM

Location: TEAMs

TEAMS Link (if applicable): https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZDhiOWY2MDktZjM2OC00MTRkLTk2NGItZGEwNDYxZWRjMjI3%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%220cdcb198-8169-4b70-ba9f-da7e3ba700c2%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%2293a84b80-5585-4e3d-ac48-dea4108b5f38%22%7d

SGC Members: Principal Monica Roberts (Principal), Dr. Arianne Warner (Dean-Chair), Mrs. Diedre Caldwell (Parent- Vice Chair) Mrs. Rachael Shields (Parliamentarian), Mrs. Maya Jones (Teacher), Mrs. Keisha Lash-Edwards (Elected Parent), Mr. Edward Lee (Elected Parent), Ms. Azuloy Yvette Life (Teacher), Mr. Thomas Morse (Community Member), Mrs. Myana Solomon (Community Member)

6:08PM Call to Order (Chair)

6:08PM Action Item: Approve Agenda (Chair) Motion to approve (Shields) Seconded (Caldwell)

6:09PM Action Item: Approve Previous Month’s Minutes (Chair) Motion to approve (Shields) Seconded (Life)

6:09PM Informational Item: Superintendent Advisory Councils Updates (Council Representative)

·       No updates

6:11PM Discussion Item: New Member Transition (All Members)

A.      Celebrate Members Rolling off Council

B.      Welcome New Members

6:12PM Discussion Item: Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (All Members)

·       Girls Basketball Team Reversible Uniforms.  Requesting $1,088 for 16 uniforms total.

·       Teacher wish list supplies (turn-it-in bins, timers, headphones, etc.) on behalf of the Instructional Coaches. Requesting $11,937 for supplies.

6:33PM Action Item: Approve Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals* (Chair)

·       Girls Basketball Team Uniforms – 8 yes, 0 no. Unanimously approved for $1,088

·       Instructional Coach Teacher Wish List – 8 yes, 0 no. Unanimously approved for $11,937

6:42PM Informational Item: Principal’s Update (Principal)

·       GMAS scores have arrived (excluding ELA)

·       iReady scores have improved (Tier 1 increased from 41% to 49%, Tier 2 stayed at 21%, Tier 3 decreased from 38% to 29%)

·       Discipline Goals – Met goals for decreasing OSS days and number of incidents, however ISS days increased

·       IB Focus for 26-27 school year – Incorporating IB language, applying ATL skills daily, and using IB assessment criterion and sharing info with parents

·       New Schedule for 26-27 school year – A/B day schedule on Mon/Tues/Thurs/Fri with 60 minute core classes and 90 minute connections.  C day schedule (Wed) students will attend a school club of their choice in lieu of connections

6:45PM Complete Council Surveys** (All Members)

• Council Self-Assessment (completed individually)
• Principal Feedback Survey (completed individually)
• SY25-26 SGC Reflection Form (completed as a group)

6:49PM Action Item: Meeting Adjournment (Chair) Motion to adjourn (Lash-Edwards) Seconded (Caldwell)

August Agenda

School: Sandtown Middle School

Date: 08/27/2024

Time: 5:00pm

Location: Virtual

TEAMS Link (if applicable): Teams Link

SGC Members: Deidre Caldwell-Parent, Jaynaia Griggs- Parent, Myana Solomon – Parent, Rachel Shields-School Employee, Arianne Warner - School Employee, Azuloy Yvette Life – Teacher, Marcia Green – Teacher, Shelia Brown – Community, Thomas Morse - Community

5:00PM Call to Order (Principal)

5:02PM Action Item: Approve Agenda (Principal)

5:05PM Action Item: Approve June Minutes (Principal)

5:10PM Discussion Item: Member Introductions (All Members)

5:15PM Action Item: Elect New Officers (Chair, Vice Chair, Parliamentarian) (Principal)

5:25PM Action Item: Action Items: Staff Standing Committees (Budget and Finance, Outreach and Communication, Principal Selection) (Chair)

5:30PM Discussion Item: Confirm Parent/Community  Superintendent Advisory Council Representative

5:35PM Discussion Item: Determine Meeting Schedule for SY24-25) (All Members)

5:40PM Discussion Item: Strategic Planning

6:10PM Informational Item: Principal’s Update (Principal)

6:25PM Discussion Item: Draft Next Meeting’s Agenda (All Members)

6:30PM Action Item: Meeting Adjournment (Chair)

Meeting Norms: Silence Phones, Be Respectful of Others’ Opinions, Work for the good of all Students

August Summary

Date: 08/27/2024

Time: 5:00PM

Location: Microsoft Teams

SGC Members: Diedre Caldwell (Parent), Jaynaia Griggs (Parent), Myana Solomon (Parent), Rachael Shields (School Employee), Dr. Arianne Warner (School Employee), Azuloy Yvette Life (Teacher), Marcia Green (Teacher), Shelia Brown (Community Member), Thomas Morse (Community Member)

Not in Attendance: None

Action Items Approved: Agenda, Election of Officers (Chair: Jaynaia Griggs; Vice Chair: Thomas Morse; Parliamentarian: Myana Solomon), Standing Committee Assignments (Budget & Finance, Outreach & Communication, Principal Selection)

Discussion Items: Member Introductions, Superintendent Advisory Council Representative Confirmation, Meeting Schedule for SY24–25, Strategic Planning, Drafting Next Meeting Agenda

Information Items: Principal’s Update (Positive Behavior Status, Strategic Academic Goals, SGC Fiscal Responsibility, 8th Grade Parent Night, Discipline Trends by Grade Level, Volunteer Needs, Staffing Changes, Open Positions in Math and Spanish, Save the Music Grant, Upcoming School Events)

August Minutes

School: Sandtown Middle School

Date: 08/27/2024

Time: 5:00pm

Location: Virtual

TEAMS Link (if applicable): Teams Link

SGC Members: Deidre Caldwell-Parent, Jaynaia Griggs- Parent, Myana Solomon – Parent, Rachel Shields-School Employee, Arianne Warner - School Employee, Azuloy Yvette Life – Teacher, Marcia Green – Teacher, Shelia Brown – Community, Thomas Morse - Community

5:00PM Call to Order (Principal)

5:02PM Action Item: Approve Agenda (Principal)

5:05PM Action Item: Approve June Minutes (Principal) – will move to the next meeting, do not have the minutes.

5:10PM Discussion Item: Member Introductions (All Members)

5:15PM Action Item: Elect New Officers (Chair, Vice Chair, Parliamentarian) (Principal)

Jaynaia Griggs – Chair

Thomas Morse  - Vice Chair

Myana Soloman  - Parliamentarian

Vote –

5 Yes

 0 No

5:25PM Action Item: Action Items: Staff Standing Committees (Budget and Finance, Outreach and Communication, Principal Selection) (Chair)

Thomas Morse – Outreach and Communications

Rachel Shields – Budget and Finance

Yvette  Life – Principal Selection

Vote –

5 – yes

 0 – No

5:30PM Discussion Item: Confirm Parent/Community  Superintendent Advisory Council Representative

Myana Solomon

5:35PM Discussion Item: Determine Meeting Schedule for SY24-25) (All Members)

3^rd Tuesday  of Sept, 10^th. Oct 8^th, (fall break), Nov , Jan, Feb, March, April, May, June at 5 pm EST

5:40PM Discussion Item: Strategic Planning

6:10PM Informational Item: Principal’s Update (Principal)

Behavior is in a good place at SMS

Strategic Action Plan  - Academic Goals

SGC – role utilizing fiscal resources effectively

8^th grade parent night – tomorrow 8/28 high school, feeder and choice schools will attend. 5:30 pm

Discipline Data – 7-8^th grade have highest occurrences of discipline issues

Volunteers Needed

Sept 3  -  Meet and Greet w/ teachers and staff

A.      Potential School Staffing Changes

Losing 1 IRR, losing 1 vacancy in Special Education

1 Math position open 8^th grade

Spanish 6^th grade Position open

B. Shifts in District Policy or School Practices

C. Calendar of Upcoming School Events

$40,000 save the music grant – will purchase the equipment for Music Technology class

6:25PM Discussion Item: Draft Next Meeting’s Agenda (All Members)

Discussion Items:

Approve June Minutes (Principal)

Strategic Planning

Budget and Finance  Principals Update

Grants and Additional Supports for Students  - Thomas Morse

6:30PM Action Item: Meeting Adjournment (Chair)

5:46 pm – Jaynaia Griggs Motion

Myana Solomon 2^nd

5 yes

0  - no

Meeting Norms: Silence Phones, Be Respectful of Others’ Opinions, Work for the good of all Students

September Agenda

School: Sandtown Middle School

Date: 09/17/2024

Time: 5 pm 

Location: Teams

SGC Members: Deidre Caldwell-Parent, Jaynaia Griggs- Parent, Myana Solomon – Parent, Rachel Shields-School Employee, Arianne Warner - School Employee, Azuloy Yvette Life – Teacher, Marcia Green – Teacher, Shelia Brown – Community, Thomas Morse - Community

Call to Order (Chair)

Action Item: Approve Agenda (Chair)

Action Item: Approve August Minutes (Chair)

Action Item: Finalize Council Staffing* (Chair)

Discussion Item: SGC Council Development Opportunities (Officer Training and Cross Council) ** (All Members)

Discussion Item: Review SGC Website for Compliance (All Members) – send info to Pass Cameron for updating.

Discussion Item: Review 2024 Council Self-Assessment and Create Initiatives*** (All Members)

Discussion Item: Strategic Planning**** (All Members)

Informational Item: Principal’s Update (Principal)

Discussion Item: Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (Chair)

Action Item: Meeting Adjournment (Chair)

September Summary

Date: 09/17/2024

Time: 5:00PM

Location: Microsoft Teams

SGC Members: Jaynaia Griggs (Parent), Rachael Shields (School Employee), Dr. Arianne Warner (School Employee), Azuloy Yvette Life (Teacher), Marcia Green (Teacher), Thomas Morse (Community Member)

Not in Attendance: Diedre Caldwell (Parent), Shelia Brown (Community Member), Myana Solomon (Parent)

Action Items Approved: Agenda, August Minutes, Finalization of Council Staffing

Discussion Items: SGC Council Development Opportunities (Officer Training, Cross Council), SGC Website Compliance Updates, Strategic Planning (Moved to October), 2024 Council Self-Assessment & Initiatives (Moved to October), Charter Dollar Expenditures (None), New Business (Website Posting of Emergency Meeting Notices/Minutes)

Information Items: Principal’s Update (None)

September Minutes

School: Sandtown Middle School

Date: 09/17/2024

Time: 5 pm – 5:19 pm  

Location: Teams

SGC Members: Deidre Caldwell-Parent, Jaynaia Griggs- Parent, Myana Solomon – Parent, Rachel Shields-School Employee, Arianne Warner - School Employee, Azuloy Yvette Life – Teacher, Marcia Green – Teacher, Shelia Brown – Community, Thomas Morse - Community

Call to Order (Chair) 5:01

Action Item: Approve Agenda (Chair) – Motion Thomas Morse, 2^nd  Rachel Shields – approved

Action Item: Approve August Minutes (Chair) – Motion to approve - Rachel Shields, 2^nd Ms. Life  - Approved

Action Item: Finalize Council Staffing* (Chair) – complete

Discussion Item: SGC Council Development Opportunities (Officer Training and Cross Council) ** (All Members) Upcoming Events & Deadlines Officer Training

Cross Council Opportunities

Discussion Item: Review SGC Website for Compliance (All Members) – send info to Pass Cameron for updating.

Discussion Item: Review 2024 Council Self-Assessment and Create Initiatives*** (All Members) – move to Oct meeting

Discussion Item: Strategic Planning**** (All Members) See page 2 for more detailed information – Prin. Freeman to academic plan to Oct meeting for review.

Informational Item: Principal’s Update (Principal) - NONE

Discussion Item: Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (Chair) – NONE

New Business  - Thomas Morse – suggestion that emergency meeting minutes/ notification  be added to website.

Action Item: Meeting Adjournment (Chair)  - Motion Arianne Warner, 2^nd Thomas Morse  = 6 yes  0 no.

October Agenda

School: Sandtown Middle School

Date: 10/08/2024

Time: 5 pm  

Location: Teams

SGC Members: Deidre Caldwell-Parent, Jaynaia Griggs- Parent, Myana Solomon – Parent, Rachel Shields-School Employee, Arianne Warner - School Employee, Azuloy Yvette Life – Teacher, Marcia Green – Teacher, Shelia Brown – Community, Thomas Morse - Community

Call to Order (Chair)

Action Item: Approve Agenda (Chair)

Action Item: Approve Sept Minutes (Chair)

Discussion Item: SGC Council Development Opportunities (Officer Training and Cross Council) ** (All Members)

Discussion Item: Review SGC Website for Compliance (All Members)  

Discussion Item: Strategic Planning**** (All Members)

Informational Item: Principal’s Update (Principal)

Discussion Item: Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (Chair)  

Action Item: Meeting Adjournment (Chair)   

October Summary

Date: 10/08/2024

Time: 5:00PM

Location: Microsoft Teams

SGC Members: Diedre Caldwell (Parent), Jaynaia Griggs (Parent), Rachael Shields (School Employee), Dr. Arianne Warner (School Employee), Azuloy Yvette Life (Teacher), Shelia Brown (Community Member), Thomas Morse (Community Member)

Not in Attendance: Marcia Green (Teacher), Myana Solomon (Parent),

Action Items Approved: Agenda (Amended), September Minutes

Discussion Items: SGC Council Development Opportunities (Cross Council Training – Morse Attending), SGC Website Compliance Updates, Strategic Planning, Charter Dollar Expenditure Process (Budget Overview, Spending Matrix, Special Education Needs), New Business (Certification Opportunities and Grant Champions)

Information Items: Principal’s Update (None)

October Minutes

School: Sandtown Middle School

Date: 10/08/2024

Time: 5 pm  

Location: Teams

SGC Members: Deidre Caldwell-Parent, Jaynaia Griggs- Parent, Myana Solomon – Parent, Rachel Shields-School Employee, Arianne Warner - School Employee, Azuloy Yvette Life – Teacher, Marcia Green – Teacher, Shelia Brown – Community, Thomas Morse - Community

Call to Order (Chair) – Jaynaia, 2^nd Call to Order

Action Item: Approve Agenda (Chair) – Oct agenda approved as amended -  motion Chair, 2^nd Ms. Life

Action Item: Approve Sept Minutes (Chair) – Chair to approve, Warner 2^nd - approved

Discussion Item: SGC Council Development Opportunities (Officer Training and Cross Council) ** (All Members) Morse will attend cross council training from 9-11 am

Discussion Item: Review SGC Website for Compliance (All Members) – send info to Pass Cameron for updating.

Discussion Item: Strategic Planning**** (All Members) See page 2 for more detailed information – Prin. Freeman to academic plan to Oct meeting for review.

Informational Item: Principal’s Update (Principal) - None

Discussion Item: Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (Chair) – went over the process of how to request funds. $46,391.00, approved $8,000 thus.

Idea for ways to spend and went over the matrix

https://www.fultonschools.org/our-district/charter-system/sgc-resources

Special Education needs for example

New Business   - Mr. Morse re: new certification opportunity and grant champions

Action Item: Meeting Adjournment (Chair)  - 5:35 pm  Motion to adjourn  - Chair , 2^nd Ms Warner

November Agenda

School: Sandtown Middle School

Date: 11/19/2024

Time: 5:30 PM

Location: Teams

SGC Members:  Deidre Caldwell-Parent, Jaynaia Griggs- Parent, Myana Solomon – Parent, Rachel Shields-School Employee, Arianne Warner - School Employee, Azuloy Yvette Life – Teacher, Marcia Green – Teacher, Shelia Brown – Community, Thomas Morse – Community

5:30PM Call to Order (Chair)

5:32PM Action Item: Approve Agenda (Chair)

5:35PM Action Item: Approve October Minutes (Chair)

5:40PM Discussion Item: Review SGC Website Audit Results* (All Members)

5:45PM Discussion Item: Debrief Fall Cross Council Meeting (All Members)

5:50PM Informational Item: Superintendent Advisory Council Update (Advisory Council Representative)

5:55PM Discussion Item: Strategic Planning** (All Members)

A.     Review Feedback

B.     Monitor Progress

6:05PM Discussion Item: Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (All Members)

6:10PM Action Item: Approve Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals*** (Chair)

6:15PM Informational Item: Principal’s Update (Principal)

6:20PM Discussion Item: Draft Next Meeting’s Agenda (All Members)

6:25PM Action Item: Meeting Adjournment (Chair)

November Summary

Date: 11/19/2024

Time: 5:30PM

Location: Microsoft Teams

SGC Members: Diedre Caldwell (Parent), Jaynaia Griggs (Parent), Myana Solomon (Parent), Rachael Shields (School Employee), Dr. Arianne Warner (School Employee), Azuloy Yvette Life (Teacher), Marcia Green (Teacher), Shelia Brown (Community Member), Thomas Morse (Community Member)

Not in Attendance: None

Action Items Approved: Agenda, October Minutes, Charter Dollar Expenditures

Discussion Items: SGC Website Audit Results, Fall Cross Council Meeting Debrief, Strategic Planning (Feedback Review, Progress Monitoring), Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals, Drafting Next Meeting Agenda

Information Items: Superintendent Advisory Council Updates, Principal’s Update

November Minutes

School: Sandtown Middle School

Date: 11/19/2024

Time: 5:30 PM

Location: Teams

SGC Members:  Deidre Caldwell-Parent, Jaynaia Griggs- Parent, Myana Solomon – Parent, Rachel Shields-School Employee, Arianne Warner - School Employee, Azuloy Yvette Life – Teacher, Marcia Green – Teacher, Shelia Brown – Community, Thomas Morse – Community

5:30PM Call to Order (Chair)

5:32PM Action Item: Approve Agenda (Chair)

5:35PM Action Item: Approve October Minutes (Chair)

5:40PM Discussion Item: Review SGC Website Audit Results* (All Members)

5:45PM Discussion Item: Debrief Fall Cross Council Meeting (All Members)

5:50PM Informational Item: Superintendent Advisory Council Update (Advisory Council Representative)

5:55PM Discussion Item: Strategic Planning** (All Members)

A.     Review Feedback

B.     Monitor Progress

6:05PM Discussion Item: Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (All Members)

6:10PM Action Item: Approve Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals*** (Chair)

6:15PM Informational Item: Principal’s Update (Principal)

6:20PM Discussion Item: Draft Next Meeting’s Agenda (All Members)

6:25PM Action Item: Meeting Adjournment (Chair)

December Meeting Cancelled

December Meeting Cancelled

December Meeting Cancelled

January Agenda

School: Sandtown Middle School

Date: 1/28/2025

Time: 5:00PM

Location: TEAMS

SGC Members: Deidre Caldwell-Parent, Jaynaia Griggs- Parent, Myana Solomon – Parent, Rachel Shields-School Employee, Arianne Warner - School Employee, Azuloy Yvette Life – Teacher, Marcia Green – Teacher, Shelia Brown – Community, Thomas Morse – Community

5:00PM Call to Order (Chair)

5:00PM Action Item: Approve Agenda (Chair)

5:00PM Action Item: Approve December Minutes (Chair)

5:00PM Discussion Item: Planning for Parent/Teacher SGC Elections*

5:00PM Discussion Item: Planning for Annual Budget Approval**

5:00PM Discussion Item: Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (All Members)

5:00PM Action Item: Approve Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals*** (Chair)

5:00PM Informational Item: Principal’s Update (Principal)

5:00PM Discussion Item: Draft Next Meeting’s Agenda (All Members)

6:00PM Action Item: Meeting Adjournment (Chair)

January Summary

Date: 01/28/2025

Time: 5:00PM

Location: Microsoft Teams

SGC Members: Diedre Caldwell (Parent), Jaynaia Griggs (Parent), Rachael Shields (School Employee), Dr. Arianne Warner (School Employee), Marcia Green (Teacher), Shelia Brown (Community Member), Thomas Morse (Community Member)

Not in Attendance: Azuloy Yvette Life (Teacher), Myana Solomon (Parent)

Action Items Approved: Agenda, Charter Dollar Expenditures (College Trip – FAMU/FSU, Gym Scoreboard, Special Education Printer)

Discussion Items: Planning for Parent/Teacher SGC Elections, Annual Budget Planning (Scheduled for February), Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals, Drafting Next Meeting Agenda

Information Items: Principal’s Update (District Guidance on ICE Communications)

January Minutes

School: Sandtown Middle School

Date: 1/28/2025

Time: 5:00PM

Location: TEAMS

SGC Members:  Deidre Caldwell-Parent, Jaynaia Griggs- Parent, Myana Solomon – Parent, Rachel Shields-School Employee, Arianne Warner - School Employee, Azuloy Yvette Life – Teacher, Marcia Green – Teacher, Shelia Brown – Community, Thomas Morse – Community

5:07PM Call to Order (Chair)

5:00PM Action Item: Approve Agenda (Chair) – Green, 2^nd Morse

5:00PM Action Item: Approve December Minutes (Chair) – postpone to Feb  Call

5:13PM Discussion Item: Planning for Parent/Teacher SGC Elections* - give flyers to Ms. North for printing.

5:00PM Discussion Item: Planning for Annual Budget Approval** - Feb Meeting

5:17PM Discussion Item: Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (All Members)

-         Bataille and Goodson  - College Trip FAMU and FSU Quote - $18,728 - $4,000 previously granted by Council. Lots of interest, only 20 have paid. Ask - $5,000 to reduce cost of this trip to approx. $120 per student down from $175.  – approved

-         Roberts  - scoreboard in gym PE/Heath/Athletics current board no longer operational. Used for PE classes and on campus sports. Asking for $5,000 to pay for board and installation.

-         Robinson – printer for special education department classroom. It has no working color printer for the program. Students heavily rely upon color printed communication board and other visual supports. Ask of $1,300 (for approx. 700 printer and ink max $2,300 for $1300 printer and ink)

5:00PM Action Item: Approve Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals*** (Chair)

5:38 PM Informational Item: Principal’s Update (Principal) SMS Communication on ICE – using current district guidelines until otherwise informed.

5:00PM Discussion Item: Draft Next Meeting’s Agenda (All Members)

TSA ask for State and Nationals

SGA Family engagement ask

ECW 2025 March Ask

PE Department ask

5:45PM Action Item: Meeting Adjournment (Chair) Jaynaia, Green 2^nd)

February Agenda

School: SMS

Date: 2/11/2025

Time: 5:00PM

Location: TEAMS

SGC Members: Deidre Caldwell-Parent, Jaynaia Griggs- Parent, Myana Solomon – Parent, Rachel Shields-School Employee, Arianne Warner - School Employee, Azuloy Yvette Life – Teacher, Marcia Green – Teacher, Shelia Brown – Community, Thomas Morse – Community

Call to Order (Chair)

Action Item: Approve Agenda (Chair)

Action Item: Approve January Minutes (Chair)                                    

Informational Item: Superintendent Advisory Councils Updates (Council Representative)

Discussion Item: Planning for Parent/Teacher SGC Elections*

Action Item: Annual Budget Approval** (Chair) – postpone , the link is not open

Discussion Item: Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (All Members)

Action Item: Approve Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals*** (Chair)

 Informational Item: Principal’s Update (Principal)

Discussion Item: Draft Next Meeting’s Agenda (All Members)

Action Item: Meeting Adjournment (Chair)

February Summary

Date: 02/11/2025

Time: 5:00PM

Location: Microsoft Teams

SGC Members: Diedre Caldwell (Parent), Rachael Shields (School Employee), Dr. Arianne Warner (School Employee), Azuloy Yvette Life (Teacher), Marcia Green (Teacher), Shelia Brown (Community Member), Thomas Morse (Community Member)

Not in Attendance: Jaynaia Griggs (Parent), Myana Solomon (Parent)

Action Items Approved: Agenda, January Minutes, Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (YMOS Georgia Tech Field Trip – Pending Food Cost Adjustment, TSA State & National Conventions, Fine Arts Department Equipment & Supplies)

Discussion Items: Planning for Parent/Teacher SGC Elections, Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals, Drafting Next Meeting Agenda

Information Items: Superintendent Advisory Council Updates (January SAC In-Person Meeting Highlights, District Budget Considerations, Teacher Retention, Student Advisory Panel, Superintendent Q&A), Principal’s Update

February Minutes

School: SMS

Date: 2/11/2025

Time: 5:00PM

Location: TEAMS

SGC Members: Deidre Caldwell-Parent, Jaynaia Griggs- Parent, Myana Solomon – Parent, Rachael Shields – School Employee, Arianne Warner - School Employee, Azuloy Yvette Life – Teacher, Marcia Green – Teacher, Shelia Brown – Community, Thomas Morse – Community

5:05 pm Call to Order (Chair)

5:07 pm Action Item: Approve Agenda (Chair) – Warner, Life 2^nd

5:08 pm Action Item: Approve January Minutes (Chair) Caldwell; Warner 2^nd                                                                                                           

5:10 pm Informational Item: Superintendent Advisory Councils Updates (Council Representative)

-          Review of In-Person Meeting presented by Ms. Life.  Occurred on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at Riverwood International Charter High School.  Attended by Mr. Thomas Morse (Parent Representative) A. Yvette Life (Teacher Representative)

“The SAC Committee provided a “Gratitude Table” for school representatives to write “Thank You” cards to someone in the FCS District that has made a difference in their lives. “Stories of Values” and “Conversational Starters” were distributed among the decorated tables. Family First Credit Union provided “gift bags” for all in attendance. Supt. Looney provided an inspirational speech for all stakeholders. A “Student Panel” of 5 High school students from the “Student Advisory Council” of FCS spoke on various leadership roles/stories that their various pathways have provided. Westlake High School was represented by Junior Jace Williams who presented an exceptional presentation. Dr. Looney and all District Leaders from the FCS Cabinet were on a panel for teachers, students and parent representatives to write questions and concerns on notecards. The panel answered many questions that involved various topics, such as the upcoming school budget, teacher retention and spring assessments.”

5:13 pm Discussion Item: Planning for Parent/Teacher SGC Elections*

-          Two possible candidates suggested by Caldwell:  Keisha Lash Edwards and Ehize Lee

5:16 pm Action Item: Annual Budget Approval** (Chair) – postpone, the link is not open. 

-          Will return in late Feb. or March

5:18 pm Discussion Item: Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (All Members)

-          Proposal by Mr. Marc:  YMOS Field Trip to Georgia Tech.  Purpose: to explore careers in STEM.  Cost $900 for travel/2 FCS buses, $1200 for lunch for 80 students.  Total cost: $2100.  Dates of trips: splitting up students for trip = 40 students attend on Wednesday March 26^th, and 40 attend on Thursday April 17^th.  Students would attend during the school day.  Mr. Marc will follow up regarding increase in cost if they decide to have students eat at the GA Tech cafeteria.  Motion to approve by Caldwell.  Motion seconded by Morse.  Voted unanimously to move forward pending that there may be changes to food cost. 

-          Proposal by Ms. Green: TSA State Convention in Athens, GA, as well as Nationals in Nashville, TN.  35 students to attend at State Convention, qualifying students will attend Nationals in June.  Cost will go towards room & board, food, travel, and professional wear.  $325 (registration & room & board) per student for State Convention.  Asking for $11,000 total to offset individual student cost of trip(s). Motion to approve: Caldwell.  Warner 2^nd.  Approved = 8.  Motion passed unanimously. 

-          Proposal by Ms. Dennis: on behalf of the Fine Arts Department.  Asking for $3200 to cover costs of better sound system, costumes, lighting, a dance bar, headset microphones, and a comprehensive stage set.  Also requesting  for leotards, skirts, ballet shoes, and tights. Cost for each bus to Alliance Theatre is $450.  Total cost $5000.  Motion to approve: Caldwell.  Green 2^nd.  Approved votes = 8.  Motion passed unanimously. 

6:17 pm Action Item: Approve Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals*** (Co-Chair)

6:18 pm Informational Item: Principal’s Update (Principal)

6:19 pm Discussion Item: Draft Next Meeting’s Agenda (All Members)

-          Follow-up with Mr. Marc regarding lunch costs for YMOS trip

-          Planning for Parent/Teacher SGC Elections*

-          2025-26 Budget

-          2024-25 Charter dollar budget update as of Feb. 11^th.

6:21 pm Action Item: Meeting Adjournment (Chair) Mr. Morse, 2^nd Green

March Meeting Agenda

School Sandtown Middle School

Date: 03/13/2025

Time: 5:00PM

Location: TEAMS

SGC Members: Deidre Caldwell-Parent, Jaynaia Griggs- Parent, Myana Solomon – Parent, Rachel Shields-School Employee, Arianne Warner - School Employee, Azuloy Yvette Life – Teacher, Marcia Green – Teacher, Shelia Brown – Community, Thomas Morse – Community

5:03 PM Call to Order (Chair)

5:05 PM Action Item: Approve Agenda (Chair)

5:08 PM Discussion Item: Planning for Annual Budget Approval (Principal)

5:21 PM Discussion Item: Planning for Parent/Teacher SGC Elections*

5:25 PM Discussion Item: Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (All Members)

5:51 PM Action Item: Approve February Minutes (Chair)

5:54 PM Discussion Item: Draft Next Meeting’s Agenda (All Members)

5:56 PM Informational Item: Superintendents Teacher Advisory Council  

6:02 PM Action Item: Meeting Adjournment (Chair)

March Summary

Date: 03/13/2025

Time: 5:00PM

Location: Microsoft Teams

SGC Members: Diedre Caldwell (Parent), Jaynaia Griggs (Parent), Myana Solomon (Parent), Rachael Shields (School Employee), Dr. Arianne Warner (School Employee), Azuloy Yvette Life (Teacher), Marcia Green (Teacher), Shelia Brown (Community Member), Thomas Morse (Community Member)

Not in Attendance: None

Action Items Approved: Agenda, Annual Budget Plan, Charter Dollar Expenditures (YMOS Book Purchase, Beta Club National Convention), February Minutes

Discussion Items: Annual Budget Planning, SGC Elections Planning, Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals, Drafting Next Meeting Agenda

Information Items: Superintendent Teacher Advisory Council Updates (School Safety Canines, Budget Adjustments and Salary Increases, Cell Phone Policy Consideration, Threat Communication Protocols, Special Education Professional Development Needs, Teacher Bill of Rights)

March Meeting Minutes

School Sandtown Middle School

Date: 03/13/2025

Time: 5:00PM

Location: TEAMS

TEAMS Link (if applicable):

SGC Members:

SGC Members: Deidre Caldwell-Parent, Jaynaia Griggs- Parent, Myana Solomon – Parent, Rachel Shields-School Employee, Arianne Warner - School Employee, Azuloy Yvette Life – Teacher, Marcia Green – Teacher, Shelia Brown – Community, Thomas Morse – Community

5:03 PM Call to Order (Chair), Motion to second (Warner), unanimously approved by SGC

5:05 PM Action Item: Approve Agenda (Chair), Motion to Approve (Caldwell), Seconded (Morse), unanimously approved by SGC

5:08 PM Discussion Item: Planning for Annual Budget Approval – Principal Freeman

·       Budget Plan is aligned to Strategic Action Plan (enhancing performance for all students by improving ELA Milestone Data, prioritizing safety and operational efficiency by minimizing OSS/ISS days, ensure impactful programming by increasing number of students in advanced courses, strengthening employee engagement by retaining employees, utilizing fiscal resources effectively by spending charter dollars, and deepening community connections by cutting absenteeism). 

·       Projected enrollment for Sandtown has gone up.  Budget for Sandtown has gone up due to increased enrollment. 

·       FY2025 Charter Dollars = 46,390.  Budget for next year has not been determined. 

·       FY2025 Title 1 Dollars = $303, 873 (a decrease by approx. $50,000)

·       Motion to Approve (Morse), Motion to second (Warner), unanimously approved by SGC

5:21 PM Discussion Item: Planning for Parent/Teacher SGC Elections*

·       The 25-26 TOTY will become our new teacher SGC representative.  We are still in need of a parent SGC representative for the 2025-26 school year.  Deadline March 28^th. 

5:25 PM Discussion Item: Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (All Members)

·       Proposal on behalf of Young Men of Sandtown (Marc) – “Make Your Own Money: How Kids Can Earn It, Save It, Spend It, and Dream Big, with Danny Dollar, the King of Cha-Ching” book, how kids can earn it, save it, spend it.  This book would be purchased for every student in YMOS.  8.69 per book, 80 books total= $695.20.  Motion to approve (Caldwell), Seconded by (Brown), unanimously approved by SGC

·       Proposal on behalf of SMS Beta Club (Shields) – Requested funds for upcoming trip to Beta National Convention.  Requesting $7,600.  Motion to approve (Solomon), seconded by Caldwell, unanimously approved by SGC

5:51 PM Action Item: Approve February Minutes (Chair), Motion to approve (Caldwell), Seconded by Green, unanimously approved by SGC

5:54 PM Discussion Item: Draft Next Meeting’s Agenda (All Members)

5:56 PM Informational Item: Superintendents Teacher Advisory Council (Life).

·       Dr. Looney shared that we have 3 canines for Fulton County to check for weapons and explosives.

·       There will be some budget cuts due to low enrollment, but teachers will see an increase in salaries. 

·       A no cell phone policy for k-8 is being encouraged by Supt. Dr. Looney. 

·       What is the protocol of who finds out that there has been a threat to school and

how is it disseminated according to level 1, level 2 and level 3 – Dr. Looney responded:  Fulton has a detailed threat assessment protocol. The principal is expected to notify stakeholders, including parents and employees. Communication is typically drafted by the principal in collaboration with the zone superintendent and the communications department.

·       SEC Question – There has been a significant increase with many new SEC teachers moving from different counties and states and would like additional professional development to ensure that they comply and up to date with FCS alignment with SEC. – The Executive Director for Exceptional Children was in the meeting and shared she would take feedback to her team and send information out to SEC Teachers upon a decision.

·       Teacher Bill of Rights - read over the new Bill of Rights and gave feedback on what is working, what is not and how this Bill of Right protects Teachers.

April Agenda

School:   Sandtown Middle School

Date: 4/15/2025

Time: 5:00PM

Location: TEAMS

SGC Members: Deidre Caldwell-Parent, Jaynaia Griggs- Parent, Myana Solomon – Parent, Rachael Shields - School Employee, Arianne Warner - School Employee, Azuloy Yvette Life – Teacher, Marcia Green –Teacher, Shelia Brown – Community, Thomas Morse – Community

5:00 PM Call to Order (Chair)

9:05AM Informational Item: Superintendent Advisory Councils Updates (Council Representative)

5:04PM Discussion Item: SGC Parent/Teacher Elections Update* (Outreach and Communications Committee)

5:05PM Discussion Item: Spring 2025 Strategic Plan Retreat Debrief (All Members)

5:10PM Public Comment

5:07PM Discussion Item: Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (All Members)

5:08PM Action Item: Approve Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals**** (Chair)

5:10PM Informational Item: Principal’s Update (Principal Freeman)

5:20PM Complete Council Surveys (All Members)

SY24-25 SGC Reflection Form (Completed as a group)

Council Self-Assessment – 2025 (Completed individually)

Principal Feedback Survey– 2025 (Completed individually)

5:25PM Discussion Item: Draft Next Meeting’s Agenda (All Members)

5:35PM Action Item: Approve Agenda (Chair)

5:40PM Action Item: Approve March Minutes (Chair) 

5:30PM Action Item: Meeting Adjournment (Chair)

Meeting Norms: Silence Phones, Be Respectful of Others’ Opinions, Work for the good of all Students

April Summary

Date: 04/15/2025

Time: 5:00PM

Location: Microsoft Teams

SGC Members: Diedre Caldwell (Parent), Jaynaia Griggs (Parent), Rachael Shields (School Employee), Dr. Arianne Warner (School Employee), Azuloy Yvette Life (Teacher), Marcia Green (Teacher), Shelia Brown (Community Member), Thomas Morse (Community Member)

Not in Attendance: Myana Solomon (Parent)

Action Items Approved: Agenda (Next Meeting), March Minutes

Discussion Items: SGC Elections Update, Spring 2025 Strategic Plan Retreat Debrief, Charter Dollar Expenditures (None), Drafting Next Meeting Agenda

Information Items: Superintendent Advisory Council Updates (Cell Phone Policy Proposal, Senior Tax Exemption Bill, District Cost-Saving Measures, Bill of Rights Feedback), Principal’s Update (Strategic Action Plan Progress, GMAS Testing Plan, Discipline Reduction Strategies, Advanced Math Enrollment Growth, Teacher Retention, Attendance Improvements, Fiscal Responsibility, “Beating the Odds” Recognition, Volunteer Needs, ScreenBeam Training), Council Surveys Completed (SGC Reflection Form, Self-Assessment, Principal Feedback)

April Minutes

School:   Sandtown Middle School

Date: 4/15/2025

Time: 5:00PM

Location: TEAMS

SGC Members: Deidre Caldwell-Parent, Jaynaia Griggs- Parent, Myana Solomon – Parent, Rachael Shields - School Employee, Arianne Warner - School Employee, Azuloy Yvette Life – Teacher, Marcia Green –Teacher, Shelia Brown – Community, Thomas Morse – Community

5:00 PM Call to Order (Chair) motion by Warner, seconded by Green                

9:05AM Informational Item: Superintendent Advisory Councils Updates (Council Representative) Presented by Ms. Life

·       Cell Phone Policy: Dr. Looney discussed a new policy being discussed by the Board that would restrict cell phone use for K-8 students during the school day, aligning with HB340 that has passed the Senate. The policy for high school students would only restrict usage during instructional time. Please use this ThoughtExchange to add any feedback you may have on the draft policy being discussed by the Board.

·       Senior Exemption Bill: Dr. Looney introduced a bill providing tax exemptions for seniors, meaning a 25% exemption for ages 65-69, and a 50% exemption for ages 70+. The district's financial impact is estimated at $51 million annually.

·       Cost-Saving Measures: Dr. Looney emphasized the need for cost-saving input as the district faces budget challenges.

·       Central office staff have been instructed to cut 5% of their budgets.

·       The Board is committed to giving a pay raise to our employees but continues to face a significant deficit due to lower student enrollment, reduced state funding, and an increase in local fair share.

·       Bill of Rights – Erin Nusnbaum reviewed the ongoing process for revising and reviewing the FCS Bill of Rights, emphasizing the importance of continued feedback from all stakeholders. Please use this link to provide your feedback: https://tejoin.com/scroll/880100978

5:04PM Discussion Item: SGC Parent/Teacher Elections Update* (Outreach and Communications Committee) Jaynaia

·       Elections are open from 4/16-4/23.  Specifics on how to vote will be sent out to parents and teachers on Wed. 4/16.  Teachers can vote for teacher representatives and parents may vote for parent representatives.  If you have students at multiple schools, you will receive a link for each student. 

5:05PM Discussion Item: Spring 2025 Strategic Plan Retreat Debrief (All Members)

5:10PM Public Comment – none

5:07PM Discussion Item: Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (All Members) – none this month

5:08PM Action Item: Approve Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals**** (Chair)

5:10PM Informational Item: Principal’s Update (Principal Freeman)

·       Principal Freeman went over updates with Sandtown’s Strategic Action Plan. 

o   Sandtown has a testing plan in place for GMAs

o   We are actively working to decrease the number of ISS/OSS days, fighting has been a big issue.  One plan of action has been a “Check In, Check Out” system for our students who have multiple suspensions. 

o   We have increased the number of students enrolled in Advanced Math by 35%

o   Teacher retention is at a high with only 4 Sandtown teachers not returning for the 25-26 school year

o   Attendance has also improved.  We are at 85% satisfaction.  Chronic and Severe Chronic absences have decreased.  Students who were identified as chronically absent have been withdrawn.  The Counseling Department has also been holding attendance celebrations for students with satisfactory attendance.

o   Fiscal Resources have been used responsibly, and any leftover money will be used for supplies.

·       Sandtown has been recognized as a “Beating the Odds School”.  SMS has scored higher on the CCRPI than schools with our similar demographics. 

·       Sandtown Volunteers (copies, hall monitors, bathroom monitors, etc.) are needed as the year ends.

·       Training on Screenbeam.  Some teachers received Screenbeams this year to use as a technology resource in the classroom.  Teachers have requested additional training to be able to utilize the resource effectively.

5:20PM Complete Council Surveys (All Members)

                  SY24-25 SGC Reflection Form (Completed as a group)

Council Self-Assessment – 2025 (Completed individually)

Principal Feedback Survey– 2025 (Completed individually)

5:25PM Discussion Item: Draft Next Meeting’s Agenda (All Members)

5:35PM Action Item: Approve Agenda (Chair) motion by Warner, second by Morse, approved 5 yes, 0 no

5:40PM Action Item: Approve March Minutes (Chair) motion by Green, second by Morse, approved 5 yes, 0 no

5:30PM Action Item: Meeting Adjournment (Chair)

Meeting Norms: Silence Phones, Be Respectful of Others’ Opinions, Work for the good of all Students

May Agenda

School:   Sandtown Middle School

Date: 5/5/2025

Time: 5:00PM

Location: TEAMS

TEAMS Link (if applicable):

SGC Members: Deidre Caldwell-Parent, Jaynaia Griggs- Parent, Myana Solomon – Parent, Rachael Shields - School Employee, Arianne Warner - School Employee, Azuloy Yvette Life – Teacher, Marcia Green –Teacher, Shelia Brown – Community, Thomas Morse – Community

5:00 PM Call to Order (Chair)

5:02 PM Action Item: Election of Two Members to the Principal’s Committee

• • Overview of Role and Responsibilities
  • Nominations and Candidate Introductions
  • Discussion
  • Vote

5:07 PM Action Item: Meeting Adjournment (Chair)

May Summary

Date: 05/05/2025

Time: 5:00PM

Location: Microsoft Teams

SGC Members: Diedre Caldwell (Parent), Jaynaia Griggs (Parent), Myana Solomon (Parent), Rachael Shields (School Employee), Azuloy Yvette Life (Teacher), Marcia Green (Teacher), Shelia Brown (Community Member), Thomas Morse (Community Member)

Not in Attendance: Dr. Arianne Warner (School Employee)

Action Items Approved: Election of Principal Selection Committee Members (Marcia Green, Myana Solomon)

Discussion Items: Overview of Principal Selection Committee Role and Responsibilities, Nomination and Voting Process for Committee Members

Information Items: None

May Minutes

School:   Sandtown Middle School

Date: 5/5/2025

Time: 5:00PM

Location: TEAMS

SGC Members: Deidre Caldwell-Parent, Jaynaia Griggs- Parent, Myana Solomon – Parent, Rachael Shields - School Employee, Arianne Warner - School Employee, Azuloy Yvette Life – Teacher, Marcia Green –Teacher, Shelia Brown – Community, Thomas Morse – Community

5:00 PM Call to Order (Chair, Griggs) motion by Solomon, seconded by Green.  6 yes

5:02 PM Action Item: Election of Two Members to the Principal’s Committee

• • Overview of Role and Responsibilities (Chair, Griggs)
    • The members who sit on this committee will be part of the team who interviews and helps select our new Principal
  • Nominations and Candidate Introductions
    • Chair (Griggs) asked for any nominations.  Marcia Green and Myana Solomon nominated. 
  • Vote
    • Chair (Griggs) motioned to vote on new committee members.  Both nominees approved unanimously. 

5:07 PM Action Item: Meeting Adjournment (Chair), motion by Solomon, seconded by Green