Photo: Sewell Mill Foundation
The Bremen Board of Education held its June board meeting, covering key topics including the FY26 budget approval, personnel recommendations, and community donations supporting school safety and student needs.
Budget Hearing & Approval
The board conducted its second required budget hearing for FY26. The proposed consolidated budget includes:
- General Fund: $30.1M in revenue, $29.2M in expenditures.
- Revenue Increases: $1.1M from state funding (equalization/QBE) and $2M from preliminary local property tax digest growth.
- Expenditure Increases: Rising health insurance/retirement costs ($750K), step raises, utilities, and $225K for field trip subsidies. Total 1.5M
- Other Funds:
- School Nutrition: $1.1355M revenue, $1.316M expenses, with a $170K projected balance.
- General Fund Balance: Expected to exceed $5.2M.
The board acknowledged concerns about recent property tax assessments but clarified that millage rate decisions—separate from budget approval—will follow after digest reviews and public hearings.
Community Donations
- Carroll EMC: Presented $12,500 for school safety initiatives, emphasizing their commitment to community support.
- Sewell Mill Foundation: Donated $22,750 to assist underprivileged students in Bremen and Haralson County schools, funding essentials like clothing, food, and gift cards.
Financial & Operational Updates
- May Financials: May Haralson County SPLOST collections exceeded projections (+11.4%), with strong Title I and ESPLOST revenues.
- FY25 Amended Budget: Adjusted for state grants, tuition revenue changes, and property purchases near Jones Elementary, resulting in a $19,740 net increase to the fund balance.
Personnel Actions
Resignation: Elizabeth Williams (JES)
New Hires:
- Teachers: Erin Ardeshna (Bremen MS), Barbara Brown (Bremen HS math), Abby Cook (Jones ES).
- Paraprofessionals: Carlie Estes (Jones ES), Alicia Sosebee (Bremen HS).
- Extended Contract: Mickey Harper (SAT prep, funded by Bremen Ed Foundation).
- Administrative: Christina Hightower approved as Bremen HS assistant principal.
Department Reports
- Curriculum: Evaluating Progress Learning, updating handbooks, and preparing for gifted program changes.
- Athletics: Golf teams narrowly missed state titles; fall sports training underway.
- Technology: Summer prep includes Chromebook deployments and camera maintenance.
The meeting adjourned after unanimous approvals of all agenda items. The board emphasized transparency in upcoming millage rate discussions and gratitude for community partnerships enhancing student resources.
The City Menus team member Jordan Stewart contributed to this article.
