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.   

UPDATE 6/28/22: Please be advised that we will not have meal pick-up on Monday, July 4, due to the holiday. The next pick up will be on Monday, July 11. If you need food assistance next week, First Baptist Church of Woodstock, a CCSD Partner, will distribute food boxes to families from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, July 5, through Thursday, July 7, in the Building B basement. For more information, please call the church’s food pantry at 770.926.4428.

We’re proud of our CCSD family’s dedicated teachers … and every week, you’ll get to know one of them better through a Q&A posted here. #CCSDfam

A Cherokee County School District Class of 2022 graduate has earned a $10,000 national scholarship recognizing community service, volunteerism and mentorship!

Our teachers are amazing, which is why we share the story of a school’s Teacher of the Year every week ... please help us celebrate 2022 Clark Creek ES STEM Academy Teacher of the Year Kim Harrison!

The corporate world’s loss was education’s gain when 2022 Clark Creek ES STEM Academy Teacher of the Year Kim Harrison embarked on her second career.

Freedom Middle School has earned the renewal of its national digital citizenship certification!

The school has received Common Sense School re-certification through 2023 from the national nonprofit organization Common Sense.  Schools achieve this designation by demonstrating a strong commitment to teaching students to use technology responsibly and to think critically.

We greatly value the outstanding support staff in our schools and central office divisions, which is why we recognize them here.  Please join us in congratulating the 2022 Support Staff Employee of the Year for Creekland Middle School: Maralee Tabor! #CCSDfam

A Cherokee County School District school has been honored with a national award for its charitable spirit!

Woodstock High School has earned the Spirit of St. Jude Award from Varsity Brands in recognition of its support of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which is a major recipient of company’s philanthropy.  Varsity Brands is made up of BSN Sports, Varsity Spirit and Herff Jones, which provide schools with athletic, spirit and special events products.

Volunteers make a positive difference in our schools, which is why we spotlight them here ... congratulations to Cherokee High School 2022 Volunteer of the Year: Rose Garcia! #CCSDfam

The Cherokee County School District is celebrating four of its outstanding Special Education team members!

Four members of CCSD’s Special Education department recently received top honors during the annual Special Education Staff of the Year Awards ceremony.  They are: CCSD Occupational Therapist/Physical Therapist of the Year Karen Reeves; CCSD School Psychologist of the Year Dr. Megan Foster; CCSD Special Education Facilitator of the Year Susie Okerblad; and CCSD Speech Language Pathologist of the Year Ashanta Posey.

We appreciate partners' support of our schools, which is why we celebrate their service here -- congratulations to Mountain Road Elementary School 2022 Partner of the Year: Chick-fil-A, Hickory Flat!

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

The Cherokee County School District has earned seven national awards for excellence in communications and public relations! 

The National School Public Relations Association annually honors the best publications and electronic media produced by school districts nationwide as part of their communications efforts.

We’re proud of our CCSD family’s dedicated teachers … and every week, you’ll get to know one of them better through a Q&A posted here. #CCSDfam

Dean Rusk Middle School has earned national digital citizenship recognition!

The school has received Common Sense School certification from the national nonprofit organization Common Sense.  Schools earn this recognition by demonstrating a strong commitment to teaching students to use technology responsibly and to think critically.

Our teachers are amazing, which is why we share the story of a school’s Teacher of the Year every week ... please help us celebrate 2022 CCSD Preschool Centers Teacher of the Year Catrina Wilson!

CCSD Preschool Centers Teacher of the Year Catrina Wilson is early on in her career, but like her little learners at Ralph Bunche Center, she is a quick study.

We greatly value the outstanding support staff in our schools and central office divisions, which is why we recognize them here.  Please join us in congratulating the 2022 Support Staff Employee of the Year for Sequoyah High School: Cindy Brown! #CCSDfam

Six Cherokee County School District Class of 2022 graduates have earned scholarships from ABM Industry Groups LLC!

The company, which provides custodial services for CCSD schools, each year awards a $1,000 scholarship to one graduating senior from each of CCSD’s traditional high schools.  The six winners are selected by a scholarship committee of retired CCSD educators and ABM representatives based on a student’s involvement in school and community activities and service; personal essays; and references.

A Cherokee County School District teacher has earned a top national honor!

Etowah High School Air Force Junior ROTC Lt. Col. (Retired) Stephen Bergey has been named the 2022 Overall AFJROTC Instructor of the Year.  He was selected as the best out of more than 1,900 AFJROTC instructors worldwide.

Volunteers make a positive difference in our schools, which is why we spotlight them here ... congratulations to Ball Ground ES STEM Academy 2022 Volunteer of the Year: Ball Ground ES STEM Academy PTA! #CCSDfam

The Cherokee County School District is seeking a professional with experience in nutrition, dietetics and/or food service to serve as a School Nutrition Coordinator.  This leadership position supports the department’s operations, including training programs and promotions.  It offers competitive compensation, excellent benefits, a great work calendar and schedule, opportunities for professional development and career advancement, and a wonderful work environment and team!  Join the #CCSDfam & apply now by clicking Jobs@CCSD at www.CherokeeK12.net  For more information, please call 770.721.8419 or email Tina.Farmer@cherokeek12.net.

We appreciate partners' support of our schools, which is why we celebrate their service here -- congratulations to Woodstock Elementary School 2022 Partner of the Year: Camellia Place!

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

Cherokee County School District employees and volunteers have been honored by the PTA with state awards!

The Georgia PTA at its annual convention, which was held last weekend in Columbus, recognized outstanding PTA volunteers and school district employees from across the state, with several top honors presented to Cherokee County winners.

We’re proud of our CCSD family’s dedicated teachers … and every week, you’ll get to know one of them better through a Q&A posted here. #CCSDfam

A Cherokee County School District Class of 2022 graduate has earned a local scholarship from a CCSD Partner!

Etowah High School Class of 2022 graduate Ella Daugherty is the winner of the 2022 East West Bank Scholarship. 

Our teachers are amazing, which is why we share the story of a school’s Teacher of the Year every week ... please help us celebrate 2022 Carmel Elementary School Teacher of the Year Jessica Million!

Carmel Elementary School Teacher of the Year Jessica Million grew up surrounded by children.

We greatly value the outstanding support staff in our schools and central office divisions, which is why we recognize them here.  Please join us in congratulating the 2022 Support Staff Employee of the Year for Liberty Elementary School: Beth Major! #CCSDfam

Volunteers make a positive difference in our schools, which is why we spotlight them here ... congratulations to Woodstock High School 2022 Volunteer of the Year: Jim Kivikoski! #CCSDfam

We appreciate partners' support of our schools, which is why we celebrate their service here -- congratulations to Avery Elementary School 2022 Partner of the Year: Buffalo’s Café - Canton!

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

We’re proud of our CCSD family’s dedicated teachers … and every week, you’ll get to know one of them better through a Q&A posted here. #CCSDfam

A Cherokee High School Class of 2022 graduate has won the annual Maritza Mott Scholarship!

Adriana Chavez-Mejia earned the $1,000 memorial scholarship, which is open to one graduating senior and awarded based on an application, essay questions and references. 

Our teachers are amazing, which is why we share the story of a school’s Teacher of the Year every week ... please help us celebrate 2022 Boston Elementary School Teacher of the Year Debbie Howell!

The students in Boston Elementary School Teacher of the Year Debbie Howell’s class begin every day with a clean slate.

Cherokee County School District students placed in the statewide architecture career skills competition!

Three Sequoyah High School students in the Career Pathway for pre-architecture won honors in Georgia’s American Institute of Architects High School Design Competition, which is considered the top competition in the state for high school architecture students.

Carmel Elementary School has earned national certification for teaching digital citizenship!

The school has received Common Sense School certification from the national nonprofit organization Common Sense.  Schools earn certification by demonstrating a strong commitment to teaching students to use technology responsibly and think critically.

The Cherokee County School District congratulates the winners of its third annual Minecraft Student Build Challenge!

The contest, presented by the Office of Technology & Information Services, gives students across the district the opportunity to demonstrate their technology skills and creativity.  This year’s challenge was to build their ideal colony on Mars using select materials in the Minecraft: Education Edition computer program. 

Six Cherokee County School District students placed at Georgia’s Career and Technical Instruction Competition!

The competition offers students the opportunity to demonstrate skills from their chosen Career Pathway, with presentations judged by skilled professionals from that career field.

The Cherokee County School District is seeking a Special Education - Physical and Health Disabilities teacher for next school year!  This position offers competitive compensation packages with 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: visit www.cherokeek12.net and click Jobs @ CCSD.  Questions?  Contact CCSD Recruiter Lindsay.Bowley@cherokeek12.net and 770.704.4256.

Cherokee County School District students scored through the annual CCSD Math Madness competition!

The month-long celebration planned by the Office of Curriculum & Instruction encourages problem-solving, real-world math application and fun.  

The Cherokee County School District is seeking a Special Education - Vision Impaired teacher for next school year!  This position offers competitive compensation packages with 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: visit www.cherokeek12.net and click Jobs @ CCSD.  Questions?  Contact CCSD Recruiter Lindsay.Bowley@cherokeek12.net and 770.704.4256.

Volunteers make a positive difference in our schools, which is why we spotlight them here ... congratulations to E.T. Booth Middle School 2022 Volunteer of the Year: Valorie Duckworth! #CCSDfam

The Cherokee County School District is celebrating its retiring educators and support staff!

The majority of the retirees noted below are ending their careers this week; some retired earlier in the year based on their retirement eligibility date.

Two Cherokee County School District Class of 2022 graduates have earned National Merit college-awarded scholarships!

Sequoyah High School Class of 2022 graduate Riley Hartman earned a National Merit University of Georgia Scholarship, and Creekview High School Class of 2022 graduate Benjamin “Ben” Webster V earned a National Merit University of Alabama Scholarship. 

We appreciate partners' support of our schools, which is why we celebrate their service here -- congratulations to Knox ES STEM Academy 2022 Partner of the Year: Johnny's New York Style Pizza, Riverstone!

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

Sixty members of Cherokee County School District’s Class of 2022 have committed to military service, including six selected for prestigious U.S. Service Academies!

“Thank you to each of these students for making the important decision to serve our country,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower said.  “We’re proud of you and grateful to you and your families, and I know our entire community appreciates your service.”

Our teachers are amazing, which is why we share the story of a school’s Teacher of the Year every week ... please help us celebrate 2022 Bascomb Elementary School Teacher of the Year Rhonda Ryder!

Bascomb Elementary School Teacher of the Year Rhonda Ryder centers her teaching philosophy on the whole child.

UPDATE 5/23/22: Great news! The USDA waiver has been extended for July so the weekly to-go bag model will continue in July. #CCSDfam #CCSDserves

The CCSD School Nutrition Summer Feeding program will kick off June 6, and community donations are requested to make it a success.

“We care about our students’ well-being all the time, and we know that providing meals over summer break is a hardship for some families,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower said.  “We’re so fortunate to have a dedicated School Nutrition team, an outstanding partner in MUST Ministries and a supportive community working together to feed our students over the summer.”