The Calhoun City Schools’ Board of Education lowered the millage rate to 14.878 for the 2025 fiscal year at Monday night’s Board of Education meeting. This is a decrease from the previous rate of 15.873, a reduction of .995.
This decision comes in response to new property tax assessments that have increased the financial burden on property owners. Calhoun City Schools hopes to mitigate this impact by fully rolling back the millage rate in accordance with Georgia law, which allows for a rollback once the tax digest is calculated.
“We recognize the impact of additional taxes to our families and want to do all we can to provide the best education possible during challenging times. Working with our Board of Education, we have managed our finances responsibly and are in a position to roll back the millage and still meet our FY25 budget,” stated Dr. Michele Taylor, Calhoun City Schools’ Superintendent. “I’m proud of the work of our system leadership team and Assistant Superintendent of Finance Dee Wrisley,” Taylor shared. Local taxes are the primary source of funding for operating costs which include salaries for teachers and staff, classroom supplies, transportation, utilities, and other school programs.
Calhoun City Schools has additional funding sources like ESPLOST, which help fund facility and technology needs. “Our school system recognizes how fortunate we are to benefit from those who visit our hotels, restaurants, outlet center, etc. The use of ESPLOST funds allows us to continue expanding our facilities without placing additional financial burdens on property owners,” shared Dee Wrisley, Assistant Superintendent for Finance.
“We are committed to budgeting wisely, monitoring growth and reviewing the millage rate to balance the need for taxpayer relief with the funding needs of our schools,” said Rhoda Washington, Calhoun City Schools Board of Education Chairman. The board formally adopted the new rollback millage rate at the August 26th board meeting.
Additional items on Monday night’s agenda included recognition of the two new K9 school resource officers, a partnership between the school system and the City of Calhoun Police Department. The Board also recognized the Exemplary ESOL Teacher, Kim Dant and Exemplary ESOL Student of the Year, Benilsn Ramirez Juarez, Sara Elise Gallman, the Skills USA National Competitor and Ava Dobash who attended the FFA Washington Leadership Conference.
Several “New Bees,” new staff members shared their onboarding experience with the Board. New staff members Quincy Nation, Liliana Roblero, Michelle Noffsinger, Austin Norrell and Josh Millican shared about their positive transition to Calhoun City Schools and how the start of school has been.
Dr. Taylor highlighted school and departmental reports posted on eBoard (CCS Board website) and shared upcoming field trips and fundraisers. In new business, the Board reviewed changes to Policy GARH which included revisions to personal leave for all CCS employees, a change from 3 personal days to 5 personal days. Paid parental leave has changed from 210 to 240 hours. Overnight, out of state field trips for the 2024-2025 school year were reviewed by the Board. A list of STEM surplus equipment was provided for the Board to review. A subscription to Campus Workflow which will provide an opportunity to streamline communications through Infinite Campus was approved. Several contracted services agreements were approved for the Exceptional Student Services Program: Procare Therapies, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Hospital Based Academic Services and Headstart Programs. A list of personnel was presented and approved.
