The Putnam County Charter School System (PCCSS) Board of Education held its first of two monthly meetings on April 13, opening with a pair of employee recognitions before providing financial updates and policy reviews, plus announcing a proposed technology purchase and potential employee bonuses.
Assistant Superintendent Scott Sauls announced the latest PCCSS H.E.A.R.T. Award recipients. Facilities maintenance specialist Tracy Surmelin was recognized for her professionalism and collaborative spirit, and Larry Dunn was named the second award recipient for consistently demonstrating what Saul called “pride in his work” within the primary school’s guest services department.
The board then reviewed a proposed technology purchase at a cost of nearly $65,000 for 50 DHE computer systems for the 2027 fiscal year. The item is expected to come before the board for approval at its April 23 meeting.
An update was also made to the student internet guidelines policy, which now includes additional guidelines to ensure internet safety. The Student Internet Guidelines Policy will be brought back for approval on April 23 as well.
Superintendent Derick Austin later updated the board on General Obligation Bonds for Series 2026, noting the bond resolution would not exceed $8.5 million. He also proposed an amendment to the 2026 budget to allow for greater spending flexibility. This will be revisited in a future meeting, too.
Austin also recommended a Georgia Supplemental Bonus that would provide $2,000 to all full-time employees and $1,000 to certain part-time employees, to be issued as a separate check this month, if approved.
The board later reviewed the tentative fiscal year 2027 budget timeline and discussed a spending resolution needed to allow expenditures before the new fiscal year budget is finalized.
Board members also reviewed the 2026–27 meeting schedule, with Simone Jones requesting meeting times to be moved from 6 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Austin said he will prepare two schedule options for consideration at the next meeting. He then concluded with a legislative update on bills affecting local school systems and the state.
In board matters, members acknowledged a Head Start report. They noted an upcoming visit from the Georgia Teacher of the Year, who has proposed a service day that several middle school students have already participated in.
For more information and future PCCSS meeting schedules, visit putnam.k12.ga.us/page/human-resources.