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NCBOE schedules HB581 public hearings
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The Newton County Board of Education will hold three public hearings to discuss the possibility of opting out of House Bill 581 (O.C.G.A. 48-5-44.2) for Newton County Schools. House Bill 581 establishes a floating homestead exemption, which limits the annual increase in property tax assessments on homestead properties to the rate of inflation for the previous year.

While this legislation aims to provide tax relief for homeowners, it poses significant challenges to the district’s budget, potentially affecting the quality of education, school safety, and the resources necessary to support student success.

House Bill 581 allows local governing bodies, including counties, municipalities, consolidated governments, and local school districts, a one-time opportunity to opt out by March 1, 2025, upon the completion of specific procedures.

All community members are encouraged to attend the public hearings to share their input. The hearings will be held at the following locations and times:

• January 21, 2025, at 11:00 A.M.: Newton County Board of Education Administrative Offices, 2109 Newton Drive, Covington, Georgia 30014

• January 29, 2025, at 6:00 P.M.: Newton College & Career Academy Lecture Hall, 144 Ram Drive, Covington, Georgia 30014

• February 5, 2025, at 4:00 P.M.: Newton County Board of Education Administrative Offices, 2109 Newton Drive, Covington, Georgia 30014

We invite all concerned citizens to participate in these important discussions.

Eastside High School announces Top 10 graduates for Class of 2025
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Eastside High School has announced the names of the top ten graduates of the Class of 2025. Leading the way are valedictorian, Ian White, and salutatorian, Malachi Scharf. Each of the top ten graduates have exciting prospects ahead of them as they prepare for life after high school.

Eastside High School’s 2025 Top 10 Graduates are:

• Ian White—The valedictorian, Ian plans to attend college and obtain a doctorate in chemical engineering. He selected Mr. Elijah Clark as his top teacher.

• Malachi Scharf—The salutatorian, Malachi plans to major in chemical engineering at Georgia Tech. He chose Mr. Michael Poor as his favorite teacher.

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Malachi Scharf (left) and Ian White (right) are Eastside High School’s 2025 Salutatorian and Valedictorian. - photo by Courtesy of Newton County School System

• Kaiden Blazina—Kaiden plans to attend Georgia College and State University to study biology with plans to become an anesthesiologist or a missionary. Kaiden selected Mrs. Haley Dawkins as his honored teacher.

• Abby Malcom—Abby will be attending Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in the fall to major in agribusiness. Her goal is to run a floral business. She selected Ms. Sara Beth Hammond as her top teacher.

• Shelby Moore—Shelby plans to attend Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College to pursue a degree in agricultural education. She selected Ms. Alisa Echols as her top teacher.

• Annalie Parker—Annalie will attend Georgia College & State University with plans to obtain a doctorate and pursue a career in the scientific field. She selected Dr. Catrina Pollard as her favorite teacher.

• Chandler Shurtz—Chandler plans to attend Georgia Tech to study industrial engineering. He selected Mrs. Kelly Elder as his honored teacher.

• Robby Thomas, Jr.—Robby will attend Georgia Tech to study aerospace engineering and astrophysics. His goal is to work for NASA. Robby chose Ms. Kayla Stoddard as his honored teacher.

• Anna Underwood—Anna is attending Georgia State Perimeter to study her core classes with plans to transfer to the University of Georgia. Her career goal is to become an elementary school teacher. She selected Mr. Eric Adams as her top teacher.

• Benjamin Weaver—Benjamin is attending Newberry College to play soccer and study in their pre-vet program before moving on to veterinary school. He selected Mr. Caleb Watson as his honored teacher