During the Clayton County Board of Education meeting on August 4, 2025, a significant discussion emerged regarding the funding for the Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) program. Board members expressed a strong desire to increase the budget allocation to ensure that more schools receive essential services.

Board member concerns centered around the need for adequate funding, with one member stating, "I'm not trying to overburden anything, but what I am concerned about is us having services for our students." The discussion highlighted the urgency of addressing the needs of schools that were at risk of losing services due to budget constraints.

The board considered a recommendation to increase funding to $1.5 million, which would allow for the inclusion of additional schools in the CSI program. One member emphasized that if the budget were increased, it could help capture schools that had been overlooked, stating, "If we increase funding, we could capture the schools that he's concerned about and others."

However, the board also faced challenges, including a recent decrease in the tax digest by $7.7 million, which raised concerns about the overall financial landscape. Despite these challenges, there was a willingness among board members to pursue grants to support schools losing services, with one member noting, "I'm willing to go with your recommendation, but you gotta understand that the SESs was eliminated as well."

As the meeting progressed, the board moved towards a consensus on the funding increase, with one member proposing a motion to accept the superintendent's recommendation for the $1.5 million allocation. The discussions underscored the board's commitment to ensuring that all students have access to necessary educational services, while also navigating the complexities of budgetary limitations. The board plans to revisit this topic in the fall, allowing for further discussion and planning based on the feedback received.