PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
THE CHEROKEE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
AND
PIEDMONT UNIVERSITY
This Agreement is made and entered into this 14th day of September, 2023, by and between the Cherokee County Board of Education and Piedmont University.
WHEREAS, the School Board’s mission is to educate the emerging generation through learning environments designed to increase the performance of all students; and,
WHEREAS, one of the School District’s Priority Areas is Family, Partner and Community Engagement; and,
WHEREAS, the primary purpose of this Agreement is to provide the sequence of Cohort Program courses which will enhance the ability of Cherokee County teachers to facilitate learning and qualify for a Master’s in Education for Early Childhood, Middle Grades or Secondary Education and EDS in Teacher Leadership.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the following mutual promises, covenants, and considerations, it is agreed as follows:
ARTICLE I
Piedmont University will:
1. Provide courses in Cherokee County School District facilities for the duration of the partnership for the purpose of providing opportunities for School District staff to pursue Master’s in Education and Educational Specialist’s Degrees.
2. Provide instructional personnel.
3. Be responsible for enrolling participants in the courses.
4. Agree to hold harmless and indemnify the School Board against any claims, demands, losses, or damages, including reasonable attorney’s fees which may arise as a result of this contract.
5. Ensure that program participants/students and professors adhere to the Cherokee County School District policies and guidelines relative to research and data collection that are available at District website under Principal’s Handbook.
6. Provide scholarship opportunities to appropriate Cherokee County School District employees who are enrolled in the cohort program.
7. Provide internship opportunities for Cherokee County School District students as it relates to the Career Pathways initiative.
ARTICLE II
The School Board will:
1. Provide the use of school system facilities, waiving the rental fee as per the Community Use of System Facilities Policy (KG), for professional development opportunities as coordinated by Piedmont University.
2. Provide the facilities and equipment for instruction at no charge (except for a utility fee) and assume responsibility for maintenance of the facilities and equipment. The facility fee will be based on classroom usage each semester. The bill for such fees shall be submitted to the Associate Dean of the College of Education for Piedmont University, and to the Piedmont University Cohort Coordinator for the School District each semester.
3. Approve degree offerings and allow for semi-annual recruitment plans for these purposes.
4. Dissemination of Piedmont University information through existing communication channels, as permitted by School Board policy.
ARTICLE III
The School Board and Piedmont University will be mutually responsible for the following:
1. Establishment of communication during the term of the Agreement to insure the objectives of the planned courses are being met.
2. Neither party will discriminate against any Cherokee County School District or Piedmont University employee or applicant for employment, or against any applicant for enrollment for a course of study at the University, or against any University student in his or her course of study or training under this Agreement solely on the basis of race, color, sex, creed, national origin, age or handicap or any other discrimination recognized and prohibited by State or Federal Law; provided with reasonable accommodation such handicap does nothing to preclude such person's physical and mental ability to participate therein. Both parties will accept all children/interested participants for participation within its programs without regard to their gender, race, political affiliation, age, national origin or handicapping condition or any other discrimination recognized and prohibited by State or Federal Law. Children/participants with handicaps must be provided all necessary levels of supervision and must be included within the activities of the partnering organization. As a result of this partnership agreement, Piedmont University must adhere to all local, State or Federal laws regarding education.
ARTICLE IV
The term of this contract is September 14, 2023 through September 14, 2024. This contract shall automatically renew for additional terms not to exceed five years unless either party notifies the other at least 60 days prior to renewal date.
This contract may be terminated by either party upon thirty (30) days written notice to the other party with or without cause. All notice of this contract shall be given to the Superintendent of Cherokee County Schools at PO Box 769, Canton, GA 30169, and the President of Piedmont University, P.O. Box 10, Demorest, GA 30535.
This Agreement may be modified at any time by mutual consent of the governing bodies of the parties thereto. Any modification hereto shall be in writing and signed by both parties.
Both parties, by signatures executing this Agreement, certify that they are in compliance with the United States Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989.