Newton County Schools has announced its engagement with HPM, a nationally recognized program management and organizational improvement firm, as part of the next phase of the district's resource stabilization efforts.
The partnership with HPM is part of LEAN, the district's multi-year resource stabilization strategy announced earlier this year. LEAN is designed to strengthen the district's long-term financial sustainability through a combination of cost-saving and revenue-generating opportunities.
During the first phase of LEAN, Newton County Schools implemented targeted budget adjustments across divisions as part of the 2026–2027 budget development process. The second phase will include a deeper organizational review led by HPM to evaluate district systems, including facilities usage.
HPM has developed an engagement plan that emphasizes community collaboration and transparency throughout the review process. The firm's work will include deep engagement with district stakeholders to better understand the needs or operational liabilities of Newton County Schools. Throughout the engagement, HPM will provide regular updates on its progress and conclude the process by publicly sharing its findings and recommendations with district leadership and the Board of Education.
HPM's review follows more than a year of budget discussions and financial planning in which district leaders communicated the need to reduce expenditures and explore revenue-generating opportunities.
“As the district continues to see significant progress in student achievement, we recognize that sustaining that momentum requires ongoing evaluation of how we operate,” said Superintendent Dr. Duke Bradley. “The next phase of our work will be defined by our willingness to rigorously review our organization in service to our mission. Working with HPM will help ensure our resources remain aligned with what matters most - supporting students and preparing our school system for the future.”
Bradley emphasized that the process will be as important as the outcome.
“HPM's approach is designed to be collaborative,” Bradley said. “They will spend time listening to our employees, engaging community stakeholders, and providing regular updates as the work progresses. We want this process to reflect the perspectives of the people who know Newton County Schools best, and we look forward to sharing the findings openly with our Board and community.”
Phase II of LEAN comes as school systems across Georgia continue to navigate rising operational costs, changing funding conditions, and increased financial pressures. Senate Bill 33, passed during the 2026 legislative session, is expected to create additional challenges for local governments and school districts by limiting certain growth in property tax revenues.
Newton County Schools Board Chair Mrs. Abigail Coggin said the review reflects the Board's longstanding commitment to balancing educational excellence with responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources.
“For six consecutive years, my Board colleagues and I have lowered the millage rate while continuing to support investments that benefit students, employees, and families,” Coggin said. “As the financial landscape continues to evolve, it is important that we remain committed to ensuring every taxpayer dollar supports the success of our students and our community.”
Over the past few years, Newton County Schools has also continued to demonstrate progress through improved student outcomes. District leaders believe maintaining that momentum requires a continued commitment to evaluating district operations and making informed decisions about how resources are utilized.
The organizational review will also provide district leaders with data and recommendations to inform future planning and decision-making. As part of HPM's engagement plan, the review will include regular communication on the project's progress, and a formal presentation of findings and recommendations upon completion. Any recommendations resulting from the process will be carefully evaluated and communicated with employees, families, and the community.