School Board Retreat Day 1 - September 24, 2026

The Savannah Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS) held a School Board Retreat on September 24, 2026, focusing extensively on strategic planning, superintendent evaluation, and fiscal sustainability. Key procurement-related discussions included the district's budget challenges, with a $17 million structural deficit and declining enrollment impacting revenue. The board reviewed detailed staffing analyses conducted by Alvarez and Marsal, highlighting that teacher staffing exceeds peer districts and state formula allocations, prompting considerations for organizational redesign and workforce optimization to improve financial sustainability. The board also discussed the potential procurement of a lobbying firm to advocate for district legislative priorities, weighing costs and benefits amid budget constraints. Additionally, the retreat covered governance policies, communication protocols, and the superintendent evaluation process aligned with the district's strategic plan. The board emphasized data-driven decision-making, transparency, and maintaining focus on student outcomes while addressing operational efficiencies and budget alignment for fiscal year 2028 and beyond.