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Meet a CCSD 2023 School Partner of the Year: Woodstock City Church (Waumba Land) of CCSD Preschool Centers!

We appreciate partners' support of our schools, which is why we celebrate their service here – congratulations to CCSD Preschool Centers 2023 Partner of the Year: Woodstock City Church (Waumba Land)!

Does your business or organization partner with a CCSD school? Visit our School Partnerships webpage (https://www.cherokeek12.net/partners) to learn more! #CCSDPartnersInAction #CCSDfam

Meet a CCSD 2023 School Partner of the Year: Austin Cooley State Farm of Clark Creek Elementary School STEM Academy!

We appreciate partners' support of our schools, which is why we celebrate their service here – congratulations to Clark Creek ES STEM Academy 2023 Partner of the Year: Austin Cooley State Farm!

Does your business or organization partner with a CCSD school? Visit our School Partnerships webpage (https://www.cherokeek12.net/partners) to learn more! #CCSDPartnersInAction #CCSDfam

CCSDClassof2023Message

This message from Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower is to our graduating Class of 2023 seniors.  We are sharing it with all of you, as they are the future of our community.  You can see each of their names posted below his message.

Meet a CCSD 2023 School Partner of the Year:  Thompson and Associates Equine Medicine of Free Home Elementary School!

We appreciate partners' support of our schools, which is why we celebrate their service here – congratulations to Free Home ES 2023 Partner of the Year: Thompson and Associates Equine Medicine!

Does your business or organization partner with a CCSD school? Visit our School Partnerships webpage (https://www.cherokeek12.net/partners) to learn more! #CCSDPartnersInAction #CCSDfam

RiverRidgeHSBloodDrive52323

A Cherokee County School District high school has earned a regional award for its dedication to hosting blood drives, including one to honor a late student.

River Ridge High School has been named the top performing high school in the Southeast region for blood donations by Blood Assurance.

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An elementary school teacher has earned a top honor from the Cherokee County Superintendent of Schools!

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower this week presented the 2023 Game Changer Award for Instructional Excellence to Rebecca Coleman, a second-grade teacher at Clark Creek Elementary School STEM Academy!

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Five Cherokee County School District Class of 2023 graduating seniors have earned $25,000 college scholarships from a community foundation!

It is the fourth year of the annual college scholarships presented by the Jason T. Dickerson Family Foundation.  This spring, the foundation planned to award two $25,000 scholarships, but its board was so impressed by the caliber of the applicants, they decided to award five scholarships!

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A STEM learning leader has earned a top honor from the Cherokee County Superintendent of Schools!

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower this week presented the 2023 Game Changer Award for Instructional Leadership to Dr. Erin Jacobs, CCSD’s curriculum coordinator for STEM and science.

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A high school student success coach has earned a top honor from the Cherokee County Superintendent of Schools!

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower this week presented the 2023 Game Changer Award for Instructional Support to Kim Boehman, who serves as River Ridge High School’s student success coach.  

Meet a CCSD 2023 School Partner of the Year: Cherokee County Senior Services (Silver Roamers) of Etowah High School!

We appreciate partners' support of our schools, which is why we celebrate their service here – congratulations to Etowah HS 2023 Partner of the Year: Cherokee County Senior Services (Silver Roamers)!

Does your business or organization partner with a CCSD school? Visit our School Partnerships webpage (https://www.cherokeek12.net/partners) to learn more! #CCSDPartnersInAction #CCSDfam

CherokeeHighSchool-studentswithplaques

The Cherokee County School District is celebrating thirty-six graduating seniors who plan to pursue careers in skilled professions!

Be Pro Be Proud Georgia and the Cherokee Workforce Collaborative, an initiative of the Cherokee Office of Economic Development that includes CCSD, local businesses and industries and colleges, recently presented the annual Skilled Professions Signing Day event.  

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The Cherokee County School District today announced its Coach of the Year!

River Ridge High School girls basketball Coach Jason Taylor, who led the team to the program’s first-ever state championship win this season, was surprised with the news by Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower.

CCSD2023-24jobadVisionTeacher

The Cherokee County School District is seeking a Special Education - Vision Impaired teacher for next school year!  This position offers competitive compensation packages (including 2023-24 salary increases), outstanding benefits, a balanced school calendar, a wonderful work environment and caring team and opportunities for professional development and advancement.  Join the #CCSDfam & apply now online here.  Questions? Contact CCSD Recruiter Lindsay.Bowley@cherokeek12.net and 770.704.4256.

STEMCertified

The Cherokee County School District has earned international recognition for its STEM programs!

The school district has worked for more than a year to gain STEM certification for 11 of its schools from Cognia, the international educational organization that accredits CCSD as a whole.

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The Cherokee County School District this week honored retiring employees as legends at a new ceremony and reception.

One hundred and twenty-four retiring employees, including teachers, support staff and administrators, were celebrated at the CCSD Retiring Legends Reception and Recognition Ceremony presented Thursday evening in the school board auditorium.

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The Cherokee County School District has recognized a local business and community leader for her educational advocacy!

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower presented the 2023 Superintendent’s Game Changer Award for Instructional Advocacy to Cherokee Office of Economic Development President and CEO Misti Martin.

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The Cherokee County School District is celebrating its 2023 Yes I Can Award winners!

The Yes I Can Awards celebrate the achievements of children and youth with exceptionalities.  The awards encourage students to seek their highest potential, and increase public awareness of the abilities, aspirations, and personal qualities of those with disabilities.  

CCSD2023NationalMeritScholarshipWinners5923

Three Cherokee County School District graduating seniors have earned the prestigious 2023 National Merit Scholarship!

Kylie Buchanan of Creekview High School, Braden Flournoy of Cherokee High School and Ty Phillips of Etowah High School today were among the top 2,500 seniors in the U.S. awarded the $2,500 scholarship by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.  

The film ‘I'm Not a Psychopath’ by Sequoyah High School students Noah Popp, Justin Clark, Lauren Turnage and Ava Roberts won

Congratulations to the winners of the fifth annual Cherokee Student Film Festival, presented by the Cherokee Office of Economic Development in partnership with CCSD Career Pathway film and video teachers!

Please be advised that a threat hoax is circulating on social media and affecting schools nationwide today (5/5/23).  Rumors circulating about CCSD schools today are a part of that hoax.  

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.  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 … 

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Welcome to our new website!  We are proud to launch our new site and hope you like its new look.  While many of our most-used features are in a similar place on the new site, a few have moved. 

photos of new hires

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 - Veterinary Science and Equine Science

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 … 

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Six Cherokee County School District high school seniors have been selected for the prestigious Georgia Scholar recognition! 

The Georgia Department of Education program honors high school seniors who exhibit excellence in their school and community life.  Honorees demonstrate dedication to academic success, participation in interscholastic events and leadership through extra-curricular activities.  

jeep drawing

Hector Vicinte of Canton was the winner of the annual Shottenkirk Jeep Wrangler raffle, which raised more than $180,000 for CCSD high school athletics and arts programs this year.  School Board member Patsy Jordan drew the winning ticket on Saturday at the dealership in Canton. High school sports and arts programs sell the raffle tickets for $5 each throughout the fall and winter, and the schools are able to keep all the proceeds. 

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A Cherokee County School District high school student has placed in the annual all-state art competition!

Woodstock High School senior Emily Coburn is one of only 50 Georgia high school student artists selected for the All-State Art Symposium, held this month at Columbus State University.  More than 2,000 entries from students statewide were entered into the competition.

SPORTS MEDICINE

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 … 

CHS Auto (8)

This week’s CCSD Pathway Profile focuses on General Automotive Technology, which is offered at Cherokee High School and Sequoyah High School.  Another automotive program, Transportation: Collision Repair - Painting and Refinishing, is offered at Etowah 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 regularly share highlights with you from one of these programs … 

2023 AP Honor School badge

Cherokee County School District’s high schools, for the 13th consecutive year, have earned the state’s top honors for outstanding Advanced Placement (AP) programs and performance!

All of CCSD’s high schools this week were named 2023 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.  

AIR FORCE JROTC (13)

This week’s CCSD Pathway Profile focuses on Air Force JROTC - Government and Public Administration, which is offered at Cherokee HS, Etowah HS, River Ridge HS and Sequoyah HS, with other JROTC Pathways also offered at Creekview HS (Army) and Woodstock HS (Navy).  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.  

ENERGY CTAE

This week’s CCSD Pathway Profile focuses on Energy and Power: Generation, Transmission and Distribution, a new Pathway for CCSD that now is offered at Cherokee 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 regularly share highlights with you from one of these programs … 

Therapeutic_Healthcare_CTAE (7)

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 … 

CRIM JUST 2 (3)

This week’s CCSD Pathway Profile focuses on Law Enforcement Services and Criminal Investigations, which is offered at Woodstock 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 SCHOOL BOARD 2023

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023, welcomed two new members to the board.

Newly elected District 5 member Erin Ragsdale of Towne Lake and District 6 member Dr. Susan Padgett-Harrison of Canton were sworn into office at the start of the board’s regular meeting.  Two members whose terms were up for renewal and were reelected also took their oath: District 3 member John Harmon of Hickory Flat and District 4 member Robert “Rick Steiner” Rechsteiner of southwest Cherokee.

Cybersecurity Pathway (12)

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 …

Early Childhood Ed

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 Early Childhood Education, which is offered at Cherokee HS and Woodstock HS.  The Teaching as a Profession Career Pathway is offered at Creekview HS, River Ridge HS and Sequoyah HS.

CTAE Fire Service (1)

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 Fire and Emergency Services and Firefighting, which is offered at Woodstock High School … 

Ag Mechanic

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 … 

CO2 Car Challenge RRHS (10)

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 …

 EHS Auto (9)

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 Transportation: Collision Repair - Painting and Refinishing, which is offered at Etowah High School, with Cherokee HS and Sequoyah HS offering other automotive programs …

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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.

Graphic Design (5)

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 …

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The Cherokee County School District continues to exceed the State’s average College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI) accountability system scores.

The 2021-22 school year scores, released today by the Georgia Department of Education, calculate student academic achievement and progress.

Flight Pathway (6)

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 Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Flight Operations, which is new to CCSD this year and offered at the Cherokee College & Career Academy (C3) …  

The sky’s the limit for a new Cherokee County School District high school Career Pathway program offering students the opportunity to explore careers in flight.

FOOD SCI WHS 2022

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 …

ACT infographic 2022

The Cherokee County School District Class of 2022 ACT scores topped national and state averages!

The class scored an outstanding 22.2 average, topping Georgia’s 21.6 and the Nation’s 19.8 averages on the competitive college entrance and placement examination.  The scores ranked CCSD in the top 10% in the State.  

Healthcare Occupations CHS 2022 (14)

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 … 

MARKETING CTAE JONES CVHS 2022

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 …

Teaching Pathway SHS (1)

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 …

CLOUD COMPUTING (1)

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 Computer Science - Cloud Computing, which is offered at Woodstock HS and Etowah HS …

CCSD 2022-23 Theatre Season

The curtain will rise this month for the Cherokee County School District's 2022-23 theatre season! All CCSD high schools, as well as select middle schools and the districtwide Academy Street Theatre Group program for elementary through high school students, will present shows throughout the school year. 

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Every school year, each CCSD high school selects one Student Delegate to the School Board to represent the student voice. One Delegate is named the Student Advisor and sits with the Board at its meetings. We’ll introduce you to them all this year! #CCSDfam!

WELDING CTAE 2022 (1)

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.

2022 SAT INFOGRAPHIC

Cherokee County School District’s Class of 2022 outscored the state and nation on the SAT college entrance exam, according to results released today by the College Board.

The CCSD Class of 2022 earned an average total score of 1091 on the curriculum-based college entrance and placement exam.  CCSD’s score exceeds the national public school average by 63 points and the State by 39 points and ranks CCSD in the top 10% of districts statewide.  

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday approved the annual school improvement plans for all CCSD schools.

As part of the district’s plan to continuously improve schools, every school is required to prepare an improvement plan for each new school year.  

Every school is required, as part of its plan, to establish two three-year specific measurable goals to improve student achievement.  The plan must include research-based strategies addressing student learning at all learning levels, teacher professional development plans, timelines for student learning intervention strategies and explain how student learning progression will be monitored and measured.

CCSD Pathway Profiles: Engineering Drafting and Design and Architectural Drafting and Design

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 Drafting and Design and Architectural Drafting and Design, which is offered at Sequoyah High School and Etowah High School.

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.

CCSD Pathway Profile - Health Science Diagnostics Clinical Lab 2022

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 Health Science: Diagnostics/Clinical Lab program offered at River Ridge High School, which is one of five different Healthcare Science Career Pathway programs available in CCSD schools. 

2022 CCSD Pathway Profile - Construction and Carpentry

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 Construction and Carpentry program, which is offered at Etowah and Cherokee High Schools:

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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.  

VIDEO FILM (1).

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:  

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday night approved the first step to sell two properties to the county government.

The intergovernmental agreement and memorandum of understanding with the Cherokee County government will allow both sides to proceed with the sale of the former Tippens Elementary School in Canton as well as unused acreage on Hunt Road near Clark Creek Elementary School STEM Academy.

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.

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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.   

CCSD School Board and Student Delegates 5 20 22

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 4 22 22

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.

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The Cherokee County School District has added Free Little Libraries to more of its elementary school campuses in time for students to begin using them over the winter break.

With the cost sponsored by Credit Union of Georgia, a CCSD Partner, the little library boxes are being built by CCSD high school students in the construction Career Pathway program.  

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The Cherokee County School Board at its regular meeting on Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021, reviewed plans for the Education SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) up for renewal by voters in the Nov. 2 election.

The Cherokee County School District, for the past 24 years, has used a 1-percent Education SPLOST to fund capital improvement projects, which include constructing new schools and facilities and renovating existing ones; funding technology infrastructure; buying school buses; and purchasing land for future schools.  

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The Cherokee County School Board at its strategic work session on Thursday, Aug. 19, 2021 heard an opening of school report, including efforts being made to maintain in-person school operations.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower and his staff presented the School Board with an update on the opening, both highlighting news like enrollment growth and the Governor’s visit, and addressing COVID-19’s impact on staffing and implemented solutions. 

School Board Meeting 7 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;
School Board Meeting auditorium 6 17 2021

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.  

CCSD_Identity_stacked_CMYK

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.  

CHS Student Delegate 2021-22

Every school year, each CCSD high school selects one Student Delegate to the School Board to represent the student voice. One Delegate is named the Student Advisor and sits with the Board at its meetings. Meet the last one for this school year! #CCSDfam

new leaders 4 16 21

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.  

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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 new leaders 2 12 21

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.  

Board Biz Briefs - Steiner 12 11 2020

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. 

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What is Child Find?
The purpose of Child Find is to identify, locate, and evaluate children and youth, who are suspected of having or have a diagnosed disability or developmental delay, in order to provide free appropriate Special Education services.  The Cherokee County School District serves children from three years through 21 years of age.

BOE Meeting Oct. 15 2020 (1)

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.

School Board Meeting Bar Association Donation 9 18 2020

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.

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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.

New Leaders appointments 7 16 2020

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.

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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.

 

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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.

CCSD Board Photo 2018-19

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.

CCSD Board Photo 2018-19

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 School Board, as part of its monthly required meeting, reviewed a status update from Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower that included his announcement that the closure would be extended.

D Murdock

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.

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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.

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Cherokee County School District schools continue to score high among their community members for fostering a positive school climate and culture!

The District earned a four-star average on the five-star scale in the Georgia Department of Education’s annual ratings, which measure how a community views the quality of its school’s culture and character; the highest possible rating is five stars.  The rating is based on a survey of students, parents and teachers; student discipline issue rates; and daily attendance.

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2019 reviewed CCSD’s annual report on school overcrowding, which will not lead to any school boundary redrawings for next school year.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower said, based on the limited enrollment growth of 350 additional students and lack of any “critically overcrowded” schools, he will not recommend any redistricting for next school year.

Blueprint 20-24 Five Priority Areas

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.

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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.

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The Cherokee County School District 2019 School Psychologist of the Year is Wendy Barker!

Ms. Barker, who serves Little River Elementary School and provides support to CCSD’s Preschool Assessment Team, was presented with the “Golden Cranium” Award by her colleagues.

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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.

CCSD New Principals 2019-20

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, March 21, 2019 approved the appointment of five new Principals to fill vacancies for next school year, as well as a new head football coach for Creekview High School. 

The five new Principals are: for Clayton Elementary School, Carrie O’Bryant; E.T. Booth Middle School, Todd Sharrock; Knox Elementary School, Jennifer McIntosh; Sixes Elementary School, Dr. Ashley Kennerly; and Woodstock Middle School; Michael Santoro.

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The Cherokee County School District celebrated its Work-Based Learning program with regional guests and special recognitions of partners that help with this important career education initiative.

The Work-Based Learning program provides CCSD high school students the opportunity to explore possible careers through working in school partners’ places of business.  The School District this month for the first time hosted a regional Work Based Learning meeting, with high school career education teachers from across the state in attendance to learn about one of CCSD’s programs: healthcare science.  

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The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019 recognized retiring Principals and the School District’s retiring police chief and approved appointments to fill several leadership vacancies for next school year. 

The monthly personnel recommendations made more news than usual due to the announcement of retirements of several longtime leaders and the naming of two Office of Curriculum & Instruction directors and a coordinator for 2019-20 operations.

BOE Swearing In 2019 (3)

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2019 heard a forecast for next year’s budget and weighed in on legislative issues anticipated to come up this session. 

The meeting began with the swearing in of four Board members, who all were re-elected to four-year terms: Mike Chapman, John Harmon, Clark Menard and Robert “Rick Steiner” Rechsteiner.  The School Board then elected Kelly Poole its vice chair, who will serve in the additional role through the end of the 2019.

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, Dec. 13, 2018, began the School District’s personnel hiring process for next school year, which will not include significant growth.

The first step in this process is adoption of the Superintendent of Schools’ organizational chart, which will be in effect for the next two years, and was approved unanimously by the School Board.  As student enrollment growth has slowed, the plan calls for reorganizing central office Divisions and restructuring roles to allow for better use of current staff to serve changing needs.

Georgia Capitol Building

The Cherokee County School Board on Friday, Dec. 14, presented its 2019 Legislative Partnership Priorities to members of the county’s Legislative Delegation, including pleas for continued local control of educational decisions and increased State funding for school safety and security.

The annual breakfast meeting hosted by the School Board included a review by School Board Chair Kyla Cromer of those Priorities, as well as time for the legislators to share what issues they plan to advocate for during the session.

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, purchased land for a replacement Canton Elementary School, the construction of which will be included in the 2021 Education Special Local Option Sales Tax renewal proposal. 

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower said the purchase of 63 acres on the east side of Reinhardt College Parkway (Highway 140) 2.8 miles north of the Riverstone Parkway/Waleska Road intersection for $26,000 an acre is a promise kept by him and the School Board. 

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The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2018, voiced their support of parents and employees, who overwhelmingly voted in a recent survey to keep the current school calendar – and local control of it.  

In response to widespread media coverage of the formation of a Senate Study Committee to mandate a school start date after Labor Day for all Georgia public schools, the CCSD Office of Communications over the past week conducted a brief survey of parents, employees and the School Board’s Student Delegates.  The survey resulted in 8,305 responses from parents and 2,674 responses from employees.

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, Aug. 16, 2018, approved leasing Hickory Flat Elementary School’s former gym to the Cherokee County government to use for community recreation purposes.  

The Cherokee County School District has maintained the original gym since the school community opted four years ago to discontinue its use in favor of the modern, air-conditioned gym.  When the Cherokee County government recently inquired with CCSD staff about possibly leasing the facility for community use, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower recommended the School Board approve such an agreement.

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, July 19, 2018, approved the installation of security foyers in 15 more schools, speeding up the project at the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools and his Safety and Security Ad Hoc Committee.

The foyers will be constructed over the next year at Avery ES, Bascomb ES, Boston ES, Clayton ES, Hickory Flat ES, Johnston ES, Macedonia ES, Mountain Road ES and Sixes ES, and Creekland MS, E.T. Booth MS, Freedom MS, Mill Creek MS, Teasley MS, and Woodstock MS.

The School Board on Thursday, June 21, 2018, approved the Annual Budget for 2018-19, which continues class-size reductions, increases safety and security spending and keeps the tax rate steady, and renewed the Superintendent of Schools’ contract through June 2021. 

The budget recommended by Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower grows the day-to-day operating budget to $406 Million from the current $385 Million based on rising student enrollment, the restoration of the final $4 Million in State “austerity budget cuts,” and the property tax digest’s recovery to pre-Recession levels.  The millage property tax rate remains unchanged at 19.45 mills; the School Board held three public hearings prior to approval of the budget and millage rate.