DALTON, Ga. – The Dalton Public Schools Board of Education met on Monday, December 8, 2025, recognizing student achievements across academics, athletics, and the arts, receiving district and departmental updates, and approving several financial and facilities-related action items.

The regular session of the Dalton Board of Education was called to order and opened with a moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance. Board Chair Sam Sanders began the meeting by recognizing Matt Evans during his final official meeting as a member of the Dalton Public Schools Board of Education, thanking him for his service and commitment to the district and community.

The board then moved into recognitions, celebrating outstanding student accomplishments across the district. Honors included the Dalton High School Varsity Volleyball Team for qualifying for the state playoffs; the Hammond Creek Middle School/Dalton Junior High School Boys Golf Team for earning the title of BGMSAA Region Champions; and the HCMS/DJHS JV Volleyball Team, HCMS/DJHS Boys Cross Country Team, and HCMS/DJHS Girls Cross Country Team for finishing as BGMSAA Region Runner-Up. The Dalton High School Cross Country Team was also recognized as NGXCL League Champions, with one athlete placing eighth at Region.

Additional recognitions included the Hammond Creek Middle School sixth-grade football team and Dalton Junior High School eighth-grade football team for finishing as State Finalists, and the Hammond Creek Middle School seventh-grade football team for earning the title of State Champions. The Dalton High School Football Team was recognized as a State Playoffs Qualifier, and the Dalton High School One Act Competition Team was honored for earning the Best Set Award and placing fourth overall. The board also recognized students featured in the Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport Youth Art Gallery – World Cup Edition, as well as the district’s 2025 District Art Fair winners.

No public comments were submitted, and there were no points of information during the meeting.

Deputy Superintendent Nick Sun shared district announcements, including upcoming calendar dates such as an early student release day on Friday, December 19; Winter Holiday from December 22 through January 2; a teacher workday and student holiday on January 5; and a student and staff holiday on January 19. He also announced the next Board of Education work session and regular meeting scheduled for Monday, January 12, at City Park Auditorium. Sun reported that district enrollment stood at 7,356 students as of November 30, reflecting a decrease of 303 students compared to the same time last year.

Department reports followed, with Leslie Terry, District Coordinator of Data and Assessment, introducing schools recognized by the Georgia Department of Education as Literacy and Math Leader Schools. Ali Finley, Director of Literacy, provided a Dalton Reads update, sharing information on recent Amira literacy assessments and outlining next steps for district interventionists. Finley also invited Anne Fetzer, principal of Roan School, and Alesa Smith, principal of Westwood School, to share reflections on their experiences with LETRS training for administrators and its positive impact on instructional leadership.

During the action items portion of the meeting, Chief Financial Officer Theresa Perry presented the November financial report, which the board approved unanimously. The board also unanimously accepted the Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, which received an unmodified audit opinion and reflected no audit findings for the third consecutive year. Additional approvals included a reimbursement resolution related to General Obligation bond debt due to delayed property tax collections, cafeteria furniture and décor upgrades for Blue Ridge School, and multiple items associated with the Fort Hill renovation project, including a Guaranteed Maximum Price and additional demolition work to meet fire marshal requirements.

All consent agenda items were approved, and the regular session adjourned.

For more information about Dalton Public Schools Board of Education meetings and policy updates, please visit www.daltonpublicschools.com.

To view the board meeting in full, you may watch the archived video here: December 2025 Board Meeting.