11/9/2026 Work Session, REACH Scholarship Signing Ceremony, & Regular Board Meeting

Murray County Schools held a work session, REACH Scholarship signing ceremony, and regular board meeting on November 9, 2026. The main procurement discussion concerned an RFP for custodial services after continuing performance and staffing problems at several schools. Staff recommended trying Knoxville/Chattanooga-based Division One at six schools, at an estimated additional cost of about $90,000 for the current budget year. The proposed provider would have roughly 45 days to prepare for the transition; the district would pay monthly and could end the arrangement with 30 days’ written notice. The discussion did not establish that the board voted to award the contract. Staff said the district may consider expanding the work if performance is satisfactory.

The board also discussed the state-approved consolidation of federal, state, and local education funds into Fund 150 to give schools more flexibility in supporting improvement plans; staff reported about $243,000 in district contributions for the first four months. A possible agreement with the proposed Learning Academy of Northwest Georgia charter school remained under review, including how state, local, and federal funding would be allocated; staff planned to gather information for possible board consideration in December. The board approved the financial statement, an overnight chorus trip, the 2027–28 school calendar, personnel items, and meeting dates. No vote on the custodial proposal or charter-school agreement was identified.