The Bremen Board of Education held its monthly meeting last week, highlighting student achievements, district finances, and plans for compliance with state mandates. The meeting began with a warm welcome from Board Chair Vann Pelt, who recognized attendees and set the tone for an evening focused on celebration and progress.
A special recognition was given to Bremen High School’s cheerleading team, who were crowned the 2024 GHSA Competition Cheer State Champions. Each athlete received a certificate of achievement, honoring their dedication, teamwork, and role in representing Bremen with excellence. Superintendent Shannon Christian praised the team for their accomplishment, which continues the district’s tradition of well-rounded student success.
Coach Taylor was recognized as a “great role model and mentor” to the football players, citing the team’s “1% better” motto as a key to their success. “That 1% better was not always looking 1% better athletically, but just fixing our mindset and just really building that confidence,” Taylor said.
Director of Finance Allen Pullen provided an overview of the district’s financial status, noting a steady revenue stream from SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) and local ad valorem tax collections. SPLOST and tax revenue collected in November 2024 from Haralson and Carroll Counties totaled $282,669.99. Additionally, $434,884.92 in local taxes were collected in November, bringing the total collected for the fiscal year to $496,151, or 8.8% of the levied amount of $5,638,482. Pullen also highlighted November Title Ad Valorem Tax collections, which amounted to $45,509, bringing the fiscal year total to $176,615, or 35.3% of the anticipated budget.
During the meeting, the board addressed several key items, including approving high-quality instructional materials to enhance classroom learning and renewing a service agreement with Walton Gas to secure more favorable rates for district facilities. Fundraising initiatives were also approved, such as a proposal by Bremen High School athletics to raise funds for state championship rings for the cheerleading team and a concert hosted by the video broadcasting program to support its music industry pathway.
Christian outlined the district’s compliance timeline for House Bill 581, which pertains to curriculum and instructional requirements. The district plans to hold three public hearings in January and February 2025 to gather community input before deciding whether to opt out of certain provisions. These hearings will occur on January 17, January 24, and February 3, with public notices advertised in the Gateway-Beacon. The board also reviewed various department updates, highlighting district accomplishments. The Bremen Education Foundation announced funding for SAT and ACT prep classes at Bremen High School to enhance college readiness. Nutrition Director Jessica Peaden shared the success of Thanksgiving lunches and reported positive results from recent state audits. Additionally, updates on facility improvements and energy efficiency projects showed the district’s commitment to maintaining modern, sustainable infrastructure.
Enrollment figures for the district showed 2,344 students currently enrolled across four campuses. Bremen High School serves 744 students, Bremen Middle School serves 508 students, Bremen Academy serves 342 students, and Jones Elementary School has 750 students. The board also approved three new substitute teachers, welcoming Jacqueline Brown, Lauren Rogers, and Tiffinnei Weatherford to the team.
As the meeting ended, board members expressed gratitude for the hard work of district staff, students, and the community.
