The Clarke County Board of Education held its monthly meeting on Thursday night. Noteworthy items on the agenda included new developments on the West Broad Campus, an HR update from Dan Swartz, the assistant superintendent of HR and a public comment section featuring a local youth group fighting against bullying.

The main meeting session lasted just under two hours. Board members Mary P. Bagby, Linda Davis, Patricia Yager, Mumbi Anderson and Lakeisha Gantt were present. Heidi Hensley, Tim Denson, Nicole Hull and Mark Evans were absent. Interim Superintendent Jennifer Scott was also present.

During public comments, representatives of Athens’ Chess and Community organization urged the board to combat bullying in local schools. Chess and Community, founded in 2013, uses chess to help prepare Athens’ youth for life’s challenges.

“In Athens-Clarke County, bullying has become a problem in both middle and high school, and it’s affecting people’s mental health, confidence and safety,” Chess and Community President Triston Rucker said. “Everyone deserves to feel safe and respected, but too many teens are hiding their feelings behind screens and fake smiles.”

The newly elected student leaders proposed solutions like a Bullying Awareness week and an anonymous grievance box that students can use to voice bullying concerns.

Scott presented a report on updates to the West Broad Street Campus proposal. Asbestos abatement and clean-up began Nov. 6 on the three unoccupied buildings. She outlined the next steps, including maintenance of trees that have damaged the buildings’ roofs.

During the public comments, Alvin Sheats, president of the Athens NAACP, spoke on the topic of the West Broad Street Campus Proposal.

“I would implore you, encourage you and if necessary, compel you to reestablish West Broad Street school as an early learning center for our children,” he said.

Public Information meetings will be held Dec. 2 at Vernon Payne Meeting Hall, one at 10 a.m. and another at 5 p.m. Both will be live-streamed.

Swartz presented the monthly HR update, showing teacher retention rates in the district have increased in recent years. He also presented results from the Opportunity Culture program, which is already yielding positive results at some schools. At Burney-Harris-Lyons Middle School, seventh-grade math proficiency doubled the district average on the 2025 Georgia Milestones Assessment System.

The board’s next meeting will be held on Dec. 11.