Dr. Nyla Thornton presented the academic priorities and instructional framework for the 2026–2027 school year, highlighting:

• Introduction of the CIRRUS instructional framework to guide teaching and learning.
• New instructional blocks, including Family Huddle, Reading Lab, Writing Lab, WIN (What I Need), Word Analysis, STEAM Exploratory, and Social Reset.
• Expanded intervention model using data-driven small groups across grade levels.
• Increased teacher planning time with dedicated coaching and collaboration.
• CLIP revisions were completed and resubmitted.
• Academic growth goal adjusted from 10% to 6% to establish a realistic and measurable target while maintaining high expectations.
• Reviewed Georgia Milestones baseline data and instructional strategies designed to improve scholar achievement.
• Introduced updates to Special Education and MTSS, including new leadership, intervention processes, and collaborative supports.
• Shared curriculum rollout status, technology readiness, professional learning initiatives, and transition to the Georgia LEADS evaluation platform.

Academic leadership also shared several initiatives supporting school culture and scholar success, including:

• Restorative approach to In-School Suspension (ISS).
• College and career readiness initiatives, including college-themed homerooms.
• Campus improvements, classroom modernization, and donated furniture.
• Expansion of STEAM experiences and instructional resources.
• Partnership with Upchieve to provide virtual tutoring for middle school scholars.
• Updates on upcoming professional development, Open House, PTA development, culture calendar, and after-school intervention planning.

Committee members discussed the instructional vision, academic goals, campus improvements, and readiness for the upcoming school year.

Mr. Barry Williams briefly updated the committee on expansion efforts and noted that portions of the leadership team would depart the meeting early to participate in the school's accreditation overview meeting.