CCSD's VILLA Parent Academy Graduates New Class

The VILLA Class of 2023-24 is congratulated at its graduation by the Cherokee County School Board and Superintendent of Schools. 

The Cherokee County School District’s fifth annual VILLA Program, which encourages and celebrates parent engagement, graduated a new class this month.

The award-winning parent academy program began as an idea championed by Cherokee County School Board Chair Kyla Cromer.  Developed by CCSD with the Georgia School Boards Association, the program since has been replicated in school districts across the state.  For the program, CCSD earned GSBA’s Leading Edge Award, which recognizes innovative practices by governance teams and school districts.  

“Engaging parents in our schools increases student success and our overall success as a school district.   VILLA is as an important way for us to foster that involvement and is a highlight of the year for me and my fellow school board members,” Ms. Cromer said.  “The program offers parents greater insight into our governance and operations and how they can be more supportive of their children’s learning, their school and our school district.”

VILLA (Volunteer Instructional Leadership Learning Academy) is a free six-week program that offers participants the opportunity to learn more about the public schools in their community.  Topics including school operations, curriculum and instruction, governance, funding and accountability are covered in classes featuring presentations by CCSD staff and question-and-answer sessions with the school board and Superintendent of Schools.  Participants also take a field trip to visit schools, complete with a school bus ride and school lunch (See photos from this year’s trip posted below).  Classes are held in the fall and culminate with graduation at the school board's November meeting.  

Costs associated with the program are funded through the generous sponsorship of Credit Union of Georgia, a CCSD Partner.  

Class size is limited, with participants selected by application.  Information about the 2024-25 program will be posted next fall on the CCSD website and social media and included in the CCSD Connections monthly parent newsletter.

VILLA CLASS OF 2023-24
Christina Barsalou
Yolanda Browning
Mandi Fishback
Laura Guglielmo
Nadia Hernandez
Kristin Hornsby
Samira Hubbard
Aletia Martin
Nicole Parramore
Oscar Perez
Jason Quinn
Chisa Rawlings
Amanda Roberts
Lindsey Rohde
Michele Sanchez
Lisa Schade

#CCSDfam

This year's VILLA field trip, complete with a school bus ride and school lunch, included stops at Holly Springs ES STEM Academy, Dean Rusk MS and Sequoyah HS.  A few photos from the event are posted below.