(AUGUSTA, GA) -- The Richmond County Board of Education (Board) received the initial presentation of the Fiscal Year 2027 proposed operating budget during a special called meeting May 12, prior to its regularly scheduled committee meeting. During the meeting, board members also reviewed updates related to transportation, student safety, facilities projects, and district policies.

District leaders shared that the proposed FY27 operating budget includes continued investments in literacy and academic intervention efforts, transportation services, and school operations. Highlights of the proposal include a $500 supplement for all employees at the end of the current calendar year, increased hourly pay for bus drivers and bus monitors, and “Classroom Ready,” a new teacher supply initiative providing educators with $300 for classroom materials. The proposal also includes expanded elementary literacy coaching support while reducing operational costs by approximately $2.4 million.

Primarily funded through state Quality Basic Education (QBE) earnings and local tax revenue, the proposed budget aligns with the district’s 2025-2030 Strategic Plan and includes a recommendation to utilize the rollback millage rate rather than increase taxes.

Board members also reviewed a proposed bell schedule update for two elementary schools. Transportation officials recommended changing Meadowbrook Elementary School’s start time to 7:25 a.m., and Glenn Hills Elementary School’s start time to 8:20 a.m. beginning next school year. These changes are a part of the transportation adjustments connected to school mergers and consolidations outlined in the district’s long-range facilities master plan. The Board will take a vote to approve the new start times during the regular board meeting on May 19.

During the Student Services Committee, district leaders provided an update on the district’s cellphone policy and implementation of Georgia’s new statewide restrictions on personal electronic devices in schools. Administrators shared that the district will continue strengthening enforcement of its existing policy while preparing for expanded state requirements impacting high schools beginning in the 2027-28 school year.

The Board also received a public safety update highlighting ongoing collaboration between the Richmond County School System Police Department and local law enforcement agencies, including updates on the district’s Emergency Response Team and school safety preparedness efforts. School System leaders highlighted community outreach initiatives, including “Shop With a Cop”, career day participation, and a planned summer engagement program with local law enforcement partners.

Additionally, district leaders provided updates on multiple facilities projects connected to the school system’s long-range master plan. Current projects include construction at Westside Comprehensive High School, Glenn Hills Comprehensive High School, and Richmond County Technical Career Magnet School, along with upcoming demolition work at the Barton Chapel and T.W. Josey sites scheduled to begin in July.

The Richmond County Board of Education will hold public hearings on the proposed FY27 budget on Tuesday, May 26, at 5 p.m. and Tuesday, June 2, at 6 p.m. in the Board Auditorium at the Central Office, located at 864 Broad St. More information about the proposed budget can be found at rcboe.org/budget.

For more information about RCBOE meeting agendas, budget materials, and livestream access, visit rcboe.info/simbli.

The “One to Watch” series is a monthly recognition awarded to induction teachers who have demonstrated effective teaching and classroom management practices, established a sense of community in their classrooms, created dynamic learning experiences, and demonstrated high levels of professionalism.

This month's “One to Watch” recipients are:

Destin Hudson, Sue Reynolds Elementary School

Destin Hudson is in his first year as a K-5 music teacher at Sue Reynolds Elementary School. While Hudson initially worked in retail, he was always passionate about helping the youth, particularly through his church service. He says he decided to take a leap of faith towards his calling in education, and he's glad he did. 

“My most memorable experience has been my first program, the Christmas program,” Hudson said. “I was stressed because I’d never planned a whole program before, but I gave God the wheel, and it all came together. Seeing everyone enjoy all the hard work was the highlight of my year.” 

Hudson says that moment affirmed his choice to teach, helping students grow, building confidence through performance, and bringing the school community together through music.

Shardae Johnson, W.S. Hornsby Elementary School

Shardae Johnson is a first-year pre-K teacher at W.S. Hornsby Elementary School. Her journey in education began in New Orleans, Louisiana, where she first discovered her love for teaching as a Sunday School teacher. After relocating to Augusta in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Johnson joined the Primetime program in the Richmond County School System in 2006 and continued building her experience in early childhood education through nine years as a daycare teacher and nine years as a paraprofessional, including four years within RCSS. 

“Joining RCSS felt like stepping into purpose,” said Johnson. “From the moment I walked into new teacher induction, I could feel the energy and commitment to students. I knew I was exactly where I needed to be.” 

Johnson says her most meaningful moments come from watching her students grow, gain confidence and experience breakthroughs that can change their lives. Whether it is hearing a nonverbal student find their voice or seeing an English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) student become more comfortable speaking in their non-native language, she says those moments of progress inspire her every day. 

Being named Teacher of the Month and earning a scholarship from the Richmond County Retired Educators Association have also been affirming milestones, reminding Johnson that she is doing the work she was called to do, and making a difference, one student at a time.

Shannon Coffee, Richmond Hill Middle School

Shannon Coffee is a sixth-grade English Language Arts teacher at Richmond Hill Middle School and has been part of the RCSS teaching community for the past seven months. 

Coffee built a career in the cosmetology field beginning in 2009, serving as a cosmetology instructor. In 2023, she brought those strengths into the classroom as a paraprofessional at Jamestown Elementary School, an experience that helped solidify her decision to transition fully into education. 

Joining RCSS, Coffee said, allowed her to use real-world experiences to make a lasting impact in her students’ lives by supporting them both academically and personally. 

“Watching a student finally connect to a lesson and seeing their confidence grow is the most rewarding part of what I do,” Coffee said. “Those moments of trust and connection are what remind me why I chose education, because they can turn into lifelong relationships with students and staff.”

Charleshia Lightfoot, George P. Butler Comprehensive High School

Cosmetology teacher Charleshia Lightfoot has taught at George P. Butler Comprehensive High School for more than three months. 

Before joining RCSS, Lightfoot was a full-time salon owner and professional hair stylist. She chose to enter education because she believes students need consistent love, guidance, and positive role models as they shape their futures. 

“Our youth need love and guidance, and I want to be a positive example for them,” Lightfoot said. “When I see my students push past obstacles and thrive, it builds their confidence and shows them that success is truly within their reach, and that’s what makes me so happy.” 

One of Lightfoot’s most meaningful experiences so far has been watching students grow through challenges as they master new skills and begin to see what’s possible for themselves beyond the classroom. 

On Monday morning, 11 Richmond County seniors joined more than 2,000 students statewide in committing to a career in education during the Richmond County School System’s 2026 Teach In the Peach Signing Day at Glenn Hills Comprehensive High School. 

“Sometimes we have to build our own pipeline, and I’m excited to see what these young people are going to do in the future,” said Dr. Stacey Mabray, director of high school programming and workforce development. ”The great thing about high school is that students can try new things and discover what they love. If they have that desire to become a teacher, they can get there from here.” 

This year’s signing class included 10 students from Glenn Hills Comprehensive High School and one student from Cross Creek Comprehensive High School. Students will attend colleges and universities across Georgia and the Southeast as they prepare for careers in teaching, workforce development, and student support services. 

Students recognized during the ceremony included: 

• Kheoni Ward, Glenn Hills Comprehensive High School – Clark Atlanta University  

• Mekhi Singfield, Glenn Hills Comprehensive High School – Miller-Motte College  

• Likayla Cummings, Glenn Hills Comprehensive High School – Georgia Southern University  

• TyOna Thompson-Chandler, Glenn Hills Comprehensive High School – Augusta Technical College 

• Kemaiyah Richardson, Glenn Hills Comprehensive High School – Tuskegee University  

• Lena Wiggins, Glenn Hills Comprehensive High School – Augusta Technical College  

• Elijah Scott, Glenn Hills Comprehensive High School – Benedict College  

• Zaikiyah Collins, Glenn Hills Comprehensive High School – Augusta Technical College  

• Mya Brown, Glenn Hills Comprehensive High School – Augusta Technical College  

• Jontavious Howard, Glenn Hills Comprehensive High School – Augusta Technical College  

• Shonell Moss, Cross Creek Comprehensive High School – Augusta University  

Students signed their letters of commitment surrounded by family members, teachers, school leaders, and peers as the district recognized teaching as a valued and impactful profession.  

For Cross Creek High School senior Shonell Moss, the signing day represented the culmination of years of study and hands-on experience. “We did a lot of lesson planning and sitting in classrooms, and we interviewed a lot of teachers and impactful people in the educational community,” said Moss on her experience taking education classes throughout her high school career. “Mrs. Luckie, she taught me a lot... She even got me an internship at a daycare so that I can start working with kids early in my career.” 

Moss’s teacher, Cross Creek educator Chante Luckie-Smith, was recently named one of 20 Teach In the Peach ambassadors. As an ambassador, Luckie-Smith will support teacher recruitment and retention for the Georgia Department of Education through outreach and community engagement.  

RCSS currently offers the “Teaching as a Profession” pathway at four high schools, giving students opportunities to explore careers in education through lesson planning, classroom teaching experiences, and paid internships. District leaders also celebrated the program’s first former pathway student returning to RCSS as an educator after graduating from college this year. 

As school systems across Georgia continue working to recruit and retain high-quality educators, Teach In the Peach reinforces the importance of investing in future teachers and creating pathways for students to return and serve their communities. 

Aniyah Jones

Salutatorian

Aniyah Jones is a devoted and studious leader who displayed academic drive throughout her high school career. A member of the AP Academy and FLAIR program, she earned several prestigious honors, including the UGA Certificate of Merit and the Highest Overall Academic Average. Aniyah held prominent leadership positions as the Battalion Commander of Laney JROTC and Math Team Captain, while also participating in the Atlanta Urban Debate League, Volleyball, and Cheer teams. One of her most memorable achievements was being named the 1st Place RCSS Math 24 Winner. Following graduation, Aniyah plans to enlist in the U.S. Army to become a Behavioral Health Specialist and eventually open her own private therapy practice.

 

 

 

Vertez Moore

Valedictorian

Vertez Moore has demonstrated strong academic achievement and commitment to the school community. As a member of the AP Academy, he earned the highest academic averages in courses such as AP Biology and AP Chemistry while also becoming ASE certified in automotive maintenance. Vertez held significant leadership roles, serving as President of SkillsUSA and Captain of the Laney Math Team, and actively participated in the Atlanta Urban Debate League and DECA. His character was consistently recognized by his peers, who elected him to numerous honors including Mr. Freshman and Mr. Wildcat. After graduation, Vertez plans to attend a HBCU to major in business with a minor in fashion design and merchandising, eventually launching his own clothing brand.

 

Seniors from 11 Richmond County schools will proudly cross the finish line of their high school journeys this May. As our Class of 2026 graduates prepare to enter the next stage of their lives, we asked our valedictorians and salutatorians to share their memories, achievements, and advice with younger students. 

For more information about Spring 2026 commencement exercises, please visit rcboe.org/graduation. 

George Collie

Salutatorian

George Collie is a focused student-leader who successfully navigated an academic path consisting of Dual Enrollment and Advanced Placement courses, earning the AP Capstone diploma and the STAR Student designation. George’s leadership was a cornerstone of his high school years, as he served as Beta Club President, Debate Team Captain, and an FFA Officer, while also competing in Track and Field. He is most proud of the consistent effort that led to his rank as Salutatorian, an achievement that has provided him with rewarding opportunities for his future. Following graduation, George plans to attend college and work toward becoming a CPA, with a personal goal of completing his degree debt-free.

 

 

 

Jacklyn Kurtz

Valedictorian

Jacklyn Kurtz is a driven student who has balanced an athletic career with academic dedication. By graduation, she will have completed 60 credit hours of dual enrollment, earning her associate degree in political science alongside her high school diploma. She is a two-time Region Champion and State Qualifier in discus, a DECA National Qualifier, and a Debate Team medalist. A multi-sport athlete in softball, volleyball, and track, she was named Varsity Track and Field MVP and consistently maintained the Highest GPA for her class throughout her first three years. Jacklyn counts her trip to Orlando for DECA Nationals as her most memorable experience and deeply values the guidance of Ms. Shamika Zinnerman in helping her make pivotal life decisions. This fall, Jacklyn will attend Kennesaw State University to major in public relations.