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The Cherokee County School District is continuing a new monthly recognition for outstanding high school athletes.
The Cherokee County School District, as previously announced, last night presented a community forum on the topic of safety and security. A video recording of the panel presentation, featuring Superintendent of Schools Mary Elizabeth Davis, Police Chief Buster Cushing and staff, Chief School Leadership and Operations Officer Dr. Debra Murdock and staff, and Cherokee Sheriff Frank Reynolds, now is posted online here.
The Cherokee County School District’s graduation rate for the Class of 2024 rose to 93.5%, a new high that also continues to top the state average.
The College Board has honored 128 Cherokee County School District students with National Recognition Programs Awards!
In honor of National School Custodian Day, this week we’re recognizing one of our high school head custodians each day. Please join us in thanking them for all they do to keep our schools safe and clean for our students, teachers and staff, volunteers, and visitors! #CCSDElevateTheExcellence #ThankACustodian
Please check out the October edition of the CCSD Connections newsletter at https://www.cherokeek12.net/about-ccsd/newsletter for the latest CCSD news including a message from the Superintendent, a calendar of upcoming events, and much more. Thank you to our newsletter sponsor, Credit Union of Georgia, a CCSD Partner.
Join us as we #ThankACustodian in recognition of National School Custodian Day. We love our custodians -- not just today, but every day!
Cherokee County School District students topped state averages and improved performance on math sections of the Georgia Milestones End-of-Grade and End-of-Course tests, mirroring the success achieved in other subjects announced this summer.
Cherokee County School District’s SAT scores continue to top statewide and national results, according to results released today by the College Board.
The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024 heard a report on current safety and security systems and practices and reviewed the school district’s progress in accomplishing its Key Priorities for elevating the excellence in all areas.
Given the heartbreaking tragedy at Apalachee High School and uneasy atmosphere we have navigated in the days since, Superintendent Mary Elizabeth Davis gave a video report, during her welcome, on the state of safety and security in our school district at tonight’s School Board meeting.
A Cherokee County School District high school choral group has been selected to perform at two statewide events!
Please check out the September edition of the CCSD Connections newsletter online here for the latest CCSD news including a message from the Superintendent, a calendar of upcoming events, and much more.
A Cherokee County School District student is being recognized by the National Down Syndrome Society. Creekview High School sophomore Aniya Grace Symone Lott is among 500 children, teens and adults selected from across the country to be highlighted in the organization’s video presentation on Saturday in New York City’s Time Square.
It is with a heavy heart that I send this message this evening following the horrific and tragic events at Apalachee High School in Barrow County today. As the Superintendent of the Cherokee County School District, there is nothing that I think more about each day than the safety and security of our students and our staff, and I am heartbroken to think about the devastation experienced by the Barrow community and shared by our entire state of Georgia.
Volunteers make a positive difference in our schools, which is why we spotlight them here ... congratulations to Creekview High School 2024 Volunteer of the Year: Ashley Petty! #CCSDElevateTheExcellence
The CCSD Athletics new weekly calendar of events now is online! The weekly calendar online here includes times, dates and locations for upcoming CCSD high school varsity, JV and freshman athletic games.
The Cherokee County School District’s School Nutrition department is searching for the best kid-friendly recipes that “par-slay the day!”
A Cherokee County School District career education program has received national recognition for excellence!
The Cherokee County School Board at its meeting on Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024, reviewed the school district’s Georgia Milestones Assessment Performance Review report, a new level in accountability reporting introduced this school year by the Superintendent of Schools.
The Cherokee County Student Delegates to the School Board this week began their year of service!
Two Cherokee County School District students recently participated in a statewide leadership program.
The Cherokee County School District’s Police Department is dedicated to serving and protecting our students and staff every day. We’re thankful for their service!
Class Act, the award-winning magazine from the Cherokee County School District, went home with students the first week of school, giving parents a one-stop publication for back-to-school information and a peek at what's new for this school year.
The Cherokee County School Board this week will recognizes its new class of Student Delegates!
The Cherokee County School District is accepting applications for its annual parent academy program.
We had a wonderful #CCSD1stDay2024! Here's a video of highlights from today. Thank you to everyone who made today a success for our students. #CCSDElevateTheExcellence
It is the night before our first day of school in CCSD, and we are excited for a great day! Please click the link below for a video message from Superintendent of Schools Mary Elizabeth Davis. We can’t wait to see you tomorrow.
As we begin the new school year, we ask all drivers to please remember the rules of the road when encountering school buses, bus stops and school zones:
The Cherokee County School District celebrated school nurses today with the presentation of the fourth annual CCSD School Nurse of the Year Awards!
Cherokee County School District students won gold in the statewide summer Special Olympics!
Our Principals are dedicated leaders, and this month we’ll be introducing you to each of our school district’s new Principals. Please help us celebrate Principal Mark Vance, who this school year will lead Creekview High School!
This summer, we converted our student information system and launched a new platform called Synergy in preparation for the 2024-25 school year. Synergy offers families a ParentVUE website and app that provides greater access to their children’s emergency contacts and attendance information.
We greatly value the outstanding support staff in our schools and central office divisions, which is why we recognize them here. Please join us in congratulating the 2024 Support Staff Employee of the Year for Creekview High School: Kelleye Greene! #CCSDfam
The Cherokee County School District congratulates the winners of its third annual Transportation Employee of the Year Awards!
The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, June 20, approved its budget for next school year, which provides salary improvements to teachers and support staff while maintaining the same tax rate. The school board also adopted consistent guidance for student dress and appropriate cell phone use for elementary, middle, and high school students to take effect as we start the 2024-25 school year.
Get Ready for Back to School with CCSD’s New ParentVUE … the parent portal for our new student information system, where you can update emergency contact info, track absences and more!
The Cherokee County School District this week celebrated its Class of 2024 summer graduates with a commencement ceremony!
Twenty Cherokee County School District students recently were honored for their outstanding artwork!
Another group of Cherokee County School District educators has earned Georgia’s Dyslexia Endorsement!
Four Cherokee County School District Class of 2024 graduates have earned Positive Athlete Georgia scholarships!
Thirteen Cherokee County School District teachers have been honored as 2024 Golden Apple Award winners, and a Class of 2024 graduate earned a scholarship to support her pursuit of a teaching career!
Two Cherokee County School District Class of 2024 graduates have earned National Merit college-awarded scholarships!
We’re proud of our CCSD family’s dedicated teachers … and every week, you’ll get to know one of them better through a Q&A posted here. #CCSDfam
The Cherokee County School District and School Board celebrated the Class of 2024 Valedictorians and Salutatorians at its 24th Annual Scholar Recognition Banquet.
The message below from Superintendent of Schools Mary Elizabeth Davis is to our graduating Class of 2024 seniors. You can see each of their names posted below by clicking on the name of their school.
Members of Cherokee County School District’s Class of 2024 have committed to military service, including five selected for prestigious U.S. Service Academies!
The Cherokee County School District congratulates its Class of 2024 School Board Delegates on completing their year of service!
Congratulations to the valedictorians and salutatorians for the Cherokee County School District’s Class of 2024!
In honor of Teacher Appreciation Month, we’re celebrating a school 2024 Teacher of the Year each day! American Sign Language (ASL) teacher Andrea Sheldon, an eight-year educator, is the Teacher of the Year for Creekview High School!
The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday heard a report from Superintendent of Schools Mary Elizabeth Davis on her key priorities and recommended balanced budget for next school year, with a focus on elevating the excellence of academics and achievement for all students and improving employee compensation to retain the best educators possible.
Cherokee County School District’s Class of 2024 will walk across the stage for graduation ceremonies next week!
Cherokee County School District students earned top honors at an international career skills competition!
Two Cherokee County School District students earned statewide honors at Georgia’s Career and Technical Instruction Competition!
Mary Elizabeth Davis over the past month has continued her ongoing meetings with students, parents, teachers, support staff and community partners to listen and learn more about CCSD’s strengths to further nurture and invest in, as well as for opportunities for continuous improvement.
It’s national Teacher Appreciation Week, and Superintendent of Schools Mary Elizabeth Davis wrapped up the celebration with a visit Friday morning to Boston Elementary School.
The Cherokee County School District this week honored retiring employees as legends at a new ceremony and reception.
The Cherokee County School District is celebrating 52 graduating seniors who plan to pursue careers in skilled professions!
The Cherokee County School District celebrated its future educators this week!
It’s national Teacher Appreciation Week, and Superintendent of Schools Mary Elizabeth Davis continued the celebration with a visit Thursday to Creekview High School.
Three Cherokee County School District graduating seniors have earned the prestigious 2024 National Merit Scholarship!
We appreciate partners' support of our schools, which is why we celebrate their service here – congratulations to Creekview HS 2024 Partner of the Year: Las Palmas Mexican Restaurant - Macedonia.
To Our Teachers on Teacher Appreciation Day,
My admiration for teachers and the powerful impact they have on students’ lives is life-long.
Cherokee County School District students earned honors at an annual statewide literary competition, including eight first-place wins.
A Cherokee County School District student is advancing to a national business skills competition!
Cherokee County School District student athletes have been honored by Positive Athlete Georgia with 13 regional awards.
Cherokee County School District winter guard teams have excelled at national and regional competitions!
Cherokee County School District student artists will be featured in a Woodstock festival this weekend!
The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday heard a presentation from Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mary Elizabeth Davis on her progress over the past month in the new role. The school board also approved new school assistant principals for next school year.
Cherokee County School District students, educators and volunteers were honored by the PTA with regional awards!
The next few weeks will provide the Cherokee County community a showcase of teen talent as CCSD high schools put on spring productions, beginning tonight.
Twelve Cherokee County School District Class of 2024 graduating seniors will be honored next month by the Cherokee County Sports Hall of Fame!
Six Cherokee County School District student artists were selected for the prestigious Atlanta High School Art Exhibition!
A new online tutoring program now is available for high school students at no cost!
Eight Cherokee County School District high school seniors have been selected for the prestigious Georgia Scholar recognition!
Five Cherokee County School District students are advancing to the state level of the Young Georgia Authors Writing Competition!
The 2024 Coach of the Year finalist for each of the CCSD Innovation Zones was named on Tuesday, with the county winner slated to be announced later in May.
Cherokee County School District students earned honors at the state Technology Student Association career skills competition, with top winners advancing to nationals!
The Cherokee County School District has earned national honors for its School Nutrition summer meals program for the fifth time!
Cherokee County School District students placed at the recent regional 4-H Competition, with one student now advancing to the statewide contest.
Ten Cherokee County School District high school students have been selected for the prestigious Georgia Governor’s Honors Program! The statewide summer honors program for Georgia’s top rising high school juniors and seniors offers four weeks of college-level instruction at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro.
The Cherokee County School District saluted educators tonight at the 2024 Legacy Makers: CCSD Teachers of the Year Celebration and Crystal Bennett of Ball Ground ES STEM Academy was named CCSD’s Teacher of the Year!
Cherokee County School District high school and middle school students won seats in the prestigious Georgia Music Educators Association All-State Band, Chorus and Orchestra.
The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, March 21, 2024 heard a presentation from Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mary Elizabeth Davis on her first two full weeks in the new role. The school board also approved new school leaders for next school year and heard updates on new school construction projects.
It's School Board Appreciation Week in Georgia, and we're so thankful for our Cherokee County School Board!
Mary Elizabeth Davis today began her service to Cherokee County as our new Superintendent of Schools.
True to her 100-day plan’s mission -- “Listen to understand, Lean-in to remember, and Learn to Lead” – Mary Elizabeth spent her first day visiting schools and meeting students, teachers and support staff, families and business and community partners.
Cherokee County School District students earned top honors at Georgia’s student theatre conference! The Georgia Thespian Conference workshops, competitions and performances are attended by high school theatre students and educators statewide.
Cherokee County School District kindergarten and new student registration now is open online for the 2024 -25 school year. Parents of any student who will be new to CCSD for the 2024-25 school year can enter information and upload documents to complete the registration process online using CCSD’s Synergy system.
March begins peak teacher hiring season for school districts, and the Cherokee County School District calls upon a special team to aid in its recruiting success: current teachers. The CCSD Recruitment Ambassador team is made up of outstanding educators from across the school district selected for their excellence in teaching and knowledge of the district and its opportunities for teachers.
The Cherokee County School District celebrated outstanding school volunteers and business and community partners at the annual CCSD Partner of the Year and Volunteer of the Year Recognition Ceremony. The ceremony on Thursday evening in the school board auditorium honored a Partner of the Year and a Volunteer of the Year for each individual school and center. The evening included the surprise announcement of the CCSD Partner of the Year and Volunteer of the Year selected from that pool of honorees.
All seven Cherokee County School District 2024 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists have advanced as Finalists! They are: of Creekview HS, Peter Greenwell, Laura Hand and Kinley Sikes; of River Ridge HS, Rylan Radziewicz; of Sequoyah HS, Livana Lekas and Valor Lekas; and of Woodstock HS, Xavier Olsen.
The Cherokee County School Board at its regular meeting tonight, Feb. 15, 2024, voted to officially hire Dr. Mary Elizabeth Davis as the county’s next Superintendent of Schools.
Dr. Davis currently serves as Superintendent of Schools for Henry County. You can learn more about her extensive experience as an educator and leader online here. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower last fall announced he planned to retire this spring after nearly 40 years in education, including eight years in his current role.
The Cherokee County School District on Thursday night celebrated 279 outstanding high school students as 2024 Superintendent’s Key Scholars! These top students were recognized, through the 19th Annual Superintendent’s Key Scholar Recognition Ceremony, for scores achieved on the PSAT that rank them in the top 10% nationwide.
Congratulations to the Cherokee County School District’s 2024 STAR Students and Teachers! The STAR, or Student Teacher Achievement Recognition, Student honor is awarded to the high school senior from each Georgia public and private high school with the highest score on any single test date of the SAT and who also ranks in the top 10 percent or top 10 students of his or her class based on grade point average. Each honored student is invited to select his or her favorite teacher to be named that school’s STAR Teacher.
Congratulations to the Cherokee County School District’s 2024 School Teachers of the Year winners! Every school year, every CCSD school’s teachers and staff are asked to select a Teacher of the Year for their school. These school-level winners now are eligible for the honor of Cherokee County School District 2024 Teacher of the Year.
February is School Choice Month for the Cherokee County School District! In February, CCSD opens the opportunity for parents to request a school reassignment for the next school year, including our STEM, STEAM and Fine Arts Academies; this year, registration for our online high school, i-Grad Virtual Academy, begins a little later on March 11. Registration for Pre-K, kindergarten and Grades 1-12 new student enrollment for the next school year begins in March.
The Cherokee County School Board at a special called meeting tonight, Jan. 31, 2024, announced a sole finalist to serve as the county’s next Superintendent of Schools. The school board voted to announce Dr. Mary Elizabeth Davis as the sole finalist to begin leading the school district.
The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024, heard updates on the current state legislative session and how the proposed state budget and legislation may impact school operations.
CCSD schools celebrated the holiday season by serving the community through donation drives and volunteering. Thank you to the teachers and staff who organized these #CCSDGives projects. We hope you enjoy this slideshow of photos from just a few of these many activities that's online here. Happy Holidays to our #CCSDfam!
The Cherokee County School Board at its called meeting Wednesday evening adopted the Superintendent’s recommendation to award employee bonuses this month.
The Cherokee County School Board at its meeting on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023, heard plans by the Superintendent of Schools to return school custodial services to in-house operations for next school year. The school board also approved the Woodstock HS classroom addition construction contract, named Dr. Chad Flatt as the new principal for Freedom Middle School beginning Jan. 8 as Principal Whitney Nolan is stepping down and appointed Adam Holley as the new head football coach for Cherokee High School.
The Cherokee County School District continues to exceed state averages for overall college and career readiness.
The Cherokee County School District celebrated the important role of support staff at its Sixth Annual Support Staff Employees of the Year Awards on Thursday evening.
The Cherokee County School Board at its Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023 meeting reviewed how anticipated state legislation will impact next year’s budget for school operations.
The Cherokee County School District is calling for nominations of outstanding retired educators for its hall of fame! The CCSD Educators Hall of Fame recognizes retired educators who made significant contributions during their career in CCSD and left a lasting positive impact on the lives of students, colleagues and our community.
The Cherokee County School District next month will celebrate outstanding service at its sixth annual Support Staff Employees of the Year Awards! The recognition ceremony will honor one Support Staff Employee of the Year from each of CCSD’s schools, centers and central office divisions.
CCSD is in the process of welcoming 30 new additions to its bus fleet, with new vehicles being delivered that will offer more safety features for its drivers and passengers while allowing the oldest buses in the fleet to be taken out of service.
The Cherokee County School District this school year began a new program to recognize employees’ important service to the community. The CCSD Milestones Service Awards celebrate employees’ dedication to serving the community through their vocation.
Cherokee County School District high school students last school year increased their participation and success in Advanced Placement college-level courses, earning international honors for their schools.
The Cherokee County School Board at its Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023 meeting approved plans to expand a school and heard important budget updates.
CCSD recognized its school bus drivers on Tuesday morning with a drive-through breakfast and gifts.
The Cherokee County School District Class of 2023 ACT scores increased and continued to exceed national and state averages!
Cherokee County School District’s SAT scores increased and continue to top statewide and national results, according to results released today by the College Board.
The Cherokee County School Board at its regular meeting on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023 heard an update on its search for the next superintendent of schools. The school board earlier this month voted to contract with the Georgia School Boards Association (GSBA) for its support services to aid in the search. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower on Sept. 1 announced his plans to retire at the end of this school year.
The Cherokee County School Board at its Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023 regular meeting welcomed its new Student Advisor and Student Delegates for the school year!
The CCSD Connections monthly newsletter is designed for CCSD parents, but we know there are many people in our community who like to keep us with our school district’s news.
The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, May 18, 2023 reviewed the proposed budget for next school year, which increases salaries for teachers and support staff, and approved the construction contract for the new replacement Cherokee High School campus.
This week’s CCSD Pathway Profile focuses on Work Based Learning, which is offered at all CCSD high schools. CCSD offers 38 Career Pathway high school programs, which provide students with a wide selection of job exploration and preparation electives. Through CCSD Pathway Profiles, we regularly share highlights with you from one of these programs …
The Cherokee County School Board at its meeting on Thursday, April 20, 2023 approved the appointment of a new Cherokee High School principal and improvements to the driveway and parking for Creekview High School and Creekland Middle School.
This week’s CCSD Pathway Profile focuses on Veterinary Science and Equine Science, with both programs offered at Creekview High School and the former offered at Etowah High School. CCSD offers 38 Career Pathway high school programs, which provide students with a wide selection of job exploration and preparation electives. Through CCSD Pathway Profiles, we regularly share highlights with you from one of these programs …
This week’s CCSD Pathway Profile focuses on Healthcare Science: Therapeutic Services - Sports Medicine and Exercise Physiology. Sports Medicine is offered at Cherokee, Creekview and Etowah HS; Exercise Physiology also is offered at Etowah HS. Five different Healthcare Science programs are available in CCSD high schools. CCSD offers 38 Career Pathway high school programs, which provide students with a wide selection of job exploration and preparation electives. Through CCSD Pathway Profiles, we regularly share highlights with you from one of these programs …
The Cherokee County School District is beginning kindergarten and new student registration for the 2023-24 school year with a new online registration system.
This week’s CCSD Pathway Profile focuses on Healthcare Science - Therapeutic Services and Allied Health and Medicine, which is offered at Creekview and Etowah High Schools. The Cherokee County School District offers 38 Career Pathway high school programs, which provide students with a wide selection of job exploration and preparation electives. Through CCSD Pathway Profiles, we regularly share highlights with you from one of these programs …
The Cherokee County School District offers 38 Career Pathway high school programs, which provide students with a wide selection of job exploration and preparation electives. Through CCSD Pathway Profiles, we’ll regularly share highlights with you from one of these programs. This week’s profile focuses on Cybersecurity, which is offered at the Cherokee College & Career Academy that is open to all CCSD high school students …
The Cherokee County School District offers 38 Career Pathway high school programs, which provide students with a wide selection of job exploration and preparation electives. Through CCSD Pathway Profiles, we’ll regularly share highlights with you from one of these programs. This week’s profile focuses on Agriculture Mechanics Systems offered at Creekview High School …
The Cherokee County School District offers 38 Career Pathway high school programs, which provide students with a wide selection of job exploration and preparation electives. Through CCSD Pathway Profiles, we’ll regularly share highlights with you from one of these programs. This week’s profile focuses on Engineering and Technology, which is offered at Cherokee, Creekview, River Ridge and Woodstock High Schools …
The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022 approved mid-year bonuses for teachers and support staff and heard plans to increase salaries for next school year.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower proposed the one-time supplemental payments of $1,000 for eligible full-time employees and $500 permanent part-time employees, which will be issued in this month’s paychecks, to show appreciation for their continued service.
The Cherokee County School District offers 38 Career Pathway high school programs, which provide students with a wide selection of job exploration and preparation electives. Through CCSD Pathway Profiles, we’ll regularly share highlights with you from one of these programs. This week’s profile focuses on Graphic Design and Graphic Communications, which is offered at Woodstock HS and Creekview HS …
The Cherokee County School District offers 38 Career Pathway high school programs, which provide students with a wide selection of job exploration and preparation electives. Through CCSD Pathway Profiles, we’ll regularly share highlights with you from one of these programs. This week’s profile focuses on Nutrition and Food Science, which is available at all CCSD high schools …
The Cherokee County School District offers 38 Career Pathway high school programs, which provide students with a wide selection of job exploration and preparation electives. Through CCSD Pathway Profiles, we’ll regularly share highlights with you from one of these programs. This week’s profile focuses on Healthcare Science - Therapeutic Services and Patient Care, which is offered at Cherokee HS and Sequoyah HS during the school day and after school at River Ridge HS through a dual enrollment program with Chattahoochee Technical College. Beginning this spring, the program also will be offered after school at Creekview HS through dual enrollment with Chattahoochee Tech. It is one of five different Healthcare Science Career Pathway programs available in CCSD schools …
The Cherokee County School District offers 38 Career Pathway high school programs, which provide students with a wide selection of job exploration and preparation electives. Through CCSD Pathway Profiles, we’ll regularly share highlights with you from one of these programs. This week’s profile focuses on Marketing and Management, which is offered at Creekview HS and Sequoyah HS …
The Cherokee County School District offers 38 Career Pathway high school programs, which provide students with a wide selection of job exploration and preparation electives. Through CCSD Pathway Profiles, we’ll regularly share highlights with you from one of these programs. This week’s profile focuses on Teaching as a Profession, which is offered at Creekview HS, River Ridge HS and Sequoyah HS …
The Cherokee County School District offers 38 Career Pathway high school programs, which provide students with a wide selection of job exploration and preparation electives. Through CCSD Pathway Profiles, we’ll regularly share highlights with you from one of these programs. This week’s profile focuses on welding, which is offered at Cherokee High School and, new for this school year, also is offered at Creekview HS as an after-school dual enrollment program with Chattahoochee Technical College.
The Cherokee County School District has earned international recognition for excellence in education!
The district is one of only 38 school districts in the world to today be named a 2022 Cognia School System of Distinction by the international accreditation organization.
The Cherokee County School District offers 38 Career Pathway high school programs, which provide students with a wide selection of job exploration and preparation electives. Through CCSD Pathway Profiles, we’ll regularly share highlights with you from one of these programs. This week’s profile focuses on the Law Enforcement Services and Forensic Science program, which is offered at Cherokee HS, Creekview HS and River Ridge HS.
The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday evening welcomed its new Student Advisor and Student Delegates for the school year!
The School Board has included a Student Advisor position on its board since 1999, and, for the past 11 years, a Student Delegate from each high school also has been selected.
The Cherokee County School District offers 38 Career Pathway high school programs, which provide students with a wide selection of job exploration and preparation electives. Through CCSD Pathway Profiles, we’ll regularly share highlights with you from one of these programs. This week’s profile focuses on the Arts, A/V Technology and Communications program, which is offered at all CCSD high schools:
Cherokee County School District students for the seventh consecutive year exceeded State averages on the Georgia Milestones End-of-Grade and End-of-Course tests, with significant gains on most tests.
The annual tests assess students’ mastery of Georgia Performance Standards, which set expectations for what lessons students will learn in each grade. Teachers and administrators use the results to improve instructional best practices.
The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday night approved the budget for next school year, which calls for a tax rate reduction, increased investment in school safety and pay raises for teachers and support staff.
The 1.5 mills decrease in the tax rate, which was unanimously approved, is the first reduction proposed since 2014 and was prompted by the rise in property values. While most homeowners will see an increase in their tax bill due to their property value rising, the increase will be less due to the School Board’s action.
The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday night reviewed the proposed budget for next school year, which calls for a reduction in the tax rate for all property owners and well-deserved pay increases for teachers and support staff.
The proposed 1.5 mills decrease in the tax rate is the first reduction proposed since 2014 and has been recommended by Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower in light of rising home values.
The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday heard good news about the school district’s financial outlook due to increasing home values and discussed ways to reduce the burden on taxpayers, while also using some of the windfall to make teacher and staff pay more competitive.
The Cherokee County School District received excellent news today: the district’s international accreditation as a high-quality school system is recommended for renewal for another five years!
“Accreditation is the gold standard for school districts – it provides independent assurance to parents, employees and taxpayers as to the excellence of their public schools,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower said. “I’m incredibly proud of the work that all of our employees do every day to provide the best possible education and care to each of our students. Thank you to the amazing parent volunteers and business and community partners who support us. None of this would be possible without the outstanding leadership of our School Board, its vision for our future and its strong stewardship of the resources entrusted to them by our community.”
The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, March 17, 2022 approved a budget amendment to accept state funding for eligible part-time and full-time staff to receive a one-time bonus and appointed new school leaders for next school year.
The Cherokee County School Board at its regular meeting on Thursday, Feb. 17, heard an update on CCSD’s student support services efforts including suicide prevention.
The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, Jan. 13, reviewed a progress report on accomplishing Blueprint strategic plan goals and heard operational updates including the planned expansion of CCSD’s school choice program.
The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, Nov. 18, approved its 2022 Legislative Partnership Priorities, which advocate for continued local control of public education decisions and the end of State educational funding budget cuts.
The Cherokee County School Board at its Thursday, Oct. 21 work session, reviewed projects proposed for the Education Special Purpose Location Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) renewal up for a vote on Nov. 2, with Early Voting now underway.
The Cherokee County School District has been named a finalist for the 2021 Governance Team of the Year Award presented by the Georgia School Boards Association!
Three awards are presented annually to recognize top School Boards and Superintendents of Schools for outstanding leadership and dedication to continuous improvement. One winner is selected in three categories based on school district enrollment: small, 1-3,000 students; medium, 3,001-10,000 students; and large, 10,000+ students.
The Cherokee County School Board at its meeting on Thursday, July 15, 2021 took the following action:
- Approved the monthly personnel report, which included the appointment of Adam Johnson, a 13-year CCSD teacher who has taught and coached track at Cherokee High School, as a new assistant principal at Woodstock High School;
The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, June 17, 2021 unanimously approved its budget for next school year, which is balanced without a tax rate increase and includes hiring 125 new teachers above and beyond enrollment growth to help bridge any pandemic-related learning opportunity losses.
The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday reviewed the recommended budget for next school year, which includes hiring more teachers to lower class size while not raising the school property tax millage rate, and adopted a resolution that prohibits implementing Critical Race Theory (CRT) and The 1619 Project.
The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, April 15, approved school calendars for three more years and appointed several new leaders for next school year.
The approved calendars for the 2022-23, 2023-24 and 2024-25 school year now are posted at http://bit.ly/CCSDcalendars. They were developed by a committee of CCSD employees and parents and use the same balanced calendar model as currently in place.
The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, March 18, 2021, heard school operations updates on plans for special events including graduation ceremonies and proms, as well as details for next school year including the continuation of a Digital Learning option.
The School Board also approved several appointments for CCSD school leadership roles for next school year including new Principals for Ball Ground Elementary School STEM Academy and Mountain Road Elementary School, as well as the naming of the District’s first administrator focused on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives.
The Georgia School Boards Association (GSBA) has announced the week of March 15-19, 2021 as “School Board Member Appreciation Week.”
CCSD joins a statewide celebration this week to salute the efforts of local school board members. As constitutional officers of Georgia, school board members are responsible for setting educational policies, employing school personnel, providing buildings and equipment, operating a transportation system and disbursing school funds. As community leaders, school board members serve as advocates for the children in local public schools and must study, evaluate and decide what actions are in the best interest of those students.
The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021, approved several appointments for CCSD school leadership roles for next school year.
As part of the monthly personnel report, the School Board accepted the retirements of many longtime educators throughout CCSD including Bascomb Elementary School Principal Kathleen Chandler.
The Cherokee County School Board at its meeting Thursday night heard updates on State education funding and the state of public health.
The Cherokee County School Board has earned top state honors for exemplary leadership and innovation practices.
The Georgia School Boards Association (GSBA) has awarded the Cherokee County School Board its 2020 Exemplary School Board designation. The statewide recognition program honors school boards that consistently meet standards of excellence and model best practices; it is a three-tiered program, and Exemplary is the highest level of achievement. In order to earn this status, school boards must demonstrate commitment to
The Cherokee County School Board during its meeting Thursday approved the purchase of land for the potential site of a new Cherokee High School.
The 88-acre site is north of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and adjacent to the current Teasley MS campus in Canton’s Riverstone area, and the land cost is $87,500 per acre to be paid for with current Ed SPLOST funds.
The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday heard an update on potential State funding concerns for next school year.
During its pre-meeting work session, School Board members began the planning work for its annual Legislative Partnership Priorities, a list of top issues it would like to see addressed by Cherokee County’s State legislators during the General Assembly Session. The report typically is shared by the School Board with the Delegation at a meeting in early December prior to the legislative session’s start in January.
The Cherokee County School Board during its meeting Thursday heard operations updates and talked about construction of a replacement Cherokee High School as a possible project to be funded in the next Education SPLOST renewal.
The Cherokee County School Board at its regular meeting tonight heard an update on the start of the school year, and talked about a possible “hybrid” model for the reopening of three temporarily closed high schools.
After a wide-ranging discussion of current school operations and possible operational changes, the School Board voted, 5-1, with Vice Chair Kelly Poole dissenting and John Harmon absent, to authorize Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower to make adjustments, as he determines are needed, to the Reopening of School Plan in order to reopen Creekview, Etowah and Woodstock High Schools on Aug. 31. The motion specifically excluded authorizing a student mask mandate at this time.
The Cherokee County School Board at its regular meeting tonight unanimously approved the Cherokee County School District’s annual budget, which, despite a $25 Million State education funding cut, was balanced without the need for furlough days or a millage rate increase.
The Cherokee County School Board at its called meeting tonight unanimously approved the Superintendent’s recommended CCSD Reopening of School Plan, which calls for both the return to schools for traditional learning and the launch of an improved digital learning choice.
On behalf of the Superintendent, please be advised that Cherokee County School Board Chair Kyla Cromer has called for a School Board meeting to be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 9, 2020 to consider approval of the Superintendent’s recommended CCSD Reopening of School Plan.
The Cherokee County School Board at its work session and regular meeting this evening reviewed the proposed CCSD budget for next school year, which balances a State funding shortfall without the need for furlough days or a tax rate increase, and heard an update on school reopening plans.
The Cherokee County School Board during its May meeting, which was held this evening virtually and streamed online, heard school reopening plans and a budget update.
The Cherokee County School Board this evening unanimously approved the Superintendent of Schools’ recommendation to end school early on May 8 and to postpone a decision on high school graduation ceremonies until July 1.
The Cherokee County School Board tonight heard plans to further extend the closure of all Cherokee County School District schools and offices through the previously scheduled Spring Break.
The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020 approved the appointments of new Principals and other leaders for next school year.
The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2020 approved the appointment of a longtime CCSD leader as its next Chief Operations Officer.
Dr. Debra Murdock, a past Georgia High School Principal of the Year who currently serves as an Executive Director in the Office of School Operations, will begin leading the division this spring.
The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2019 heard an update on CCSD’s Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) initiative, including projects underway to increase counseling services and create a “parent university” program for providing parents more information to help their children’s safety and well-being.
The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2019 approved Blueprint, a new long-range plan for the Cherokee County School District’s continued success, developed based on community input.
The creation of the new five-year strategic plan, which is posted here, evolved over six months of meetings with students, families, teachers, support staff, business and community partners to determine what matters most to them and how CCSD could better serve them.
The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, July 18, 2019 appointed a longtime CCSD leader to head up the new Social and Emotional Learning initiative, as well as several resulting Principal changes.
Dr. Debra Murdock, the former Principal of Cherokee High School and Georgia High School Principal of the Year, who has most recently served as the School Operations’ executive director overseeing middle and high schools, will take on the newly created role focused on developing new ways to better support students’ and employees’ emotional and mental health and well-being.
The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, June 20, 2019 unanimously approved the Superintendent’s proposed budget for next school year and celebrated the swearing-in of a new CCSD School Police Chief.
The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, April 18, 2019 approved the appointment of a new CCSD School Police Chief and new assistant principals to fill vacancies for next school year.
The School Board unanimously approved naming Major Buster Cushing, who currently serves as commander of field operations for the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office, as the next CCSD School Police Chief effective July 1. Major Cushing will fill the role held by retiring Chief Mark Kissel since the Department’s establishment 20 years ago.
The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, Nov. 15, 2018, approved its annual Legislative Partnership Program outlining requests for the local Legislative Delegation’s consideration during the upcoming session, and local control topped the list.