2024-25 Meeting Documents
School Governance Council Meeting Documents
Each meeting of the School Governance Council typically generates three public documents: an agenda; a brief summary of action items that occurred during the meeting; and a detailed set of meeting minutes. We will display these documents on our website for the current school year, along with those from the previous year. If you need to view older documents, please contact our School Governance & Flexibility Department at schoolgovernance@fultonschools.org.
- August 2024
- September 2024
- October 2024
- November 2024- No Meeting
- December 2024
- January 2025
- February 2025
- March 2025
- April 2025- No Meeting
- May 2025
August 2024
Agenda
Summary
Summary of Action
Haynes Bridge Middle School Governance Council
Date: 8/21/24
Time: 4:30 PM
Location: MS Teams
SGC Members: Lauren Malekebu (Principal), Kimberly Lipscomb (Teacher), Connie Sestan (Teacher), Iliriana Domi (Appointed Staff), Alicia Galloway (Appointed Staff), Lou Erste (Parent), Katherine Koetter (Parent), Michael Oberg (Parent), Janelle Schittone (Community Member), Jone Cross (Community Member)
Not in Attendance: none
Action Items Approved: Approve agenda, approve minutes, election officers, create committees, choose representative (& backup) for the Parent/Community & Superintendent Advisory Council, choose two (2) Representatives for the Cross Council Meetings, approve the SY24-25 SGC Meeting dates, approve earmarking portion of Charter Dollars Expenditure
Discussion Items: Strategic Planning, meeting schedule, next meeting agenda
Informational Items: Principal’s Update
Minutes
Meeting Minutes
Haynes Bridge Middle School Governance Council
Date: 8/21/24
Time: 4:31-5:28 PM
Location: MS Teams
SGC Members: Lauren Malekebu (Principal), Kimberly Lipscomb (Teacher), Connie Sestan (Teacher), Iliriana Domi (Appointed Staff), Alicia Galloway (Appointed Staff), Lou Erste (Parent), Katherine Koetter (Parent), Michael Oberg (Parent), Janelle Schittone (Community Member), Jone Cross (Community Member)
4:31 PM The meeting was called to order by Principal
After some confusion, Ms. Malekebu moved to approve the Agenda, after Mr. Este revised it prior to submission. Mr. Oberg seconded the motion; approval was unanimous.
Ms. Schittone moved to approve the May 2024 meeting minutes without change to the draft. Mr. Oberg seconded; approval was unanimous.
Ms. Malekebu asked Ms. Kinsey to introduce herself as a guest to the meeting.
Ms. Malekebu proposed the election of officers. Mr. Oberg nominated Mr. Erste as Chair. Ms. Schittone, followed by a rallying of voices from other members, all seconded. (Approval tabled until all officers were nominated.) Mr. Erste nominated Ms. Koetter as Vice Chair. Ms. Cross seconded. Mr. Oberg nominated Ms. Schittone as parliamentarian. Ms. Cross seconded. Mr. Oberg moved to approve all three officers. Ms. Schittone seconded; approval was unanimous.
Mr. Erste suggested for Staff Standing Committee Chairs to be the same as last year and asked for volunteers/nominations for committee members:
· Mr. Oberg as the Budget & Finance Committee Chair; members: Mr. Erste, Ms. Lipscomb, and Ms. Sestan.
· Ms. Schittone as the Outreach & Communications Chair; members: Ms. Koetter, Ms. Cross, Ms. Domi, and Ms. Galloway.
· Ms. Sestan as the Principal Selection Committee Chair; members: Mr. Erste, Ms. Schittone, Mr. Oberg.
· Ms. Schittone moved to accept the Committee nominations. Ms. Cross seconded; approval was unanimous.
Mr. Erste asked for volunteers for the Cross Council Representative; Ms. Schittone offered; Ms. Koetter offered. Ms. Cross moved to appoint them. Ms. Schittone and Ms. Koetter both seconded; approval was unanimous. (Date for first Cross Council meeting is Wednesday, October 2, 2024, from 5:00pm – 7:00pm at Alpharetta High School. Sign up via online was completed by Ms. Schittone; to be completed by Ms. Koetter.)
Mr. Erste asked for the council to approve the meeting dates and times for 2024-2025 School Year. The proposed dates were as follows:
· Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at 4:30pm
· Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at 4:30pm
· Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at 4:30pm
· Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at 4:30pm
· Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at 4:30pm
· Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at 4:30pm
· Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 4:30pm
Ms. Schittone moved to approve the dates. Mr. Oberg seconded; approval was unanimous.
Ms. Schittone presented the SGC Self-Assessment Survey for Haynes Bridge Middle School 2023-2024 SGC members. Ms. Schittone noted that most of the survey had the same remarks in the positive, across all members of HBMS SGC. Two points that were on the edge: 1) Would you recommend participating in SGC to a friend or colleague? One member said, “No.” 2) Council members are engaged in strategic decision-making. On member chose, “Sometimes.” The council agreed that making efforts to communicate with stakeholders was the best way to better engage them in what SGC does.
Mr. Erste mentioned being struck by the one detractor for 1). Ms. Malekebu acknowledged that it could have been simply that that person is fine being on the council but wouldn’t recommend to others because of the time commitment at which point Ms. Schittone surmised she was the one who answered in the negative for 1). Mr. Erste asked Mr. Oberg to recommend how to make the SGC a more effective group. Mr. Oberg said he would speculate that he would see more opportunities to get involved by volunteering at the school, asking the teachers what they need and getting it for them.
Mr. Erste then asked Ms. Malekebu to weigh in on how the work HBMS SGC does would become more impactful. Ms. Malekebu remarked that this SGC was very different in that the measurability of the sound system was a more tangible and recognizable outcome, once it is fulfilled.
Ms. Malekebu shared that the Strategic Planning will happen in September. It has been delayed due to Ms. Malekebu falling ill. Plans to meet with the leadership team next week to go through what the District shared, the data already on hand, and then share with the staff on September 3rd. Any changes that need to be made can be done before the October meeting, and when the final plan is due in November.
Ms. Malekebu provided her Principal’s Update. These included:
· Charter funds have been received; $46,000 and change. Received earlier this year – they listened to our feedback.
o Can we earmark $5,000/grade to be reserved for the school fieldtrips, to be officially voted upon in September?
o Mr. Oberg asked what the destinations for each fieldtrip will be and will that affect the spending. Ms. Malekebu confirmed that the destinations will be either based upon Science or Social Studies needs.
o Mr. Oberg moved that the SGC consents to support fieldtrips this year, similar in price to those trips taken last year, with the fieldtrips themselves being determined later. Ms. Schittone seconded; approval was unanimous.
· Ms. Malekebu was asked to present at the School Board retreat on how middle school principals make decisions for budgets. She was asked if parents are asked to pay for things, to which she responded that she only ever wants to ask of parents for financial help if desperate, that she focused on spending the money that the school has in the most beneficial way. All this to say that she is grateful for the money earmarked for the fieldtrips.
· Student Handbook was sent out.
· Intruder Lockdown drill during both Cafeteria and at Recess was held last week.
· Upcoming Events: Curriculum Night is September 12th.
· Sound system update: delay in installation due to parts/equipment having not been available; Ms. Malekebu and Mr. Oberg both voiced their discontent about the delay and the lack of communication. Ms. Schittone and Mr. Oberg are to call or visit the sound system install company, SWC, for a follow-up.
Ms. Koetter requested Ms. Malekebu send the items list of potential wants for us to spend our budget on prior to the September meeting so we can be considering the items prior. Mr. Erste suggested that we also think of potential items to spend. Ms. Malekebu shared that she always wanted a pavilion by the field with a metal roof/sun cover.
Mr. Erste shared that the September Agenda will include 1) Charter Dollars, 2) Outreach & Communication Committee Update, 3) Strategic Plan update and discussion, 4) Budget Committee ideas.
Mr. Erste reminded Ms. Schittone as newly elected Parliamentarian will record the minutes of this meeting and attend Officer training.
A motion to adjourn from Ms. Schittone; it was seconded by Ms. Lipscomb and the meeting was adjourned at 5:34 p.m.
Resource
September 2024
Agenda
Summary
Summary of Action
Haynes Bridge Middle School Governance Council
Date: 9/17/24
Time: 4:30 PM
Location: MS Teams
SGC Members: Lauren Malekebu (Principal), Kimberly Lipscomb (Teacher), Connie Sestan (Teacher), Iliriana Domi (Appointed Staff), Alicia Galloway (Appointed Staff), Lou Erste (Parent), Katherine Koetter (Parent), Michael Oberg (Parent), Janelle Schittone (Community Member), Jone Cross (Community Member)
Not in Attendance: none
Action Items Approved: Approve agenda, approve minutes, approve partial Chater Dollar Expenditure
Informational Items: Sound System, Outreach and Communications Committee
Minutes
Meeting Minutes
Haynes Bridge Middle School Governance Council
Date: 9/17/24
Time: 4:30-5:37 PM
Location: MS Teams
SGC Members: Lauren Malekebu (Principal), Kimberly Lipscomb (Teacher), Connie Sestan (Teacher), Iliriana Domi (Appointed Staff), Alicia Galloway (Appointed Staff), Lou Erste (Parent), Katherine Koetter (Parent), Michael Oberg (Parent), Janelle Schittone (Community Member), Jone Cross (Community Member)
4:30 PM Call to Order (Chair)
Meeting called to order at 4:30 PM
4:30 PM Action Item: Approve Agenda (Chair)
Motion - Sestan
Second - Lipscomb
All in Favor - approved
4:32 PM Discussion Item: SGC Council Development Opportunities (Officer Training and Cross Council)
4:33 PM Discussion Item: Determine SY24-25 Council Norms
4:34 PM Action Item: Approve August 2024 Meeting Minutes
Motion - Oberg
Second - Cross
All in Favor - approved
4:41 PM Discussion Item: Strategic Planning
FCS Stakeholder Input (Perception Survey) - Goals to improve perceptions
5:16 PM Discussion Item: Create Initiatives
5:10 PM Discussion Item: Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals
5:37 PM Action Item: Approve Partial Charter Dollar Expenditure (Chair)
Motion - Schittone
Second - Sestan
All in Favor - approved
5:39 PM Informational Item: Sound System Update (Oberg & Schittone)
5:43 PM Informational Item: Outreach and Communications Committee (Committee Chair)
5:45 PM Discussion Item: Draft Next Meeting’s Agenda
5:45 PM Action Item: Meeting Adjournment (Chair)
Motion - Schittone
Second - Cross
All in Favor - approved
October 2024
Agenda
October Agenda
School: Haynes Bridge Middle School
Date: 10/29/2024
Time: 4:30 p.m.
Location: Virtual
TEAMS Link: Join the meeting now
SGC Members: Louis Erste (Chair), Parent/Guardian | Katherine Koetter (Vice-Chair), Parent/Guardian | Michael Oberg (Parliamentarian), Parent/Guardian | Alicia Galloway, Appointed Staff | Connie Sestan, Teacher | Iliriana Domi, Teacher | Janelle Schittone, Community Member | Jone Cross, Community Member | Kimberly Lipscomb, Teacher | Lauren Malekebu, HBMS Principal, Ex Officio
4:30 p.m. Call to Order (Chair)
4:32 p.m. Action Item: Approve Agenda (Chair)
4:34 p.m. Action Item: Approve September 2024 Meeting Minutes (Chair)
4:37 p.m. Discussion Item: SY24-25 Council Initiatives* (All Members)
4:45 p.m. Discussion Item: Review SGC Website for Compliance** (All Members)
4:50 p.m. Discussion Item: Debrief Fall Cross Council Meeting*** (All Members)
4:55 p.m. Discussion Item: Strategic Planning**** (All Members)
5:05 p.m. Action Item: Approve Strategic Plan (Chair)
5:07 p.m. Discussion Item: Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (All Members)
5:12 p.m. Action Item: Approve Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (Chair)
5:15 p.m. Information Item: Principal’s Update (Principal)
5:25 p.m. Discussion Item: Draft Next Meeting’s Agenda (All Members)
5:30 p.m. Action Item: Meeting Adjournment (Chair)
Meeting Norms: Silence Phones, Be Respectful of Others’ Opinions, Work for the good of all Students
Notes and Reminders
* SY24-25 Council Initiatives: Begin discussions to determine the focus of the council’s upcoming work. Lean on your school’s Semester Action Plan to ensure the work of the council is aligned with the goals and initiatives being targeted by the school leaders. Task the council with prioritizing 1 – 2 initiatives the SGC could lead or support throughout the year.
**SGC Website Audits
Each school year, the Governance & Flexibility Team periodically performs website audits to ensure all School Governance Councils throughout the district are in compliance with Georgia Open Records and Meetings laws. These audits require councils to post information related, but not limited to the following:
- Date, Time, Place/Access Instructions for all Meetings
- Council Documentation (Minutes, Agendas, Summaries of Action)
- Council Roster, Term-End Dates, FCS E-mail Addresses
- Officer and Committee Information
The Governance & Flexibility Team will be completing website audits for all schools at the end of the month. For a list of SGC website requirements, please review the SGC Website Audit Form.
***SGC Council Development Opportunities:
Cross Council Opportunities
The Governance Team is excited to share with you that we will be hosting a series of Cross Council meetings meant to support SGCs with the task of aligning their work for the school year to the strategic goals and initiatives of their specific school as well as those of the district. These sessions will offer members the opportunity to work and hear from councils around the district and engage in discussions with the Governance & Flexibility Team. The meetings will take place in-person at the dates/times/locations below. We encourage all SGCs to select up to two members to attend one of the sessions and register to attend using the links below. Note, each session will cover similar content, so your team does not need to register for multiple sessions.
Summary
Summary of Action
Haynes Bridge Middle School Governance Council
Date: 10/29/24
Time: 4:30 PM
Location: MS Teams
SGC Members: Lauren Malekebu (Principal), Kimberly Lipscomb (Teacher), Connie Sestan (Teacher), Iliriana Domi (Appointed Staff), Alicia Galloway (Appointed Staff), Lou Erste (Parent), Katherine Koetter (Parent), Michael Oberg (Parent), Janelle Schittone (Community Member), Jone Cross (Community Member)
Not in Attendance: Katherine Koetter (Parent), Michael Oberg (Parent)
Action Items Approved: Approve agenda, approve minutes, approve Strategic Plan, approve Chater Dollar Expenditure Proposals
Informational Items: SGC Website Compliance Review, Fall Cross Council Meeting, Principal’s Update
Minutes
Meeting Minutes
Haynes Bridge Middle School Governance Council
Date: 10/29/24
Time: 4:30-5:37 PM
Location: MS Teams
SGC Members: Lauren Malekebu (Principal), Kimberly Lipscomb (Teacher), Connie Sestan (Teacher), Iliriana Domi (Appointed Staff), Alicia Galloway (Appointed Staff), Lou Erste (Parent), Janelle Schittone (Community Member), Jone Cross (Community Member);
Absent: Katherine Koetter (Parent), Michael Oberg (Parent)
4:30 PM Call to Order (Chair)
Meeting called to order at 4:30 PM
4:30 PM Action Item: Approve Agenda (Chair)
Motion - Cross
Second - Lipscomb
All in Favor - approved
4:31 PM Action Item: Approve September 2024 Meeting Minutes (Chair)
Motion - Cross
Second - Lipscomb
All in Favor - approved
4:32 PM Discussion Item: SY24-25 Council Initiatives
4:35 PM Discussion Item: Review SGC Website for Compliance – confirmed is in compliance
4:36 PM Discussion Item: Debrief Fall Cross Council Meeting – follow up to be emailed
4:38 PM Discussion Item: Strategic Planning
4:47 PM Action Item: Approve Strategic Plan (Chair)
Motion - Lipscomb
Second - Sestan
All in Favor - approved
4:49 PM Discussion Item: Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals
5:06 PM Action Item: Approve Charter Dollar Expenditure - partial (Chair)
Motion - Erste
Second - Lipscomb
All in Favor - approved
5:07 PM Informational Item: Principal’s Update (Principal)
5:11 PM Added Discussion Item: Outreach and Communications Committee (Committee Chair)
5:19 PM Discussion Item: Draft Next Meeting’s Agenda
5:23 PM Action Item: Meeting Adjournment (Chair)
Motion - Schittone
Second - Lipscomb
All in Favor - approved
November 2024- No Meeting
December 2024
Agenda
School Governance Council Agenda
School: Haynes Bridge Middle School
Date: 12/3/2024
Time: 4:30 p.m.
Location: Media Center and Virtual
TEAMS Link: Join the meeting now
SGC Members: Louis Erste (Chair), Parent/Guardian | Katherine Koetter (Vice-Chair), Parent/Guardian | Janelle Schittone (Parliamentarian), Parent/Guardian | Alicia Galloway, Appointed Staff | Connie Sestan, Teacher | Iliriana Domi, Teacher | Michael Oberg, Parent Member | Jone Cross, Community Member | Kimberly Lipscomb, Teacher | Lauren Malekebu, HBMS Principal, Ex Officio
4:30 p.m. Call to Order (Chair)
4:32 p.m. Action Item: Approve Agenda (Chair)
4:34 p.m. Action Item: Approve October 2024 Meeting Minutes (Chair)
4:37 p.m. Discussion Item: Schedule Spring Committee Meetings* (All Members)
4:45 p.m. Informational Item: Superintendent Advisory Council Update (Advisory Council
Representative)
4:50 p.m. Public Comment
4:55 p.m. Discussion Item: Strategic Monitoring** (Principal)
5:05 p.m. Discussion Item: Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (All Members)
5:10 p.m. Action Item: Approve Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals*** (Chair)
5:12 p.m. Information Item: Principal’s Update (Principal)
5:25 p.m. Discussion Item: Draft Next Meeting’s Agenda (All Members)
5:30 p.m. 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: Cabinet and Board of Education will be approving plans. School will receive notification when all plans have been approved.
- Ongoing: Councils should develop a plan to share their Strategic Action Plans with the school community and communicate the school's goals and progress.
- Initial Monitoring: Councils should identify one or two key actions or tasks to prioritize for direct engagement throughout the school year. Additionally, please be prepared to provide initial progress updates on these selected areas.
Thank you for your unwavering dedication to the success of your school.
***Charter Dollars
This year, schools have received $46,391 in Charter Dollars to help meet their strategic goals through local innovative solutions. These funds should be used for non-personnel purchases such as supplies, registrations, communications, etc. When purchasing personnel, schools are advised to use other funding sources allowable for positions. If Charter Dollars are requested for personnel, the expenditure will require approval from the Zone Superintendent, SGC, and Executive Director of Governance and Strategy. Additionally, any materials purchased to support literacy instruction must align with GaDOE literacy requirements.
Each Charter Dollar expenditure requires an SGC vote for approval, the completion of the Charter Dollar Expenditure Form, and is subject to the same district guidelines that govern school cost center budgets. All Charter Dollars must be spent in the year they are received to support our current student population. We encourage SGCs to schedule discussions early in the year to plan for these expenditures, ensuring all purchases are made before end-of-year spending deadlines. See our Charter Dollar Matrix for examples of FCS-supported expenditures.
Summary
Summary of Action
Haynes Bridge Middle School Governance Council
Date: 12/03/24
Time: 4:30 PM
Location: Media Center (Haynes Bridge MS), MS Teams
SGC Members: Lauren Malekebu (Principal), Kimberly Lipscomb (Teacher), Connie Sestan (Teacher), Iliriana Domi (Appointed Staff), Alicia Galloway (Appointed Staff), Lou Erste (Parent), Katherine Koetter (Parent), Michael Oberg (Parent), Janelle Schittone (Community Member), Jone Cross (Community Member)
Not in Attendance: Iliriana Domi (Appointed Staff), Alicia Galloway (Appointed Staff), Lou Erste (Parent)
Action Items Approved: Approve agenda, approve minutes
Informational Items: Principal’s Update, Superintendent Advisory Council
Minutes
Meeting Minutes
Haynes Bridge Middle School Governance Council
Date: 12/03/24
Time: 4:30-5:32 PM
Location: Media Center (Haynes Bridge MS), MS Teams
SGC Members: Lauren Malekebu (Principal), Kimberly Lipscomb (Teacher), Connie Sestan (Teacher), Katherine Koetter (Parent), Michael Oberg (Parent), Janelle Schittone (Community Member), Jone Cross (Community Member)
Absent: Lou Erste (Parent), Iliriana Domi (Appointed Staff), Alicia Galloway (Appointed Staff),
4:30 PM Delay of meeting to take photos of members present
4:41 PM Call to Order (Acting Chair: Parliamentarian)
Meeting called to order at 4:41 PM
4:42 PM Discussion Item: edit agenda to wait for quorum/arrivals
4:44 PM Discussion Item: Strategic Monitoring / Informational Item: Principal’s Update – combined (Principal)
5:04 PM Action Item: Approve Agenda (Acting Chair: Parliamentarian)
Motion - Oberg
Second - Cross
All in Favor - approved
5:04 PM Action Item: Approve October 2024 Meeting Minutes (Acting Chair: Parliamentarian)
Motion - Koetter
Second - Sestan
All in Favor - approved
5:05 PM (cont.) Discussion Item: Strategic Monitoring / Informational Item: Principal’s Update – combined (Principal)
5:13 PM Discussion Item: Schedule Spring Committees Meetings* (All Members)
5:15 PM Discussion Item: Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (All Members)
Note: Ideas shared and to be voted on at the January 28th meeting; Principal to send survey to teachers for potential spending feedback
5:29 PM Informational Item: Superintendent Advisory Council Update (Advisory Council Representative)
5:30 PM Discussion Item: Draft Next Meeting’s Agenda
5:32 PM Action Item: Meeting Adjournment (Chair)
Motion – No motion was made, but all approved
January 2025
Agenda
School: Haynes Bridge Middle School
Date: 1/28/25
Time: 4:30 p.m.
Location: Virtual
TEAMS Link: Join the meeting now
SGC Members: Louis Erste (Chair), Parent/Guardian | Katherine Koetter (Vice-Chair), Parent/Guardian | Janelle Schittone (Parliamentarian) Community Member | Alicia Galloway, Appointed Staff | Connie Sestan, Teacher | Iliriana Domi, Teacher | Jone Cross, Community Member | Kimberly Lipscomb, Teacher | Michael Oberg, Parent/Guardian | Lauren Malekebu, HBMS Principal, Ex Officio
4:30 p.m. Call to Order (Chair)
4:32 p.m. Action Item: Approve Agenda (Chair)
4:34 p.m. Action Item: Approve December 2024 Meeting Minutes (Chair)
4:37 p.m. Discussion Item: Planning for Parent/Teacher SGC Elections* (All Members)
4:45 p.m. Public Comment
4:50 p.m. Discussion Item: Planning for Annual Budget Approval** (Principal)
5:00 p.m. Discussion Item: Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals*** (All Members)
5:10 p.m. Action Item: Approve Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals*** (Chair)
5:12 p.m. Information Item: Principal’s Update (Principal)
5:25 p.m. Discussion Item: Draft February 25 Meeting Agenda (All Members)
5:30 p.m. 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
The declaration period for parents and teachers interested in serving on their local SGCs will run from February 3rd to March 28th. 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 10th and will conclude on February 28th (Elementary Schools) and March 7th (Middle & 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 $46,391 in Charter Dollars to help meet their strategic goals through local innovative solutions. These funds should be used for non-personnel purchases such as supplies, registrations, communications, etc. When purchasing personnel, schools are advised to use other funding sources allowable for positions. If Charter Dollars are requested for personnel, the expenditure will require approval from the Zone Superintendent, SGC, and Executive Director of Governance and Strategy. Additionally, any materials purchased to support literacy instruction must align with GaDOE literacy requirements.
Each Charter Dollar expenditure requires an SGC vote for approval, the completion of the Charter Dollar Expenditure Form, and is subject to the same district guidelines that govern school cost center budgets. All Charter Dollars must be spent in the year they are received to support our current student population. We encourage SGCs to schedule discussions early in the year to plan for these expenditures, ensuring all purchases are made before end-of-year spending deadlines. See our Charter Dollar Matrix for examples of FCS-supported expenditures.
Summary
Summary of Action
Haynes Bridge Middle School Governance Council
Date: 1/28/25
Time: 4:30 PM
Location: MS Teams
SGC Members: Lauren Malekebu (Principal), Kimberly Lipscomb (Teacher), Connie Sestan (Teacher), Iliriana Domi (Appointed Staff), Alicia Galloway (Appointed Staff), Lou Erste (Parent), Katherine Koetter (Parent), Michael Oberg (Parent), Janelle Schittone (Community Member), Jone Cross (Community Member)
Not in Attendance: Connie Sestan (Teacher)
Action Items Approved: Approve agenda, approve minutes, approve Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals
Informational Items: Principal’s Update
Minutes
February 2025
Agenda
School Governance Council February 2025 Meeting Agenda
School: Haynes Bridge Middle School
Date: February 25, 2025
Time: 4:30 p.m.
Location: Virtual
TEAMS Link: Join the meeting now
SGC Members: Louis Erste (Chair), Parent/Guardian | Katherine Koetter (Vice-Chair), Parent/Guardian | Janelle Schittone (Parliamentarian), Community Member | Alicia Galloway, Appointed Staff | Connie Sestan, Teacher | Iliriana Domi, Teacher | Jone Cross, Community Member | Kimberly Lipscomb, Teacher | Michael Oberg (Parent/Guardian), Lauren Malekebu, HBMS Principal, Ex Officio
4:30 p.m. Call to Order (Chair)
4:32 p.m. Action Item Approve Agenda (Chair)
4:34 p.m. Action Item Approve January 2025 Meeting Minutes (Chair)
4:37 p.m. Information Item Superintendent Advisory Council Updates (Council Reps)
4:44 p.m. Discussion Item Planning for Parent/Teacher SGC Elections* (Chair)
4:55 p.m. Action Item Annual Budget Approval** (Principal)
5:05 p.m. Discussion Item Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals*** (All Members)
5:10 p.m. Action Item Approve Charter Dollar Expenditure Proposals (Chair)
5:15 p.m. Information Item Principal’s Update (Principal)
5:25 p.m. Discussion Item Draft March 25 Meeting Agenda (All Members)
5:30 p.m. 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
The declaration period for parents and teachers interested in serving on their local SGCs will run from February 3rd to March 28th. 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 10th and will conclude on February 28th (Elementary Schools) and March 7th (Middle & 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 $46,391 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.