BOE To Opt Out Of Floating Statewide Homestead Exemption, Bradford’s Service Recognized

By LYDIA BERGLAR
News Editor

At the Dade County Board of Education’s meeting on Dec. 9, the board chose to opt out of Georgia House Bill 581, recognized Carolyn Bradford’s years on the board, approved the 2025-2026 school year calendar, and handled several other business matters.

Josh Ingle (superintendent) noted the success of the Dade County High School Beta Club at the state competition in Savannah: Lilah Wilson and Camryn Wright won the state championship for Club Trading Pin; Halen Chaney, Crews Page, Addie Page, and Claire Holmes placed second in the Technology competition; and Gracie Hunter earned fourth place for Fiber Arts.

At the elementary level, Ingle noted the NASA HUNCH Academy pin design contest winners: Collin Hawkins (first place), Jaycee Ragan (second place), and Bo Garmany (third place). 

Ingle also reported on the most recent Project Graduation event. All Dade Elementary School kindergarteners visited DCHS to tour the Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) classrooms and meet the senior class.

Returning to HB 581 (discussed at last month’s meeting), Ingle asked the board if all agreed to opt out of the floating statewide homestead exemption. The board agreed, and Ingle will begin the process of opting out.

See the Nov. 27 issue of the Sentinel for a recap of why the board chose to opt out.

Because this was Carolyn Bradford’s last meeting before Steve Forester fills the District Four seat, the board recognized her with an award and flowers for her years on the board. Ingle noted that Bradford has “enriched the lives of many students, past, present, and future.” Bradford’s fellow board members spoke about her wealth of knowledge and genuine care for the children of Dade County. Bradford thanked all who have supported her over the years.

Per a recommendation from the auditors, the board updated a board policy to allow bulk purchases of “significant value” to be capitalized purchases. The wording does not prescribe a dollar amount for these capitalized purchases, just those of “significant value.”

The board approved a list of school fundraisers as well as the calendar for the 2025-2026 school year. Regarding the calendar, Ingle noted that 90 percent of the 200 staff who responded to a survey about it selected this version out of the three possible calendars.

Staff will return to work on Aug. 1, 2025, and students will return on Aug. 7. Students will finish school on May 21, 2026, and staff will finish on May 22.

Lastly, the board approved a change order to add HVAC to the hitting facility that is currently under construction at DCHS. The change order is not to exceed $65,000.

The personnel report is as follows:

• Resignations: Savannah Harley, Sandra Lawrence, Tammy Love
• Substitute Teacher: Kara McNabb
• School Nutrition: Darla Woodall, Victoria Jones