State superintendent calls for ‘absolute transparency’ from Dublin school board during financial crisis

State School Superintendent Richard Woods demanded “absolute transparency” Tuesday from the Dublin City Board of Education as the board works on plans to keep the struggling school system open.

Facing a $13 million cashflow shortage by the end of the current fiscal year, the school board approved a pair of money-saving moves Tuesday night, then held a lengthy closed session to adopt a more far-reaching deficit reduction plan. The school system was granted a $1.4 million advance on state funding last month to meet payroll and other obligations, but Woods said he will not ask the governor’s office for another advance for October without a “viable” deficit reduction plan from the school board.

“These numbers have to add up. They have to be correct, and what we get needs to be factual,” Woods told the board. “We are expecting absolute, 100 percent transparency in this financial endeavor. There is nothing that should be hidden, nothing that is off the table for every single individual. Once again, these are your constituents. These are the people you represent, but more importantly these are the kids you are educating in the system that deserve nothing less than absolute transparency.”

The deficit reduction plan apparently includes substantial cuts to positions and programs, but the board did not discuss details. The Courier Herald requested a copy of the plan, but it was not immediately provided.

“We are trying really, really hard to ensure that we keep the system open,” said board member Peggy Johnson. “We don’t like making the cuts, but it’s something we have to do.”

Earlier in the meeting the board approved the purchase of two lawnmowers, which will be used by staffers to maintain campus grounds and allow the schools to cancel a $100,000 outside contract for maintenance service. It also approved a lease/purchase deal for Chromebooks that should save almost $30,000.

The tougher cuts, however, were made in closed session.

“We have to follow the rules, even if we don’t like it. It’s coming down from the state,” said board member JoAnna Glover. “It’s not easy making these decisions. Everyone is going to be hurt by it.”

Board member John Bell said if the schools continue to do what the state asks, “Two years from now, it’s going to be a good bit better.”

Deputy State Superintendent Stephanie Johnson was appointed “special advisor” to the Dublin City Schools and has started working here several days each week. However, Woods stressed during his comments that any cuts to spending are the board’s decisions.

“I do want to be clear. The DOE has not mandated any cuts or decisions. The Dublin school board maintains the ability to make local decisions,” he said. “We’re not here to take over, we’re not here to tell you what to do, but there are certain things that we’ve got to see because we’re having to request advance funding to make sure you are solvent for a period of time.”

Woods commended the efforts of Interim Superintendent Marcee Pool, who was appointed to replace former Superintendent Fred Williams after he stepped down earlier this month to take an early retirement. The system is also without a finance director following the resignation of Chad McDaniel in August.

Woods said Pool and her team have been “very responsive” in working with state officials. “We appreciate the quick response that has recently occurred and taken place.”

The superintendent pledged to support the schools “beyond our fiscal and statutory obligations.”

“Our ultimate goal is to see that teachers and staff are paid for their work and that the students and staff have stability in their education,” Woods said. “If this situation is resolved in a positive manner for Dublin City, that is only the first step. You’ve got to look long-term. 

“We share one primary concern – the students, the teachers, the staff and the families of the community to which you owe responsibility. As public servants, these are your constituents. They put you into office each and every time you sit in that chair. … You have to earn credibility, not only with your parents but within your community, as well, so that everyone can buy in, because you need all of that support.” 

In addition to its operating deficit, the school system owes about $6 million to the State Health Benefits Plan after not paying employer contributions for the entire fiscal year 2025. The school district also had not completed an audit since 2021 until recently wrapping up 2022.

Local lawmakers have since asked the Georgia Department of Audits & Accounts to conduct a “special examination” in the system’s finances.

Woods stayed around and met with concerned parents and residents in the school board office lobby, as the board met in closed session Tuesday night. He said he expects the audits to be made public as soon as they are completed. He also pledged to help keep parents and the public informed about the school system’s predicament.

Jonathan Goode, whose children attend first and third grades at the Irish Gifted Academy, was among the parents attending. He is concerned that the gifted program was on the chopping block. Earlier this month Goode organized a community prayer meeting for the school system.

“I’ve been wanting people to pray,” he said, “but right now I want to make sure my kids’ school exists.”

Board members in their closing comments said the deficit reduction plan cuts, though difficult to make, offers hope that things will get better.

“The information we looked at tonight gave me hope for that,” said board member James Lanier.

“A lot of the conversation has felt hopeless, that we can’t get through this. That’s not true,” added member Regina McRae.

The board’s chairman, Kenny Walters, appealed to the community for its support.

“There’s no such thing as neutral. If you’re not with us, you’re against us,” he said.

“It’s time to educate people about what happened, how it happened and what we’re going to do about it. …We’re asking for your help. This wasn’t our doing, although we’re being held responsible for it. Could we have asked more questions? Sure, we could have, but there was nothing to ask.”

After the meeting Walters declined to elaborate on “what happened.” 

Williams and school board members have said they were surprised at the state’s findings when notified by the state in August about “operational deficiencies” that included the overdue heath plan payments and audits but so far have offered no explanation. Monthly financial reports obtained by The Courier Herald show the district operated in a deficit from at least June 2024 until May 2025, with it at times reaching more than $7 million. The reports are signed by board members and sent to the state.