Chief academic officer outlines literacy push tied to House Bill 1193

Dr. Abby May, the district's chief academic officer, told the board the district is aligning work to House Bill 1193 — the Georgia Early Literacy Act — and the district's strategic plan goal on student achievement. "This House bill requires a little bit more in-depth look at how our district is providing support for students not reading on grade level," she said, describing four required components the law brings to the district's unified literacy plan.

May said the plan will expand partnerships across birth-to‑5 providers (including daycare, pediatricians and hospitals), strengthen K–1 transition planning, and require focused supports for students who are not reading on grade level. She said the district already uses DIBELS screening through sixth grade and has repurposed academic coaches into literacy-only roles in K–3 schools. "For our 3 literacy coaches right now their sole responsibility is literacy," May said, adding the district spent 4.5 hours recently working with itinerant and elementary coaches to align classroom practice and instructional materials.

May framed the work as ongoing implementation: staff will continue data tracking and professional learning through the school year and report back to the board as the literacy plan develops.