Gwinnett County Board of Education — Business Meeting, April 16, 2026
How this page was made. These are not official minutes. This is a summary produced by transcribing the school board's own published recording, so wording is approximate and details may be imperfect. Every item below links to the moment in the video it came from, so you can check it yourself.
Source note: machine transcription of the official GCPS meeting recording — not official minutes
The Gwinnett County Public Schools Board of Education met on April 16, 2026, to conduct its monthly business. The board celebrated several student and staff achievements, including the North Gwinnett High School Air Rifle State Champions and various German program award winners. Key business decisions included the approval of the consent agenda, which featured a $5 million contract for unarmed campus security officers, and the adoption of revised policies on the annual operating budget, fund balance, and academic accountability. Additionally, following significant community feedback, the board voted unanimously to rescind a previously approved lease agreement for a cell tower at Peachtree Ridge High School and Parsons Elementary School.
Topics
- budget
- personnel
- facilities
- policy
- safety
- public-comment
- recognition
Votes and actions
Adoption of the Amended Agenda
approved · Vote: 5-0 · watch at 0:44
Consent Agenda Items 6.03 through 6.20
approved · Vote: 5-0 · watch at 1:12
Human Resources Report
approved · Vote: 5-0 · watch at 1:18
Policy DCKI (Annual Operating Budget)
approved · Vote: 5-0 · watch at 1:20
Policy DCL (Fund Balance)
approved · Vote: 5-0 · watch at 1:21
Policy BAAB (Academic Accountability)
approved · Vote: 5-0 · watch at 1:23
Rescind Lease Agreement with Municipal Communications LLC for Cell Tower
approved · Vote: 5-0 · watch at 1:24
Discussion
On-Demand Campus Security Unarmed (Item 6.16)
Dr. Adrienne Simmons questioned the allocation of the $5 million contract for unarmed campus security. Staff explained that the funds support 104 School Safety Officers (SSOs) who manage Evolve scanners at middle and high schools and conduct patrols at 44 elementary schools without School Resource Officers.
Policy DCKI (Annual Operating Budget)
Dr. Adrienne Simmons expressed support for the revised Policy DCKI, noting that it codifies existing budget practices and introduces a centralized, school-level disaggregated budget dashboard for the community.
Rescinding Cell Tower Lease
Mr. Steve Gasper discussed the decision to rescind the cell tower lease at Peachtree Ridge High School and Parsons Elementary School, thanking the community for their feedback and stating that an internal solution had been found to address communication needs.
Public comment
Dual Enrollment Funding
A student speaker expressed concern over changes to state dual enrollment funding and requested that the board establish a local dual enrollment bridge grant or fee waiver program to support affected students.
Cell Towers on School Property
Speakers, including students and an engineer, strongly opposed the construction of cell towers on school grounds, citing health concerns from RF radiation and the need to protect students.
CTAE Funding
A student spoke in favor of continued and expanded funding for Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) programs, highlighting the professional skills and certifications students gain.
Policy JBCF (Safe Zones Policy)
A student speaker criticized certain board members for delaying the implementation of Policy JBCF and urged the board to prioritize student safety and inclusivity.
Weapons Detection Systems
Multiple elementary and middle school students thanked the board for installing weapons detection systems in schools, noting that it provides peace of mind, and expressed hope that they would be expanded to elementary schools.
Gwinnett Online Campus Facilities
A student highlighted the space constraints and facility limitations at Gwinnett Online Campus and advocated for a new or enhanced campus facility to support its growing student body.
Dance as a Sport
A student athlete advocated for greater recognition and physical education credit for dance, emphasizing the rigorous training and health benefits associated with the sport.
Appointments
Principal of The GIVE Center West
Christina Jackson was appointed as the Principal of The GIVE Center West, effective June 1, 2026.
From the superintendent
Agenda Amendment
Superintendent Dr. Taylor requested an amendment to the agenda to remove item 10.2, Policy JCDAF regarding student use of electronic devices, from the evening's business.
Watch the meeting
Everything above is drawn from the board's own recording. Watch it in full and judge for yourself: