Justin Hall, freelance correspondent
Former Richmond Hill High School principal Bivins Miller was officially introduced as Bryan County’s newest superintendent at last Thursday’s Board of Education work session meeting ahead of the start of the school year on August 5th.
"There are lots of firsts happening at Bryan County Schools this year and I'm excited to be a part of it," Miller said.
Miller then gave a series of briefings, such as announcing the New Teacher Orientation for new teachers on Thursday, July 23rd set to be hosted at Richmond Hill High School.
The ‘State of the Community’ public forum is also taking place on Friday, August 14th from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the Richmond Hill City Center.
Miller also spoke on the upcoming decision to split up the high school graduations for both Bryan County High School and Richmond Hill High School this school year. Bryan County's graduation now will be on May 13, 2027 at 7:30 p.m. and Richmond Hill's will take place on May 14, 2027 at 7:30 p.m.
Millage rates
Miller also spoke on finalized numbers from the Bryan County Tax Office.
"Our budget was created on the millage rate at 14.663," Miller said. "We anticipate for taxes to increase. There's more people, more property, more assets that are taxed."
Miller stated that there will be a pre-work session meeting at 9:00 a.m. and another at 6:00 p.m. on August 20th. There will also be a millage rate hearing on August 27th.
Phone policies
Dr. Denise Scott, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, gave the Division of Student Services Update. Scott spoke on Georgia House Bill 340 which, starting July 2026, bans the use of electronic devices for K-12 students during the school day.
"We have sent all the information to the principals and all of them have a say in what we are going to do," Scott said.
Scott also spoke on House Bill 1009 which applies the same ban to Georgia high school students. All of the Board believes that “consistency and communication” is key in maintaining expectations for the students, teachers and parents with this new policy, Scott said.
Scott also went over the Student Handbook and made sure all of the policies and procedures from both the superintendent and the principals of the schools are up to code and ready for the upcoming school year.
In other news
Jeff Hodges, Assistant Superintendent of Operations, gave the Division of Operations update, discussing a few capital projects that have been worked on. He discussed the Conditional Use permits for Bryan County High School, saying that the Planning Commission will be reviewing it on August 20th. It will then go before the City Council on September 14th.
Hodges also talked about the school architect requesting a proposal for a power provider for Bryan County High School."We have the option of choosing between Canoochee EMC and Georgia Power," Hodges said.
Hodges explained that it will come down to the lowest rate that each company chooses to give. Each company will make their proposal and then it is up to the Board to choose the particular provider.
Other information Hodges touched on included portables from South Bryan Middle School being sold or demolished which would cost money. Hodges also said that McAllister Elementary School is complete and Richmond Hill High School is going through air conditioning repairs, while painting and landscaping there is still being worked on.
Debi McNeal, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services, gave the Division of Business Services update. She started with discussing House Bill 1193 which details the ages for children entering Pre-K and Kindergarten.
"This bill will offer a little more flexibility with starting age," McNeal explained. "Children can be four or five starting Pre-K and five or six for starting Kindergarten."
McNeal pointed out that late birthdays might benefit certain children from being in Pre-K at five years old because their birthday might hit at a later date, such as during the summer.
Dr. Bennett, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction, also announced that two Hyundai Hydrogen Grand Prix girls’ teams went to Switzerland over the summer to compete in a global competition; one team earned seventh place and the squads were second overall among all middle school girls in the event.