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Board Business Briefs: Safety & Security Report, Clean Financial Audit

The Cherokee County School Board at its regular meeting on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, reviewed plans to further improve safety and security, including the planned installation of bus stop-arm cameras to catch drivers illegally passing stopped school buses.  The board also reviewed the latest independent audit of CCSD’s finances, which marks the 12th consecutive year of clean audit reports with no findings. 

CCSD Connections Newsletter Now Online for January

Please check out the January edition of the CCSD Connections newsletter online here, which features CCSD news and information, including reporting on our highest-ever overall College and Career Ready Performance Index score, updates on school improvement projects, a message from the Superintendent, resources for parents, and much more.

CCSD Special Education Team Online Job Fair is Jan. 29

Learn more about joining our Special Education team at our virtual job fair on Thursday, Jan. 29! We’re seeking highly qualified professionals to join us for next school year as teachers (autism/emotional and behavioral disorders, visual impairment), facilitators, school psychologists, speech language pathologists, therapists (occupational and physical), and sign language interpreters. 

Congratulations to Our 2026 School Teacher of the Year Winners!

Congratulations to our 2026 School Teachers of the Year winners! Each 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 2026 Teacher of the Year.  

Join Our CCSD Bus Driver Team!

Join our CCSD Team as a bus driver and help our students learn more, grow more, and achieve more! We offer paid CDL training to become a bus driver and competitive compensation (starting at $23.69 per hour), outstanding benefits, a balanced school calendar, a wonderful work environment and caring team and opportunities for professional development and advancement.

CCSD Students Advance in Entrepreneurial Training Program, Competition

The first-ever class of Cherokee County School District finalists has been named for a new program focused on developing future entrepreneurs!  Georgia FLEX (Foundational Leadership and Entrepreneurial eXperience) is a statewide initiative offered locally for the first time this school year through a partnership between the school district, Cherokee Office of Economic Development, and local businesses and industries.

Board Business Briefs: School Board Reviews CCRPI Success

The Cherokee County School Board at its regular meeting on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, reviewed student performance successes including the recently released College and Career Ready Performance Index scores, which showed CCSD’s highest scores ever and impressive gains.

Thank You to Our Substitute Teachers!

It’s National Substitute Teachers Appreciation Day!  We greatly appreciate the support of our 800-plus substitute teachers and all they do to support our schools and students.

CCSD Celebrates National Signing Day with Student Athletes

Fifty-three Cherokee County School District student athletes have signed commitment letters to compete at the college level!  The students were honored with ceremonies at their high schools to celebrate their signing of National Letters of Intent.  This week’s National Signing Day was the earliest day on which high school seniors can sign a binding commitment to play competitive college sports other than football.

CCSD Hits All-Time High on State Accountability Measure

The Cherokee County School District earned its highest scores ever on the state’s College and Career Ready Performance Index with impressive gains across all levels – elementary, middle, and high.  Most notable in this year’s results are the gains in Progress, the CCRPI measure that indicates the rate of learning growth in CCSD compared to academically similar students across the state. 

CCSD Schools Recognized as Georgia Math, Literacy Leaders

Sixteen Cherokee County School District schools have earned statewide honors in recognition of exceptional student success in mastering core academic skills!  The Literacy Leader and Math Leader honors recognize schools for exceptional student achievement, growth, or both on the annual Georgia Milestones Assessment end-of-grade or end-of-course assessments.  

Ten CCSD Students Win STEM Scholarships

Ten Cherokee County School District Class of 2026 graduating seniors won STEM scholarships from a local organization!  Congratulations to our students and their teachers, thank you to the award sponsors, and thank you to our School Board for its laser focus on ensuring our students are learning more, growing more, and achieving more in our classrooms than they could anywhere else!

CCSD Special Education Students, Teachers Celebrated by Optimists

The Holly Springs Optimist Club today honored eight CCSD students, along with an outstanding teacher and a paraprofessional at its annual High School Awards breakfast, which recognizes outstanding special needs students and their supportive teachers and staff. 

CCSD Students Win Gold in Fall State Special Olympics

Two Cherokee County School District students won gold in the Special Olympics 2025 State Fall Games!  Hadley Stavropoulos of Little River ES earned a gold medal in Softball Skills and Leland Wilson of Creekview HS earned a gold medal in Softball Modified Team at the statewide competition recently held in Valdosta.  

CCSD Students Win at National Career Skills Competition

Five Cherokee County School District students have earned national honors for their career skills!  The Creekview High School team won sixth place in the country in the National FFA Convention’s veterinary science competition.

CCSD Seniors Named National Merit Commended Students

Thirteen Cherokee County School District high school seniors have been named National Merit Commended Students by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation!  The seniors are among the only 2 to 3% of the Class of 2025 honored nationwide with the recognition, which is based on outstanding PSAT scores, and CCSD’s total increased from eight honorees last year.  

CCSD Students Selected for College Board Ambassador Program

Ten Cherokee County School District students have been selected by College Board to serve as its ambassadors!  They are among the 9,000 high school students, chosen based on their applications from candidates nationwide, selected to help their peers learn about tools and opportunities for college preparation success.

CCSD Students Earn AP Scholar and Capstone Honors

The Cherokee County School District reached new heights with 1,500 current students and Class of 2025 graduates earning national 2025 Advanced Placement (AP) awards!  The AP awards program each fall recognizes an elite group of high school students from across the country who have demonstrated outstanding college-level achievement through their performance on multiple AP exams the previous school year.  

Student Delegates Learn About Financial Management

Today, we continued a new series of work sessions with the Student Delegates to the School Board.  Prior to every School Board meeting, the group of high school seniors representing each of CCSD’s high schools meet with the Superintendent’s senior staff to learn more about district operations and career opportunities offered by each division. 

CCSD ACT Scores Increase, Top National & State Averages

The Cherokee County School District’s Class of 2025 ACT scores increased and topped national and state averages!  The class earned an outstanding 22.8 average, up from 22.5 last year and exceeding Georgia’s 21.4 (up from 21.2) and the Nation’s 19.4 steady average on the competitive college entrance and placement examination, according to a report released today by the Georgia Department of Education.

Happy National Instructional Coaches Day!

Today is National Instructional Coaches Day, and we’re appreciative of our team members who serve in this role including our instructional lead strategists and academic facilitators!  They provide our teachers with support to improve classroom instruction, use new instructional resources, understand data, and much more.  

CCSD 2025 SAT Scores Increase, Top Nation and State

Cherokee County School District’s SAT scores for the Class of 2025 increased and continue to top national and statewide results!  The CCSD Class of 2025 earned an average total score of 1085 on the curriculum-based college entrance and placement exam, according to results released today by the College Board.  The 2025 score is an increase from 1083 in 2024 and further widens CCSD’s margin over the national public school average by 89 points and the state by 56 points.  

CCSD Graduation Rate Tops State

The Cherokee County School District’s graduation rate for the Class of 2025 topped the state average, with three schools exceeding 95%!  The CCSD four-year graduation rate is 91.8%, according to a new report from the Georgia Department of Education released today, exceeding the state average of 87.2% by nearly 5%.

School Board Meets with Student Delegates

Today, we kicked off a new series of work sessions with the Student Delegates to the School Board.  Prior to every meeting, from October through May, the group of high school seniors representing each of CCSD’s high schools will meet with the Superintendent’s senior staff to learn more about district operations and career opportunities offered by each division.  For today’s session, School Board members met with the Delegates to talk about their role as leaders and their decision to serve.  A high-performing school district begins with a high-performing school board! 

Support CCSD High School Athletics, Band, JROTC

This year it’s easier than ever to support CCSD high school athletic teams, bands and JROTCs … while buying chances to win a Jeep Wrangler! Thanks to the longtime partnership of Shottenkirk Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Canton, which donates the Jeep, the annual raffle fundraiser is continuing -- with the improved format of online raffle ticket sales.

Eight CCSD Seniors Named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists

Eight Cherokee County School District high school seniors today were named 2026 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists!  They are: of Cherokee High School, Grace Dai, Andrew Lockwood, and Ian Zeller; of Creekview High School, Levi Cone; of Etowah High School, Dylan Fallin; and of Sequoyah High School, Matthew Chemmala, and Riley O'Neill.  Congratulations to our honored students and their teachers and thank you to our School Board for its investment in ensuring our students learn more, grow more, and achieve more in our classrooms than they could anywhere else!

Newly Formed Superintendent's Teacher Advisory Council Begins Meeting

The Cherokee County School District’s newly formed Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Council provides educators with the opportunity to share valued feedback. Through a series of roundtable meetings, Council members will provide Superintendent Mary Elizabeth Davis with professional insights to support CCSD’s mission to become the highest-performing school district in Georgia. 

CCSD Performing Arts Programs Begin New Season

The Cherokee County School District’s performing arts programs are taking the stage for a new season!  All CCSD schools, as well as the districtwide Academy Street Theatre Group program for elementary through high school students, present a variety of performances throughout the school year.  Performing arts programs, which vary per grade level and school, include band, chorus, orchestra and theatre.  Thank you to our talented and dedicated performing arts teachers, our sponsors and volunteers, and our School Board for its longtime support of our program!

CCSD Celebrates Employees with Annual Service Recognition Program

The Cherokee County School District recognizes employees’ important service to the community with a special recognition program.  The third annual CCSD Milestones Service Awards program celebrates CCSD employees’ unmatched dedication to serving students.

Parents:  Update Your Emergency Contacts and Other Information in ParentVUE

As the school year gets underway, it's important to make sure your child's information is up to date in our student database.  Accurate phone numbers and email addresses make sure you get timely alerts and notifications so CCSD can reach you quickly if needed. You can also update your child's medical information and add or change emergency contacts for your child.  

Board Business Briefs - Celebrating Student Performance, Looking Ahead

The Cherokee County School Board at its regular meeting on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, celebrated student performance by recognizing each school’s successes on the statewide Georgia Milestones Assessment and progress made on the School Board’s student performance goals.  The board also reviewed progress on district improvements underway this school year and honored a late Principal’s legacy with the naming of a playground in her honor.

CCSD Names 2025-26 Student Delegates to the School Board

The Cherokee County School Board this week will recognize its new class of Student Delegates!  Student Delegates to the School Board serve for one school year to give input and feedback to the School Board and Superintendent of Schools. 

Starting School with A Focus on Safety

Today Superintendent Mary Elizabeth Davis conducted a safety walk at Cherokee High School with Chief Buster Cushing to confirm new strategies and training have been incorporated into campus procedures.

CCSD's Class Act Magazine Now Available Online

Class Act, the Cherokee County School District's award-winning magazine, will come home with students the first week of school, giving parents an overview of what's new for this school year.  You can enjoy the digital version now online here

Board Business Briefs: School Board Hears Back-to-School Readiness Reports

The Cherokee County School Board at its regular meeting on Thursday, July 24, 2025, heard the annual back-to-school readiness report, highlighting how district and school staff have prepared for the return of students, and the semi-annual Safety & Security report, outlining further enhancements completed for this school year.

Watch Our Video About CCSD 2025-26 Safety & Security

In the Cherokee County School District, we believe there is nothing more important than providing our students with the highest quality education in the safest schools possible. Superintendent of Schools Mary Elizabeth Davis and Police Chief Buster Cushing in the video online here share an overview of how this critical work is conducted every day. 

CCSD Support Staff Stay Busy with Back to School Preparations

While our schools may be closed for two months for summer break, the work behind the scenes continues to prepare for the new school year. Our amazing support staff employees’ unparalleled talent and unmatched dedication makes the organization -- the county's largest employer, largest public transportation fleet, largest restaurant chain, and largest owner of real estate square footage -- run smoothly every day.

Congratulations to our Transportation Employees of the Year!

The Cherokee County School District today congratulated the winners of the fourth annual Transportation Employee of the Year Awards, recognizing the best among its talented and dedicated team of school bus drivers.  The awards recognize an outstanding school bus driver from each Innovation Zone (high school and feeder middle and elementary schools) and one from CCSD’s team of Special Education drivers; from this group, one overall CCSD winner is selected.  

Class of 2025 Valedictorians, Salutatorians Honored

The Cherokee County School District and School Board celebrated the Class of 2025 Valedictorians and Salutatorians at its 24th Annual Scholar Recognition Banquet.  The special event on Wednesday evening was attended by the Scholars and their parents; the teacher each scholar chose as the most influential in his or her education; CCSD’s high school Principals; Superintendent of Schools Mary Elizabeth Davis and her senior staff; and the School Board.

Creekview's Coach Maloney Named CCSD Coach of the Year!

Creekview High School softball coach Jennifer Maloney was surprised today with the announcement that she is the CCSD 2025 Coach of the Year!   Coach Maloney, who coaches both slow-pitch and fast-pitch softball, led both softball teams to a state championship within the same calendar year (spring of 2024 for slow-pitch and fall of 2024 for fast-pitch). 

CCSD Celebrates Seniors Bound for Skilled Professions!

The Cherokee County School District is celebrating graduating seniors who plan to pursue careers in skilled professions!  The District joined Be Pro Be Proud Georgia, the Cherokee Workforce Collaborative, Cherokee Office of Economic Development, and Chattahoochee Technical College this week to present the annual Skilled Professions Signing Day event held in downtown Woodstock at the Arts Center.  

Board Business Briefs: School Board Approves Budget, Appoints New School Leaders

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, April 17, 2025, approved the Superintendent’s recommended budget for next school year, which holds the millage rate steady while raising teacher and support staff pay and increasing funds for classroom resources.  The board also approved updated teaching and learning standards for next school year and its first-ever literacy policy and appointed several new principals and other leaders.

Hasty ES Fine Arts Academy Educator Named CCSD Teacher of the Year!

The Cherokee County School District saluted educators tonight at the 2025 Legacy Makers: CCSD Teachers of the Year Celebration and Dr. Lisa Spence of Hasty ES Fine Arts Academy was named CCSD’s Teacher of the Year!  The Legacy Makers event held at the Northside Hospital Cherokee Conference Center in Canton honored the Teacher of the Year for every CCSD school.

CCSD Celebrates 2025 Partners of the Year, Volunteers of the Year

The Cherokee County School District celebrates outstanding school volunteers and business and community partners and their valued role in our mission to become the highest-performing school district in Georgia!  The annual CCSD Partner of the Year and Volunteer of the Year Recognition Ceremony 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.  

CCSD High Schools Earn Top State 2025 AP Honors

Cherokee County School District’s high schools have earned the state’s top honors for outstanding Advanced Placement programs and performance!  All six of CCSD’s traditional high schools today were named 2025 AP Honor Schools for exceptional student performance and participation on AP exams, which offer students more challenging coursework and the opportunity to earn college credit.

Congratulations to CCSD's 2025 STAR Students and Teachers

Congratulations to the Cherokee County School District’s 2025 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.

CCSD Recognizes 2025 Superintendent's Key Scholars for Academic Success

The Cherokee County School District on Thursday night celebrated 264 outstanding high school students as 2025 Superintendent’s Key Scholars!  These top students were recognized, through the 20th Annual Superintendent’s Key Scholar Recognition Ceremony, for earning a PSAT National Merit Selection Index score of 185 or greater, which ranks them in at least the top 10% of students nationwide.    

CCSD Announces 2025 School Teacher of the Year Winners

Congratulations to the Cherokee County School District’s 2025 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 2025 Teacher of the Year. 

CCSD Students Increase AP Success, Earn International Honors

Cherokee County School District high school students have increased their success in college-level courses, earning international honors for their schools.  CCSD students raised their overall Advanced Placement (AP) exam average score to 3.6, up from 3.4, this past spring, according to a new report from the College Board, while also increasing participation, with 6,955 exams completed, up from 6,091.  

CCSD Report on Safety and Security

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.

CCSD Student Honored by National Down Syndrome Society

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.  

Message from Superintendent Davis

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.

Board Business Briefs: School Board Review Accountability Report

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.

Board Business Briefs: School Board Approves Budget, Code of Conduct, New Leaders

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.

Learn About CCSD’s New ParentVUE

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!

Board Business Briefs: Superintendent Shares Key Priorities, Budget for Next School Year

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.

Board Business Briefs: Superintendent's Update, New School Leaders

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.

Board Business Briefs: Superintendent's First Meeting

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. 

New Superintendent of Schools Begins Role

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. 

Board Business Briefs: New Superintendent Hired

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.        

Board Business Briefs: Superintendent Finalist Announced

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.

Board Business Briefs: School Custodial Services to Return to In-House Operations, WHS Addition Approved

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.  

Ready for the Road:  CCSD Welcomes New Buses to Fleet

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. 

Board Business Briefs: Superintendent Search Update

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.

CCSD Pathway Profile - Work Based Learning

This week’s CCSD Pathway Profile focuses on Work Based Learning, which is offered at all CCSD high schools.  The Cherokee County School District’s Work Based Learning program enhances all Career Pathways with its opportunities for real-world learning.

Board Business Briefs: April School Board Meeting

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.

CCSD Pathway Profile - Healthcare Science: Therapeutic Services - Sports Medicine and Exercise Physiology [2]

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 … 

CCSD Pathway Profile: Healthcare Science - Therapeutic Services and Allied Health and Medicine

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 … 

CCSD Pathway Profile - Cybersecurity

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 …

CCSD Pathway Profile - Agriculture Mechanics Systems

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 … 

CCSD Pathway Profile - Engineering and Technology

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 …

Board Business Briefs: School Board Approves Employee Bonuses, Hears Salary Increase Plan

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.

CCSD Pathway Profile: Graphic Design and Graphic Communications

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 …

CCSD Pathway Profiles: Nutrition and Food Science

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 …

CCSD Pathway Profiles: Healthcare Science - Therapeutic Services and Patient Care

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.  

CCSD Pathway Profiles: Marketing and Management

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 …

CCSD Pathway Profiles: Teaching as a Profession

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 …

CCSD Pathway Profiles: Welding

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.

CCSD Earns International Recognition for Excellence in Education

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.

CCSD Pathway Profiles - Law Enforcement Services and Forensic Science

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.

Board Business Briefs: School Board Meets New Student Delegates

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.  

CCSD Pathway Profiles: Arts, A/V Technology and Communications

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:  

CCSD Continues to Exceed State Averages on Georgia Milestones

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.

Board Business Briefs: School Board Approves Budget, Safety Improvements [1]

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.   

Board Business Briefs: School Board Reviews Budget and Proposed Tax Cut [1]

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.

Board Business Briefs: Positive Financial Outlook

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.

CCSD Recommended for Accreditation Renewal!

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.”

CCSD Named Finalist for Governance Team of the Year Award

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.  

CCSD Board Business Briefs for July 15, 2021

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;
Board Business Briefs: School Board Approves Budget

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.  

Board Business Briefs: School Board Reviews Budget, Prohibits CRT

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.  

Board Business Briefs: School Board Approves New School Calendars

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.  

CCSD Board Business Briefs: Operations Update, Leadership Appointments

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.

CCSD Recognizes School Board for Leadership and Service

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.

CCSD Board Business Briefs: New School Leader Appointments

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.  

Cherokee County School Board Earns State Honors

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

Board Business Briefs: Land Purchase for New Cherokee HS Approved

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. 

Board Business Briefs: School Board Hears of Potential State Funding Concerns

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.

Board Business Briefs: Construction of New Cherokee HS

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.

Board Business Briefs: School Board Discusses School Reopening

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.

Board Business Briefs: CCSD Annual Budget Approved

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.

Board Business Briefs: Reopening of Schools Plan Approved

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.

 

7/8/20 CCSD Message: School Reopening

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. 

Board Business Briefs: Review of Proposed Budget, Reopening Plans

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.

Board Briefs: School Board Approves Ending School Early

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.

Board Briefs: School Board Approves Appointment of New Chief Operating Officer

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.

Board Briefs: School Board Hears Update on Social and Emotional Learning Initiative

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.

Board Briefs: School Board Approves New Strategic Plan Based on Community Input

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.

Board Briefs: School Board Appoints Social and Emotional Learning Leader, New Principals

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.

Board Briefs: School Board Names New Police Chief, Assistant Principals for Next School Year

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.