Richmond County Board of Education Advances Facilities Projects, Approves Attendance Protocol Updates
Thursday, April 23rd, 2026
The Richmond County Board of Education (RCBOE or Board) approved key facilities projects, recognized student and staff achievements, and adopted updates to the district’s attendance protocol during its committee and regular board meeting held Tuesday, April 21.
The board approved updates to the district’s attendance protocol, a state-required document outlining expectations and interventions related to student attendance. The revised protocol places a stronger emphasis on preventing chronic absenteeism and truancy through school-based attendance teams, tiered interventions, and increased family engagement. The revision aligns with recent statewide efforts to address chronic absenteeism and is being finalized in collaboration with local judges and community partners. The new protocol will go into effect during the 2026-27 school year.
The board approved a $33.3 million construction bid for the new elementary school at the Barton Chapel site, which came in under the project’s $34.2 million budget. The school will replicate the design of Richmond Hill Elementary School and supports the district’s long-range facilities master plan. Board members also approved a $593,601 project to prepare the Glenn Hills Elementary School site for temporary classrooms, ensuring continuity of instruction as construction projects continue across the system.
District leaders also shared an update on the Suspension Recovery Program, a partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Augusta designed to keep students engaged in learning. Since January, 55 students have completed the four-day intervention and returned to school early. As a result, more than 280 instructional days have been restored, helping students remain on track academically.
The board received an update on a pilot program to install cameras in select low-incidence special education classrooms, funded through a safety grant for the 2026-27 school year. The initiative is designed to enhance student safety, support staff, and strengthen transparency with families. Under the proposed procedures, video footage would be securely stored for up to 90 days and reviewed only in response to a documented concern or formal request, with strict guidelines in place to protect student and staff privacy. District leaders noted the pilot will inform future decisions on potential expansion.
The board also celebrated dozens of students recognized at the regional and state levels in the Science and Engineering Fair and Model Water Tower competitions. Students earned multiple top finishes, highlighting the district’s continued strength in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education.
For more information about RCBOE meeting minutes, materials and agendas, visit rcboe.info/simbli.
