State Charter Schools Commission of Georgia
Minutes
Called Meeting
Date and Time
Wednesday January 22, 2025 at 9:30 AM
Location
Virtual
The SCSC will hold a meeting via teleconference to consider the upcoming renewal cycle due to a winter weather advisory issued for the planned meeting location.
239 Cedar Lane, Covington, GA 30014
2N-2100 Conference Room
Notice was posted on the SCSC Website and given to the legal organ.
Directors Present
B. Brockway (remote), B. Scafidi (remote), C. Good (remote), L. Millan (remote), M. Dudgeon (remote), T. Lowden (remote)
Directors Absent
J. Cole
I. Opening Items
A.
Record Attendance
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
II. Review
A.
Review of SCSC Renewal Criteria and Values, Process and Timeline
The Director of Research and Evaluation reviewed the SCSC renewal criteria and values.
III. Review
A.
School-Level Reviews
The Director of Research & Evaluation discussed the performance track records of state charter schools eligible for a standard 5-year renewal based on the SCSC's renewal guidelines. Commissioners discussed these schools' histories, achievements, and challenges.
IV. Action item
A.
Pataula Charter Academy Amendment
V. Review
A.
School-Level Reviews Continued
The Director of Research & Evaluation discussed the performance of schools not eligible for a 5-year renewal according to the SCSC's renewal guidelines. Commissioners discussed these schools' histories, achievements, and challenges and identified considerations to be discussed in the schools' renewal interviews.
VI. Discussion
A.
High-Risk Schools Discussion
The General Counsel, Director of Finance, and Director of New Schools discussed schools that have been designated as high-risk. Commissioners discussed the schools' challenges, and options for addressing the high-risk circumstances of the schools.
VII. Closing Items
A.
Concluding Remarks
Chairman Dudgeon thanked staff for organizing the retreat and commissioners for their attention. He reminded staff and commissioners that the focus in all decisions should be Georgia's students.
Commissioner Lowden applauded the staff's work and expressed gratitude for the support of the commission team following President Jimmy Carter's death.
Chairman Dudgeon welcomed commissioners. He noted the pivot to holding the meeting virtually and encouraged engagement in the virtual setting.
Executive Director, Donovan Head, acknowledged the work staff put into developing retreat content. He noted agenda updates and provided an overview of the meeting agenda. In addition, he thanked commissioners for agreeing to serve on renewal interview panels.