The Dalton Board of Education convened on March 10, 2025, for its regularly scheduled meeting to address key district matters, including student and staff recognitions, financial updates, and action items. The meeting provided an opportunity for district leaders to highlight achievements, discuss upcoming events, and review fiscal projections for the remainder of the academic year.
Recognitions and Achievements
The Board meeting began with a series of recognitions, aligning with School Board Appreciation Month. Board members were honored for their dedication and service to the district. In addition, several students, staff, and schools were acknowledged for outstanding accomplishments:
The C3 Robotics Team was recognized for its performance in recent competitions.
Brandt Bowers, a Hammond Creek Middle School student, was commended for winning the Regional Tech Competition and qualifying to compete at the state level.
Josian Hernandez, a Dalton High School student, was acknowledged for earning the state title in Wrestling.
The Dalton Academy was recognized as a CSI Progress School, reflecting significant academic progress.
Jeff Wells received recognition for his leadership in assisting Dalton Public Schools in achieving the Georgia Seal of Preparedness.
The district’s principals and leadership teams were honored for earning the GAEL Vision Award.
Dalton High School’s Boys and Girls Basketball Teams were commended for their achievements at the regional and state levels.
Board Chairperson Matt Evans expressed his appreciation for the honorees, stating, “It’s always a privilege to recognize the hard work and achievements of our students and staff. Their dedication and resilience continue to inspire us all, and we are proud to celebrate their successes.”
Superintendent’s Report and District Updates
Superintendent Dr. Steven Craft provided an overview of upcoming district events, reinforcing the district’s commitment to student engagement and continuous learning. Notable dates included:
Elementary Soccer Tournament – Scheduled for March 12, 2025, starting at 4:00 at Heritage Soccer Fields.
Spring Break – Schools will be closed from March 31 to April 4, 2025.
GSBA Whole Board Training – Set for April 14, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at City Park Auditorium.
Board Work Session & Regular Meeting – Scheduled for April 14, 2025, with sessions at 5:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at City Park Auditorium.
In his report, Dr. Craft also noted that as of February 22, 2025, Dalton Public Schools’ enrollment stood at 7,602 students, a decrease of 112 students compared to the previous year. Additionally, Ali Finley, Director of Literacy, provided an update on the Dalton Reads initiative, highlighting the district’s ongoing efforts to support literacy development through the Roan mentoring program and LETRS training for special education teachers.
Financial Report and Fiscal Projections
Chief Financial Officer Theresa Perry delivered a financial update, presenting key budgetary trends and projections:
General Fund revenue for February included $937,000 in property tax revenue.
February expenditures increased, reflecting investments in professional learning, instructional materials, and operational expenses.
Tax revenue projections were adjusted downward by $690,000, while federal funding is projected to exceed budget by $266,000 due to E-Rate reimbursements.
ESPLOST revenue for February totaled $789,000, marking a 1% decrease from projections but 1% higher than February 2024.
The district has accumulated $2.4 million above projected ESPLOST revenues over the first two years of the current five-year plan.
No expenditures were recorded in February for capital or debt services.
A review of January’s financial activity confirmed $5.2 million in principal and interest payments on district debt obligations.
Board Actions and Policy Decisions
The Board of Education took action on the following items:
Approved the purchase of Pre-K classroom furniture for elementary schools.
Voted to maintain current school start and end times for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Conclusion and Next Meeting
There were no public comments during the meeting. The next Dalton Board of Education Work Session and Regular Meeting is scheduled for April 14, 2025, at City Park Auditorium. The Board remains committed to supporting student success, fiscal responsibility, and community engagement as it prepares for the next academic year.
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