Bulloch County Board of Education: Shaping Education in Southeast Georgia
The Bulloch County Board of Education plays a vital role in guiding the educational landscape of Bulloch County Schools, a district located in the heart of Southeast Georgia, a short drive from Savannah and the Hyundai Metaplant in Ellabell. Serving a vibrant and growing community, the Board is responsible for setting policies, making strategic decisions, and ensuring the success of all students within the district.
Board Meetings and Transparency
The Bulloch County Board of Education conducts its business through regular meetings, the documents for which are now managed using Simbli. Agendas are tentative and subject to change, reflecting the dynamic needs of the school district. Items of business can be suggested by a variety of stakeholders, including Board members, administrators, employees, parents, and the public. It's important to note that these meetings are business meetings, not town hall meetings. Therefore, items cannot be suggested from the floor for immediate discussion or action, except at the discretion of the Board chairman or a majority of Board members present. To ensure the packets are complete with all of the documentation that will be presented to the Board at their scheduled meeting, the complete packet is posted 24 hours prior to the Board meeting or sooner if available.
Leadership Transitions and Superintendent Search
The Board of Education oversees the leadership of Bulloch County Schools. Recently, the Board hired Richard Smith as interim superintendent of schools. This appointment followed the retirement announcement of Charles Wilson, who served the district for 30 years, including 14 years as superintendent. Smith, a retired educator and superintendent who is the executive director of the First District Regional Educational Service Agency, started his new position April 1.
The search for a permanent superintendent is a comprehensive process. The Board's search for a new superintendent has completed its first two phases: a community survey was administered and the job application, which was advertised nationwide for six weeks, closed Feb 22. The Georgia School Boards Association collected nearly 40 applications on behalf of the Board of Education, and it will deliver them during the week of March 9-12. The Board will then begin hosting first- and second-round interviews. They are tentatively scheduled to announce finalists in April and a final candidate in late May. Georgia law requires that at least 14 days before appointing a new superintendent, the Board must release to the news media information on as many as three candidates who are being considered.
Key Initiatives and Performance Data
The Bulloch County Board of Education actively engages in initiatives aimed at improving student achievement and overall school performance. At its January 8, 2026, organizational session, the Bulloch County Board of Education met to establish leadership for the coming year and review critical student achievement data. The session began with the re-election of Elizabeth Williams as Board Chair and Maurice Hill as Vice Chair, both by unanimous 8-0 votes. The board shifted focus to accountability and school performance through a presentation by WJMS Principal Dr. John McAfee.
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The WJMS presentation showcased significant growth in College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI) content mastery, which rose to 59.1 in the 2024-2025 period, a 5.1-point increase from the previous year. The school was notably designated a "math leader" by the Georgia Department of Education for its progress in closing achievement gaps. However, the board engaged in a serious discussion regarding English Language Arts (ELA) trends. While math and science scores improved, WJMS-and the county at large-faced a dip in ELA proficiency. Board members Donna Clifton and Lannie Lanier expressed concerns over this trend, noting that literacy is vital for creating successful citizens.
The board also addressed school climate, reviewing data that showed a mid-year spike of 62 office referrals compared to the previous year. Board Chair Williams noted that problems with behavior and an increase in office referrals is often due to an influx of teachers new to the field. Attendance benchmarks tightened this year; students now trigger Tier 1-A status at 4-6 absences rather than 5-7.
Fiscal Responsibility and Community Partnerships
The Bulloch County Board of Education also manages the financial aspects of the school district. In business actions, the board unanimously approved serving as the fiscal agent for the Family Connection Partnership grant for the 2027 fiscal year. The board voted 8-0 to continue serving as the fiscal agent for the grant (up to $60,000).
A Focus on Diversity and Innovation
Bulloch County Schools is proud to serve a vibrant, growing community. We celebrate and support the diverse backgrounds of our students, who represent 18 nationalities and 24 different languages. As a forward-thinking school district, we engage in an international re-accreditation process every five years, allowing us to evaluate and improve our programs continually. We partner with esteemed education organizations like Cognia (formerly AdvancED) and regional agencies to ensure that our students benefit from innovative and effective learning experiences. Bulloch County is a true education hub, with public, private, charter, and homeschool options, as well as three higher education institutions: Georgia Southern University, East Georgia State College, and Ogeechee Technical College. At Bulloch County Schools, we understand the importance of choice, and we’re honored to be a part of your family’s educational options. We’re here to support your children’s growth, both academically and personally, in a safe, welcoming, and enriching community.
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