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Cherokee County School District high school students have increased their success in college-level courses to a new record high!  More CCSD students passed Advanced Placement (AP) exams, which earn them college credit at most state colleges and universities, with the rate increasing to 85.1% this past spring, up from 82.8% the previous year, according to newly released results. 

Congratulations to E.T. Booth MS eighth-grader Miller Inthirathvongsy, the winner of our CCSD Spelling Bee, who won the regional bee and now advances to the state bee later this month!

Cherokee County School Board members regularly visit schools for tours with Superintendent of Schools Mary Elizabeth Davis to consider how we can strengthen the alignment and clarity for the school district from the board room to the classroom. Today’s visit was to ACTIVE Academies, led by Principal Adam Johnson.

Congratulations to the winners of the 2026 Cherokee County School District Reading Bowl!  Indian Knoll Elementary School earned first place in the elementary school competition, with Little River ES placing second and Arnold Mill ES winning third. 

The Cherokee County School District is on a mission to be the highest-performing school district in Georgia, and the CCSD Recruitment Ambassadors play an important role in this success by helping the district hire the best teachers possible!

The Holly Springs Optimist Club on Monday honored CCSD students and staff at its annual Middle School Awards breakfast, which recognizes outstanding special needs students and their supportive teachers and staff.

It’s Read Across America Week! As part of the nationwide reading event that coincides with Dr. Seuss’s birthday, our schools are hosting special activities like guest readers - including our School Board members and Superintendent of Schools .

The Cherokee County School District’s newly formed Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Council provides educators with the opportunity to share valued feedback.  The talent of our teachers is unparalleled and their dedication to go the extra mile is unmatched! 

The Cherokee County School District’s top high school musicians recently performed as part of the regional District Honor Band!  The 83 students selected to participate represent all of CCSD’s high school band programs.

Eight Cherokee County School District high school seniors are 2026 National Merit Scholarship Finalists!  They are: of Cherokee High School, Grace Dai, Andrew Lockwood, and Ian Zeller; of Creekview High School, Levi Cone and Aiden Johnson; of Etowah High School, Dylan Fallin; and of Sequoyah High School, Matthew Chemmala, and Riley O'Neill.  

Mill Creek Middle School’s media center is a magical place, according to its principal, and the reason is its amazing library media specialist.  “Kim is truly the heart of her library, fostering positive and meaningful relationships with both students and teachers,” Principal Justin Sanderson said.

Learn more at an upcoming informational meeting about our Summer 2027 South Africa educational travel opportunity! This districtwide trip is open to all CCSD students currently in grades 8-11. 

Cherokee County School District students are advancing to the regional level of the Young Georgia Authors Writing Competition!  The annual statewide writing contest is open to students in grades kindergarten through 12 and strengthens literacy by encouraging writing in a variety of genres.  

Each month we celebrate a CCSD Female Athlete of the Month and a CCSD Male Athlete of the Month. Congratulations to this month’s winners: Finley Parker of the River Ridge High School girls basketball team, whose head coach is Jason Taylor, and Braylon Luster of the Cherokee High School boys basketball team, whose head coach is Joe Veihman.

The Cherokee County School District’s newly formed Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Council provides educators with the opportunity to share valued feedback.  The talent of our teachers is unparalleled and their dedication to go the extra mile is unmatched! 

“I attribute our success to providing consistency, balanced autonomy, and improved school and community culture,” Woodstock Middle School Principal Ken Nix said of their formula to creating an environment where their talented and dedicated teachers and support staff can thrive.  

“Our Progress and Closing the Gaps scores show that we are scrutinizing data sets and having hard conversations to better know and grow all our kids,” Woodstock High School Principal Charley Ingham said of their success, attributing it to their team of talented and dedicated teachers, support staff, and administrators.  

Congratulations to Woodstock Elementary School’s teachers and staff on their successes!  The team adjusts instructional practices and creates engaging classrooms where students love to learn.  

“I attribute our success to our teachers doing the hard work every day, the work our academic coaches do in our professional learning communities, the facilitators of those groups focusing on standards-based analysis and planning with their teams, and our assistant principals attending, participating in and supporting those teams,” Teasley Middle School Principal Kathie Monti said.  

“One of the most impressive successes is the Progress our students made in academic growth.  This is due to the intentional and diligent work of teachers in their professional learning communities, the students in setting individual goals, and the work of those who developed the process and procedures put in place before this year, as well as a renewed emphasis on prioritizing instructional time,” Sixes Elementary School Principal Dr. Ginger Morgan said. 

“The success at Sequoyah High School is a direct reflection of the dedicated work of the teachers in the classrooms, the support staff helping to take away obstacles, and the administration working daily to create a culture of success,” Sequoyah High School Principal Robert VanAlstyne said.  

“The success at River Ridge is attributed to the work of our staff with our students,” River Ridge High School Principal Todd Miller said.  “However, this would not be possible without the collaboration of our district.”  

“I attribute our success to our hard-working teachers who use data to make informed decisions when lesson planning and planning for targeted intervention, our office staff who support teachers and protect classrooms from interruptions, and our assistant principals for supporting teachers and providing thoughtful, meaningful feedback to them,” R.M. Moore ES STEM Academy Principal Kim Moody said.  

“Our victories are attributed to the resilience of our teachers and staff,” Oak Grove ES STEAM Academy Principal Jennifer Williams said.  

“Mountain Road has amazing staff.  I love that teachers are willing to do what it takes to teach students,” Mountain Road Elementary School Principal Dr. Leah Bleisath said.  “This is evident with our Progress score!  I am proud of our teachers stepping out of their comfort zone and learning more through professional development and professional learning communities to support individualized learning.”  

“I attribute our success to a competitive buy-in from our teachers and students,” Mill Creek Middle School Principal Justin Sanderson said.  “Our school leadership team feels they have a voice and their input matters.” 

“I attribute our success to our teachers.  They have made the shift to owning our students’ success,” Macedonia Elementary School Principal Dr. Carrie O’Bryant said.  “Each team has determined what their students need and led the charge to grow their students.  The teachers have adopted our expectations and truly made it their own.”  

“I attribute our success to our dedicated and passionate teachers and staff; our building leadership team, and the foundation set at the beginning of the year; and our clarity – what we are doing as a district and our formula,” Little River Elementary School Principal Dr. Joni Adams said.

The Cherokee County School District’s newly formed Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Council provides educators with the opportunity to share valued feedback.  The talent of our teachers is unparalleled and their dedication to go the extra mile is unmatched! 

“I attribute our Progress success to our teacher teams -- their commitment to collaboratively creating plans to support all students.  They are continuously monitoring the mastery of their students and closing gaps when evident,” Liberty Elementary School Principal Dr. Sandi Harrison said.  “I am also thankful for the Core Beliefs we co-created that are driving meaningful reflection and collective next steps.” 

“We are so proud of the planning and work that our teachers have diligently put forth to help students learn more, grow more, and achieve more,” Knox ES STEM Academy Principal Debbie Ritter said. 

“I attribute Johnston’s success to the dedicated teachers who work with our students every day and to the staff members and community who support them in their efforts,” Johnston Elementary School Principal Dr. Lori Etheridge said. 

The Cherokee County School District erg indoor rowing team earned regional and national honors! The CCSD Erg Sprint Team earned 16 region honors and four U.S. Rowing Indoor National Championships medals at the Atlanta Erg Sprints held this month at Georgia Tech.

A Cherokee County School District student has earned the Girl Scouts Gold Award!  Congratulations to Sequoyah High School senior Angelina Miller of Troop 14611, who earned the award this school year for her “Take A Seat” project.  

Indian Knoll Elementary School Principal Erica Morrie praised her teachers’ talent and dedication for their students’ 6.6-point increase in Content Mastery for science and can’t wait to see how they’ll elevate the excellence further this year. 

“Our academic growth in Content Mastery makes me the most proud, and this is directly a result of our teachers,” i-Grad Virtual Academy Principal Adam Johnson said.  “Learning to engage online learners and creating highly impactful content that keeps the student-centered approach is challenging in an online environment.  Our teachers embraced and committed to creating customized content because they know it is best for kids, and the results showed their dedication.” 

Forty-one Cherokee County School District students are advancing to the Georgia Student Technology Competition!  CCSD students earned the opportunity to compete in the statewide event next month by winning first place in the recently held Piedmont Regional Technology Competition.

“I attribute our success to building the leadership ladder for our teachers,” Holly Springs ES STEM Academy Principal Ashley Polito said.  “We have many ‘mini coaches’ who are elevating the excellence everywhere.” 

“Our students are learning so much from our teachers at Hickory Flat!  This is attributed to a common and consistent vision in our school and school district,” Hickory Flat Elementary School Principal Kerry Estep said.  “We all want our students to achieve, and the vision is clear!” 

“Our teachers’ dedication, tenacity, and their belief in our students has greatly attributed to our success,” Hasty ES Fine Arts Academy Principal Dr. Maria Rosario-Regan said.  “I am proud that, as a Title I school, we are a top performer in Progress.” 

Student Delegates to the School Board serve for one school year to give valued input and feedback to the School Board and Superintendent of Schools in our mission to become the highest performing school district in Georgia! 

“The growth at Freedom is the direct result of the work of the teachers and students,” Freedom Middle School Principal Dr. Chad Flatt said.  “They push hard to learn and grow each day.  Their work is amazing and bolstered by the support staff of the front office, custodians, and cafeteria.”

“Our teachers, students, and all support staff are working hard,” Free Home Elementary School Principal Julie Peppers said.  “I am very proud of how we looked at the data as a school, then broke it down by grade levels and set goals.  Our students also took ownership of their success with personal goal setting.” 

Etowah High School Principal Robert Horn attributes the school’s success to its students’ determination and its talented and dedicated teachers, supported by instructional coaches, assistant principals, and support staff, and the school’s strong parent and family community. 

Fifty-five Cherokee County School District high school and middle school students earned seats in the prestigious Georgia Music Educators Association All-State Chorus programs! 

“I am proud of all the hard work my community has put in,” E.T. Booth Middle School Principal Todd Sharrock said.  “My teachers are rockstars, my instructional coach is amazing, and my students and parents are the best.  I also could not ask for a better administrative team and support staff to help me every day!” 

Three Cherokee County School District teams competed at the statewide First LEGO League robotics contest!  Congratulations to R.M. Moore ES STEM Academy’s Arrowheads team and Dean Rusk Middle School’s Brick Navy and Brick Army teams.

“We are most proud of our increase in every area!  We attribute that success to the efforts of our staff, especially our teachers, and the efforts of our students,” Dean Rusk Middle School Principal Dawn Weinbaum said.  “Our focus on high impact strategies contribute to our academic success.” 

“I attribute this success to our teachers for embracing high expectations, our instructional leadership team, our instructional coach and the professional development she has implemented throughout the year, and our administrative team and its involvement in our teacher Professional Learning Community meetings,” Creekview High School Principal Mark Vance said. 

The Cherokee County School District’s newly formed Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Council provides educators with the opportunity to share valued feedback.  The talent of our teachers is unparalleled and their dedication to go the extra mile is unmatched! 

“It shows how important each teacher is to the success of all students,” Creekland Middle School Matthew May said, pointing to both the 4.4-point increase in Content Mastery for students overall and the 24.3-point increase in Progress for English Learners. 

“I attribute this success to the relationships our teachers build with each student,” Clayton Elementary School Principal Valerie Lowery said.  “They get to know their students so very well and reach them through ways individualized just for them.  I am so proud of this success as we continue to work to be the best!”  

“Student work, teachers, teacher leaders, administrative team, academic coaches, support staff, district support staff, our stakeholders – everyone!” Clark Creek ES STEM Academy Principal Joey Moss said of the team responsible for the school’s success.  “We’re so proud and excited.” 

“As a core value of the district, progress serves as the best way to measure improvements,” Cherokee High School Principal Andy Hall said.  “To have students and staff focus on progress spurs a continual desire for improvement and for reflection on how to improve.  I’m proud of our team for dedication to that progress.” 

It’s National School Counseling Week … and the perfect time to celebrate our newly named 2026 Counselor of the Year Zone Winners!  We value our school counselors’ unparalleled talent and unmatched dedication in their role to ensure our students learn more, grow more, and achieve more in our classrooms than they could anywhere else. 

It’s National School Counseling Week … and the perfect time to celebrate our newly named 2026 Counselor of the Year Zone Winners!  We value our school counselors’ unparalleled talent and unmatched dedication in their role to ensure our students learn more, grow more, and achieve more in our classrooms than they could anywhere else. 

The Cherokee County School District on Thursday night celebrated 192 outstanding high school students as 2026 Superintendent’s Key Scholars!  

“I attribute our success to teachers and to being intentional in looking at data, not just at the surface … and making quick actionable steps and changes,” Carmel Elementary School Principal Lisa Rich said. 

The Cherokee County School District today surprised four teachers with the news they are finalists for the 2026 CCSD Teacher of the Year award!

“I attribute our success to the dedication of our teachers, the pursuit of excellence by our students, and the support of leaders, families, and support staff,” Boston Elementary School Principal Dr. Celeice Hood said. 

It’s National School Counseling Week … and the perfect time to celebrate our newly named 2026 Counselor of the Year Zone Winners!  We value our school counselors’ unparalleled talent and unmatched dedication in their role to ensure our students learn more, grow more, and achieve more in our classrooms than they could anywhere else. 

“Our teachers are the heart of our schools, and our support staff are the heartbeat,” Superintendent of Schools Mary Elizabeth Davis said as she kicked off our annual CCSD Support Staff Employees of the Year celebration, recognizing honorees selected by each of our schools, centers and central office divisions. 

Congratulations to the Cherokee County School District’s 2026 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 tier of their class for GPA.

Bascomb Elementary School Principal Dr. Carolyn Daugherty attributes the school’s success to its talented and dedicated teachers, supported by instructional coaches, assistant principals, and support staff. 

Twenty-six more Cherokee County School District student athletes have signed commitment letters to compete at the college level!  This week’s National Signing Day, the third so far this school year, now brings the total number of student athletes celebrated to 82!

“Our school has worked collectively to understand how data supports our work to increase effectiveness of instructional strategies within every classroom with every student,” Ball Ground ES STEM Academy Principal Melinda Roulier said.  “Data is an important piece of the puzzle that guides our work to provide each student the best opportunity to perform at their max potential.” 

It’s National School Counseling Week … and the perfect time to celebrate our newly named 2026 Counselor of the Year Zone Winners!  We value our school counselors’ unparalleled talent and unmatched dedication in their role to ensure our students learn more, grow more, and achieve more in our classrooms than they could anywhere else. 

Cherokee County School District students won gold in the Special Olympics 2026 State Indoor Winter Games!  The unified basketball, traditional basketball, ramp bowling, and traditional bowling teams all earned gold medals at the statewide competition recently held in Cobb County.  

“Avery’s success is attributed to the solid instructional practices of our teachers,” Avery Elementary School Principal Dr. Lisa Turner said. Congratulations to Avery ES for its impressive 97.0 score for Progress (up almost 5 points from last year) and scores above 90 in Content Mastery and Readiness – verifying that students are learning more and growing more in our classrooms than they could anywhere else -- on Georgia’s College and Career Ready Performance Index statewide accountability system. 

Congratulations to the Cherokee County School District middle school basketball regular season and tournament champions!

“This success is a testament to our teachers stepping up to implement school improvement strategies,” Arnold Mill Elementary School Principal Dan Fuller said.  Congratulations to Arnold Mill ES for its amazing 14.7-point increase in Progress (up to a 96.5) and increases in Content Mastery and Readiness – verifying that students are learning more and growing more in our classrooms than they could anywhere else -- on Georgia’s College and Career Ready Performance Index statewide accountability system. 

It’s National School Counseling Week … and the perfect time to celebrate our newly named 2026 Counselor of the Year Zone Winners!  We value our school counselors’ unparalleled talent and unmatched dedication in their role to ensure our students learn more, grow more, and achieve more in our classrooms than they could anywhere else. 

More than 500 CCSD female athletes gathered Monday to celebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) and recognize the positive impact and great opportunities provided by the school district’s elite athletic programs. 

It’s National School Counseling Week … and the perfect time to celebrate our newly named 2026 Counselor of the Year Zone Winners!  We value our school counselors’ unparalleled talent and unmatched dedication in their role to ensure our students learn more, grow more, and achieve more in our classrooms than they could anywhere else. 

The Cherokee County School District’s newly formed Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Council provides educators with the opportunity to share valued feedback.  The talent of our teachers is unparalleled and their dedication to go the extra mile is unmatched! 

The Cherokee County School District’s newly formed Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Council provides educators with the opportunity to share valued feedback.  The talent of our teachers is unparalleled and their dedication to go the extra mile is unmatched! 

CCSD’s Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) handbook, “Focus on the Future,” will be going home with 8th graders this month as they prepare to register for their high school classes. 

The Cherokee County School District’s newly formed Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Council provides educators with the opportunity to share valued feedback.  The talent of our teachers is unparalleled and their dedication to go the extra mile is unmatched! 

“Apostrophe” was the winning word for an E.T. Booth Middle School student at the 2026 Cherokee County School District Spelling Bee!  Eighth-grader Miller Inthirathvongsy placed first in the competition held this week at Cherokee High School.  Arnold Mill ES fourth-grader Vanya Singh earned second place; Sixes ES fifth-grader Griffin Mincey, third place; and Oak Grove ES STEAM Academy fourth-grader Mac Wells, fourth place.

The Cherokee County School District has started a new tradition: an annual erg indoor rowing competition!  The special event, which gave middle school students the opportunity to compete for individual and team medals, is the latest success for a PE program started in 2023 with a nationally competitive grant.

Each month we celebrate a CCSD Female Athlete of the Month and a CCSD Male Athlete of the Month.  Congratulations to this month’s winners: Sarah Vehar of the Sequoyah High School wrestling team, whose coaches are Jacob Hewgley and Joe Hulen; and Josh Schulze of the Woodstock High School basketball team, whose head coach is Eric Blair.

Student Delegates to the School Board serve for one school year to give valued input and feedback to the School Board and Superintendent of Schools in our mission to become the highest performing school district in Georgia! 

The Cherokee County School District’s newly formed Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Council provides educators with the opportunity to share valued feedback.  The talent of our teachers is unparalleled and their dedication to go the extra mile is unmatched! 

Cherokee County School Board members regularly visit schools for tours with Superintendent of Schools Mary Elizabeth Davis to consider how we can strengthen the alignment and clarity for the school district from the board room to the classroom.

A Cherokee County School District student is a regional essay contest winner!  Woodstock Middle School seventh-grader Eden Amosa is the Cherokee County winner and the regional runner-up for the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District’s 24th annual essay contest open to all metro Atlanta middle schoolers.

The Cherokee County School District’s newly formed Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Council provides educators with the opportunity to share valued feedback.  The talent of our teachers is unparalleled and their dedication to go the extra mile is unmatched! 

A Cherokee County School District team earned honors at the regional First LEGO League robotics competition to advance to super regionals!  R.M. Moore ES STEM Academy’s Arrowheads team earned the Champions trophy at regionals to move on to the super regionals event next month.  Dean Rusk Middle School’s Brick Navy team won the Core Values award, and its Brick Army team earned the Robot Design award.

The Cherokee County School District is celebrating winners of the fourth annual Sixth-Grade Fall STEM Essay Contest!  Cobb EMC & Gas South, a CCSD Partner, sponsors two contests every school year – one in the fall and one in the spring - to recognize student excellence in communicating STEM concepts.  The top essays from each school earn their writers cash prizes.  

A Cherokee County School District student has placed in a statewide art contest!  Cherokee High School senior Grace Dai earned second place in the Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites Art Contest. 

The 4th annual CCSD Elementary School Math Competition drew several hundred young mathematicians to the event on Saturday at Freedom Middle School where students put their ciphering skills to the test in individual and team competitions.

The Cherokee County School District’s newly formed Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Council provides educators with the opportunity to share valued feedback.  The talent of our teachers is unparalleled and their dedication to go the extra mile is unmatched! 

As part of its approval of the monthly human resources employment recommendations, the School Board on Thursday appointed new district staff and a new assistant principal for Etowah High School.

The Cherokee County School District is celebrating its new class of REACH Georgia Scholars!  REACH Georgia is a statewide mentorship and college scholarship program for middle and high school students.  This is CCSD’s fourth year of participation with support from the Cherokee County Educational Foundation; five eighth-graders have been selected for this year’s class.

Congratulations to Carmel Elementary School! The school was recognized this morning by the Georgia State Board of Education for being named a National ESEA (Elementary and Secondary Education Act) Distinguished School!

Eleven projects by Cherokee County School District students are headed to the Regional Social Studies Fair.  Through the annual CCSD Social Studies Fair program, students in grades 5-12 can explore an area of social studies and complete a research project individually or as part of a team. 

Student Delegates to the School Board serve for one school year to give valued input and feedback to the School Board and Superintendent of Schools in our mission to become the highest performing school district in Georgia! 

We celebrated Carmel Elementary School today for being named a National ESEA (Elementary and Secondary Education Act) Distinguished School! 

The Cherokee County School District’s newly formed Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Council provides educators with the opportunity to share valued feedback.  The talent of our teachers is unparalleled and their dedication to go the extra mile is unmatched! 

The Cherokee County School District offers an annual program to prepare teachers for future leadership roles.  The Superintendent’s Leadership Academies initiative gives teachers, support staff and school and district leaders the opportunity for professional development through various classes for different leadership experience levels.  

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.

Three more Cherokee County School District student athletes have signed commitment letters to compete at the college level!  The three Sequoyah High School football players were honored with ceremonies at their high school to celebrate their signing of National Letters of Intent: Alex Brewer for U.S. Naval Academy, William Rajecki for University of Memphis, and Maddox Waller for Samford University.  

Two Cherokee County School District teachers have been named 2026 Georgia STEM Scholars! Keith Furstenberg of Free Home Elementary School and Tammy Owen of Oak Grove ES STEAM Academy earned the honor that is presented annually by the Georgia Youth Science & Technology Centers.

Our school principals and district leaders participate in a monthly leadership and professional development meeting to succeed in our mission to be the highest performing school district in Georgia! This month's meeting kicked off with a celebration of the amazing work by our schools to achieve our highest College and Career Ready Performance Index scores ever -- representing impressive academic gains by our students as measured by the state's accountability system.

A Cherokee County School District student has been selected for the competitive All-State Theatre Program!  Sequoyah High School senior Bailey St. Vrain is participating in this school year’s prestigious program, which culminates with performances at the 2026 Georgia Thespian Conference attended by high school theatre students and educators statewide.  

The Cherokee County School District’s newly formed Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Council provides educators with the opportunity to share valued feedback.  The talent of our teachers is unparalleled and their dedication to go the extra mile is unmatched! 

Every Thanksgiving season, our students participate in service learning projects to learn about those in need in their community and how to help them.  From collecting canned food for MUST Ministries, to coloring cards for Cherokee Thanksgiving meal recipients, to creating Thanksgiving food baskets for local families, our students came together to make a positive difference in their community.

The Cherokee County School District’s newly formed Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Council provides educators with the opportunity to share valued feedback.  The talent of our teachers is unparalleled and their dedication to go the extra mile is unmatched! 

State Superintendent of Schools Richards Woods today visited Avery Elementary School to celebrate the outstanding “farm to school” work by our CCSD School Nutrition team that brings fresh produce to our cafeterias each day.

Student Delegates to the School Board serve for one school year to give valued input and feedback to the School Board and Superintendent of Schools in our mission to become the highest performing school district in Georgia! 

A Cherokee County School District school has earned a national honor for academic excellence!  Carmel Elementary School has been honored as a National ESEA (Elementary and Secondary Education Act) Distinguished School!  

The Cherokee County School District’s newly formed Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Council provides educators with the opportunity to share valued feedback.  The talent of our teachers is unparalleled and their dedication to go the extra mile is unmatched! 

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.

The Cherokee County School District recognizes two outstanding high school student athletes each month. Congratulations to this month’s winners: Female Athlete of the Month, Gracie Mayo of Cherokee High School for flag football, whose head coach is Tom Stringfellow; and Male Athlete of the Month, Mason Thomas of Sequoyah High School for swimming, whose head coach is Cora Hodgins.  

Cherokee County School District teams have earned national and state Junior ROTC Raiders championship titles!  Raiders team multi-event military style athletic competitions include a 4K run, half-mile physical fitness test, rope bridge test and the gauntlet, a half-mile obstacle course.  

Cherokee County School District students have earned top honors this fall at statewide and regional career competitions!  Through Career and Technical Student Organizations, students expand their classroom Career Pathway program learning by participating in after-school and weekend activities like conferences, competitions and community service.

Our School Board members regularly visit schools for tours with Mary Elizabeth to consider how we can strengthen the alignment and clarity for the school district from the board room to the classroom.  This month, the visit was to Ralph Bunche Center in Canton led by Principal Dr. Jessica Porter, which includes Head Start and Special Education preschool and Georgia Pre-K classes.

Two Cherokee County School Districts students achieved Eagle Scout this fall!  Congratulations to: Sequoyah High School senior Johnathan Miller of Troop 8880 and Woodstock High School senior Myles Trudeau of Troop 241!  

Cherokee County School District’s top young singers recently performed with the districtwide Middle School Honor Chorus!  The annual program this fall invited 133 select students, including students from each of CCSD’s middle schools, for a day of learning and performance at River Ridge High School.

The Cherokee County School District’s newly formed Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Council provides educators with the opportunity to share valued feedback.  The talent of our teachers is unparalleled and their dedication to go the extra mile is unmatched! 

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.  

A Cherokee County School District teacher has been elected to lead a national career education association!  Callie Davis, who leads the River Ridge HS Career Pathway Healthcare Science program for Diagnostics: Clinical Laboratory Science, was selected by her peers to serve as president-elect of the Health Science Educators Association, the educator membership arm of the National Consortium for Health Science Education.  

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!

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. 

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.  

The Cherokee County School District has again earned a top state honor for serving farm-fresh meals to students! CCSD’s School Nutrition program, which serves 5 million meals annually, won the Georgia Farm to School Award from the Georgia Department of Education School Nutrition Division.  CCSD School Nutrition has earned the award every year since the program was established in 2014.  Only 52 of Georgia’s 159 school districts received the award this fall.  

A Cherokee County School District school has earned top state honors for excellence in education.  Macedonia Elementary School has won the prestigious School Bell Award from the Georgia Association of Elementary School Principals, which is presented to no more than 10 schools each year in recognition of outstanding curriculum and organizational leadership initiatives.   

The Cherokee County School District’s newly formed Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Council provides educators with the opportunity to share valued feedback.  The talent of our teachers is unparalleled and their dedication to go the extra mile is unmatched! 

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.  

Dean Rusk Middle School is the winner of the Cherokee County School District Middle School Academic Bowl!  Creekland Middle School placed second at the event, which was organized by CCSD’s Academics & Accountability division and sponsored by the Cherokee County Educational Foundation. 

Cherokee County School District students earned honors at recent statewide and countywide competitions including a first-place win at the Georgia State Fair!  The students, who participate in the 4-H extra-curricular program sponsored locally by the UGA Cooperative Extension Office, competed at the Georgia State Fair and the Cherokee County Fair.

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.

It’s National Bus Safety Week and CCSD Bus Driver Appreciation Week!  Our talented and dedicated team of school bus drivers carry the most precious cargo each day to help our students learn more, grow more, and achieve more in our classrooms than they could anywhere else. 

The Cherokee County School District’s newly formed Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Council provides educators with the opportunity to share valued feedback.  The talent of our teachers is unparalleled and their dedication to go the extra mile is unmatched!  Over the coming weeks, we'll be introducing each Council member to our community.  You can learn more about the Council and see the full list of its members online here.

It’s National Bus Safety Week and CCSD Bus Driver Appreciation Week!  Our talented and dedicated team of school bus drivers carry the most precious cargo each day to help our students learn more, grow more, and achieve more in our classrooms than they could anywhere else. 

Three Cherokee County School District students have been selected for a regional leadership program!  Cherokee High School junior Madeline Flournoy, Etowah High School sophomore Chloe Okoth, and River Ridge High School junior Leigha Samuel are among the outstanding high school students selected to participate in this school year’s Model Atlanta Regional Commission youth leadership program.  

Thank you to the Atlanta Falcons and Freddie Falcon for celebrating students and teachers today at Free Home Elementary and Sixes Elementary School!

Two Cherokee County School District students have been named to the State School Superintendent’s 2025-26 Student Advisory Council!  Sequoyah High School senior Sebastian Murillo and Etowah High School junior Allegra Panga are among the 79 high school students from across the state selected for the prestigious role.  

It’s National Bus Safety Week and CCSD Bus Driver Appreciation Week!  Our talented and dedicated team of school bus drivers carry the most precious cargo each day to help our students learn more, grow more, and achieve more in our classrooms than they could anywhere else. 

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.  

It’s National Bus Safety Week and CCSD Bus Driver Appreciation Week!  Our talented and dedicated team of school bus drivers carry the most precious cargo each day to help our students learn more, grow more, and achieve more in our classrooms than they could anywhere else. 

It’s National Bus Safety Week and CCSD Bus Driver Appreciation Week!  Our talented and dedicated team of school bus drivers carry the most precious cargo each day to help our students learn more, grow more, and achieve more in our classrooms than they could anywhere else. 

It’s National Bus Safety Week and CCSD Bus Driver Appreciation Week!  Our talented and dedicated team of school bus drivers carry the most precious cargo each day to help our students learn more, grow more, and achieve more in our classrooms than they could anywhere else. 

It’s National Bus Safety Week and CCSD Bus Driver Appreciation Week!  Our talented and dedicated team of school bus drivers carry the most precious cargo each day to help our students learn more, grow more, and achieve more in our classrooms than they could anywhere else.  

The Cherokee County School District’s newly formed Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Council provides educators with the opportunity to share valued feedback.  The talent of our teachers is unparalleled and their dedication to go the extra mile is unmatched! 

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. 

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.

A Sixes Elementary School dad is the winner of this year’s annual CCSD School Nutrition Parent Recipe Contest! Congratulations to Philip Lombardi, dad of second-grader Liam and kindergartner Luke, who earned the top prize for his Apple Harvest Parfait.  His recipe was enjoyed by students across CCSD today as part of the celebration.  

Student Delegates to the School Board serve for one school year to give valued input and feedback to the School Board and Superintendent of Schools in our mission to become the highest performing school district in Georgia!  Over the coming months, we'll be introducing each Delegate to our community. 

The Cherokee County School District celebrated school nurses today with the presentation of the fifth annual CCSD School Nurse of the Year Awards! Superintendent of Schools Mary Elizabeth Davis today presented the 2025 CCSD School Nurse of the Year award to Renée Michael of Holly Springs ES STEM Academy.

The Cherokee County School District’s newly formed Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Council provides educators with the opportunity to share valued feedback.  The talent of our teachers is unparalleled and their dedication to go the extra mile is unmatched! 

The Cherokee County School District Superintendent’s Middle School Student Advisory Board met today for its first meeting of the school year!  

Cherokee County School Board members regularly visit schools for tours with Superintendent of Schools Mary Elizabeth Davis to consider how we can strengthen the alignment and clarity for the school district from the board room to the classroom.  Today’s visit was to Oak Grove ES STEAM Academy, led by Principal Jennifer Williams.  

It’s Georgia Pre-K Week, and we’re celebrating the occasion with special activities including guest readers.  CCSD serves 4-year-olds in Pre-K classes funded by the Georgia Lottery Pre-K program at seven schools and preschool centers.  

The College Board has honored Cherokee County School District students with National Recognition Programs Awards for exceptional academic achievement!

The Cherokee County School District’s newly formed Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Council provides educators with the opportunity to share valued feedback.  The talent of our teachers is unparalleled and their dedication to go the extra mile is unmatched!  Over the coming weeks, we'll be introducing each Council member to our community. 

The Cherokee County School District Superintendent’s Elementary School Student Advisory Board gathered today for its first meeting of the school year!  The board, established last year by Superintendent of Schools Mary Elizabeth Davis, is made up of one fifth-grade student leader from each of CCSD’s elementary schools.

October is National Principals Month!  Our Principals are amazing instructional leaders dedicated to ensuring our students learn more, grow more, and achieve more in our classrooms than they could anywhere else!  We’re recognizing these inspiring leaders with special posts throughout the month.

The Cherokee County School District Class of 2026 graduation ceremony dates have been set!

The new playground at Johnston Elementary School was dedicated in honor of late longtime Principal Laura Akers this afternoon, with a crowd of family, friends and coworkers present for the occasion, along with CCSD Leadership team members, School Board Chair Janet Read Welch and board members Kelly Poole and Dr. Susan Padgett-Harrison, and Superintendent Mary Elizabeth Davis.

Cherokee County School Board members regularly visit schools for tours with Superintendent of Schools Mary Elizabeth Davis to consider how we can strengthen the alignment and clarity for the school district from the board room to the classroom.  Today’s visit was to Mountain Road Elementary School, led by Principal Dr. Leah Bleisath.

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.  

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%.

The Cherokee County School District’s newly formed Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Council provides educators with the opportunity to share valued feedback.  The talent of our teachers is unparalleled and their dedication to go the extra mile is unmatched!  Over the coming weeks, we'll be introducing each Council member to our community. 

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! 

A Cherokee County School District parent has been named to the state school superintendent’s advisory council!  Longtime PTA leader Audrey Legrand was selected by State School Superintendent Richard Woods to serve a two-year term on his Parent Advisory Council.

Student Delegates to the School Board serve for one school year to give valued input and feedback to the School Board and Superintendent of Schools in our mission to become the highest performing school district in Georgia!  Over the coming months, we'll be introducing each Delegate to our community. 

The Cherokee County School District’s newly formed Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Council provides educators with the opportunity to share valued feedback.  The talent of our teachers is unparalleled and their dedication to go the extra mile is unmatched!  Over the coming weeks, we'll be introducing each Council member to our community. 

The Cherokee County School District’s newly formed Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Council provides educators with the opportunity to share valued feedback.  The talent of our teachers is unparalleled and their dedication to go the extra mile is unmatched!  Over the coming weeks, we'll be introducing each Council member to our community. 

The Cherokee County School District recognizes two outstanding high school student athletes each month.  Congratulations to this month’s winners: Female Athlete of the Month Peyton Grummer of Sequoyah High School for cheerleading, whose coach is Ashlyn Grummer; and Male Athlete of the Month Zeke Douglass of Etowah High School for football, whose head coach is Brett Vavra.  

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 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!

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. 

A Cherokee County School District school nurse and volunteers have been honored by the Georgia PTA with top statewide awards for outstanding service to students and their families!  The awards were presented at the organization’s recent statewide convention.  Congratulations to our winners and thank you for your service, thank you to the PTA for its support of our students, educators and schools, and thank you to our School Board for its longtime partnership with PTA!

Our School Board members greeted students this morning at Cherokee High School to celebrate the "last first day" at the original campus, handing out commemorative magnets to mark the milestone. This will be the last school year at the 1956 facility, with the new Cherokee High School on track to open for 2026-27, thanks to Ed SPLOST funding.

The Cherokee County School District is celebrating the winners of its third annual School Nutrition Team of the Year awards!  R.M. Moore ES STEM Academy is the elementary division winner, and E.T. Middle School is the middle school/high school/center division winner of the program, which gives school cafeteria teams the opportunity to win prizes by improving their service to students, teachers, and staff.

One of several capital improvement projects underway this summer is the new driveway at Teasley Middle School. 

Our Principals are dedicated leaders, and as we look forward to the first day of school on Aug. 1, we’re introducing you to our new Principals … Oak Grove Elementary School STEAM Academy Principal Jennifer Williams is new to CCSD’s leadership team but brings experience as a school administrator to the role.

Our Principals are dedicated leaders, and as we look forward to the first day of school on Aug. 1, we’re introducing you to our new Principals … Knox Elementary School STEM Academy Principal Debbie Ritter is returning to her elementary education roots after leading the district’s preschool program for five years.

Our Principals are dedicated leaders, and as we look forward to the first day of school on Aug. 1, we’re introducing you to our new Principals … CCSD Preschool Centers Principal Dr. Jessica Porter brings knowledge to her new role of not only best practices in preschool education, but also what students need to know as they advance to higher grade levels.

Our Principals are dedicated leaders, and as we look forward to the first day of school on Aug. 1, we’re introducing you to our new Principals … Indian Knoll Elementary School Principal Erica Morrie isn’t new to serving as a Principal but is leading a new school this year.

Our Principals are dedicated leaders, and as we look forward to the first day of school on Aug. 1, we’re introducing you to our new Principals … ACTIVE Academies Principal Adam Johnson is ready to lead CCSD’s most unique campus, which is home to four different programs including our virtual high school.

Our Principals are dedicated leaders, and as we look forward to the first day of school on Aug. 1, we’re introducing you to our new Principals … Boston Elementary School Principal Dr. Celeice Hood can’t wait to meet her new school’s students and encourage their joy for learning.

Our Principals are dedicated leaders, and as we look forward to the first day of school on Aug. 1, we’re introducing you to our new Principals … It’s homecoming for Mountain Road Elementary School Principal Dr. Leah Bleisath, as she now is leading the school she attended as a child.

The Cherokee High School administration team got its first peek inside their new school facility last week, with an afternoon tour led by CCSD Support Services. Wearing hard hats -- and very comfortable shoes -- the CHS crew was able to see office space, CTAE classrooms, the media center, classroom wings and more.

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.

Clark Creek Elementary School STEM Academy today received the Georgia Department of Education’s Garden of the Season recognition as part of the Georgia Farm to School Award.  Clark Creek is one of only four schools in Georgia to receive the recognition. 

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). 

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.  

Today is National School Nurse Appreciation Day! School Board member Dr. Susan Padgett-Harrison, along with Superintendent Mary Elizabeth Davis and several district leaders, surprised Dawn Beasley at Tippens Education Center with some sweet treats and a gift card to express their appreciation for the exceptional job she does caring for Tippens students.

Teachers and staff of Free Home Elementary School were able to get a preview of their new building today with a walkthrough of the replacement school that will open its doors for the 2025-26 school year.

MUST Ministries will be using a partnership grant from Kroger to support and enhance the food pantry at Cherokee High School, one of four school food pantry projects in the region selected  by MUST to benefit from a $205,000 donation from the grocery store chain!

Two Cherokee County School District Class of 2025 seniors have been named candidates for a top national honor!  Cherokee High School senior Elliana Mathews and River Ridge High School senior Alfred Tang are among only 4,000 students selected as candidates for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program from the more than 3 million graduating seniors in the nation’s Class of 2025.  Only 216 students from Georgia were recognized with this prestigious honor.

For the second year in a row, Woodstock High School is home to the Cherokee County School District’s top media specialist: Jennifer Cogdill!  Superintendent of Schools Mary Elizabeth Davis today visited the media center to surprise Ms. Cogdill with the news she is the Cherokee County School District’s Library Media Specialist of the Year in recognition of her professional excellence.  She now advances to represent CCSD in the regional competition, from which she could move on to the state contest. 

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025, appointed a new board member to fill a vacancy created by retirement and voted to maintain local control of school funding decision-making by opting out of statewide legislation.

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.

The Cherokee County School District today surprised four teachers with the news they are finalists for the 2025 CCSD Teacher of the Year award!  Superintendent of Schools Mary Elizabeth Davis visited their classrooms to announce that the judging committee selected them as the top teachers of all CCSD schools’ and centers’ Teachers of the Year.  

Cherokee County Superintendent of Schools Mary Elizabeth Davis today spoke at the 2025 “State of the County” program.  The regional Council for Quality Growth nonprofit group organizes the annual luncheon.  

Cherokee County School District theatre programs and students earned top honors at regional One Act Play competitions, with one show advancing to a state performance event!

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.  

The Cherokee County School District celebrated the important role of support staff at its Seventh Annual Support Staff Employees of the Year Awards this evening.

We appreciate the support of our partners and the difference they are making in our schools! Does your business or organization partner with a CCSD school? Visit our School Partnerships webpage (https://www.cherokeek12.net/partners) to learn more! #CCSDPartnersInAction #CCSDElevateTheExcellence

The Cherokee County School District’s Class of 2024 ACT scores topped national and state averages!

In honor of National School Custodian Day, we’re recognizing one of our high school head custodians each day.  Please join us in thanking them for all they do to keep our schools safe and clean for our students, teachers and staff, volunteers, and visitors!

Cherokee County School District’s SAT scores continue to top statewide and national results, according to results released today by the College Board.

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.  

A Cherokee County School District career education program has received national recognition for excellence!

The Cherokee County School Board this week will recognizes its new class of Student Delegates!

The Cherokee County School District today rose to new heights with a major milestone in the construction of the new Cherokee High School.

Three Cherokee County School District schools have earned national awards for character education!

The Cherokee County School District on Tuesday celebrated a milestone in the construction of the new home for Free Home Elementary School!

We are proud of our CCSD alums and the great things they are accomplishing! We will be sharing some of our #CCSDNotables with you throughout the year. #CCSDfam

Within the Pathway, classes offered include: introduction to software technology, computer science principles or AP Computer Science Principles and web development.  Students can earn Microsoft Office Specialist and Certified Internet Web Professional industry certifications and can compete with the school’s TSA (Technology Student Association), First Robotics of Georgia and Skills USA teams in regional, state and national career competitions.

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

The Cherokee County School Board at its Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023 meeting approved plans to expand a school and heard important budget updates.

CCSD and partner Discovery Ed this week celebrated the Cognia STEM accreditation status achieved by 11 of its schools, including all seven middle schools. Discovery Ed has been working with CCSD the past three years to focus on STEM, providing essential professional development and resources for the district. 

The Cherokee County School Board at its Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023 regular meeting welcomed its new Student Advisor and Student Delegates for the school year!

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, June 16, 2023 approved a budget for next school year that improves teacher and support staff compensation and keeps class sizes low without a millage rate increase.

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, May 18, 2023 reviewed the proposed budget for next school year, which increases salaries for teachers and support staff, and approved the construction contract for the new replacement Cherokee High School campus.

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.

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.  

This week’s CCSD Pathway Profile focuses on Plant and Floral Design Systems and Companion Animal Systems, which is offered at Etowah High School.  Five different agriculture Career Pathway programs are available in CCSD high schools. 

This week’s CCSD Pathway Profile focuses on Navy JROTC - Government and Public Administration, which is offered at Woodstock High School.  Three different JROTC 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 … 

This week’s CCSD Pathway Profile focuses on Agriculture - Plant & Floriculture Systems, which is offered at Cherokee High School.  Five different agriculture Career Pathway programs are available in CCSD high schools.

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 … 

Within the Pathway, classes offered include: automotive technology I, II and III.  Students can earn Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and OSHA 10 industry certifications.  They can compete in SkillsUSA state and national career skills contests. This Pathway prepares students for careers including, but not limited to: automotive master mechanic, automotive specialty technician, engine and other machine assembler, automotive technician builder, automotive general manager, automotive inventory control specialist, service manager, automotive parts associate.

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023 approved the construction contract for the new replacement Free Home Elementary School and appointed several new leaders for next school year.

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.  

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 … 

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 … 

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.

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 …

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.

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 … 

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, Dec. 15, at its last meeting of 2022 celebrated several retiring leaders and appointed new assistant principals.

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 … 

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 …

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 …

The Cherokee County School District’s fourth annual VILLA Program, which encourages and celebrates parent engagement, has graduated a new class!

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.

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 …

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.

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 …

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.  

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022, approved the next step for construction of a new campus for 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’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 …

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 …

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 …

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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:

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.  

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.

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.

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.   

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.

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.

Oak Grove Elementary School STEAM Academy celebrated the news of its State STEAM certification on Monday with cake, snacks, balloons and beads, as well as party horns—to blow off STEAM! Oak Grove is the first STEAM certified school in Cherokee County.

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.”

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, March 17, 2022 approved a budget amendment to accept state funding for eligible part-time and full-time staff to receive a one-time bonus and appointed new school leaders for next school year. 

The Cherokee County School District has successfully completed the first step of accreditation renewal, with the process accomplished last week for its Pre-K program!

Accreditation is the highest level of overall accountability for school systems.  The independent review assesses not only success in teaching, but also governance and stewardship of taxpayer resources.  The school district’s accreditation by Cognia, which is considered the top accreditation organization in the world by both public and private schools and school systems, colleges and universities, is up for its five-year review this month. 

The Cherokee County School Board at its regular meeting on Thursday, Feb. 17, heard an update on CCSD’s student support services efforts including suicide prevention.

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, Jan. 13, reviewed a progress report on accomplishing Blueprint strategic plan goals and heard operational updates including the planned expansion of CCSD’s school choice program.

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, Nov. 18, approved its 2022 Legislative Partnership Priorities, which advocate for continued local control of public education decisions and the end of State educational funding budget cuts.

The Cherokee County School Board at its Thursday, Oct. 21 work session, reviewed projects proposed for the Education Special Purpose Location Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) renewal up for a vote on Nov. 2, with Early Voting now underway.

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.  

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. 

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;

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.  

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.  

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.  

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.

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.

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.  

The Cherokee County School Board at its meeting Thursday night heard updates on State education funding and the state of public health.  

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

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. 

The Cherokee County School Board during its meeting Thursday approved extending Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower’s contract through June 2024 and adopted its annual Legislative Partnership Priorities.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

The Cherokee County School Board during its May meeting, which was held this evening virtually and streamed online, heard school reopening plans and a budget update.

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.

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.

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 Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020 approved the appointments of new Principals and other leaders for next school year.

Clark Creek Elementary School STEM Academy for the second time has received an international organization’s top honor for excellence in technology and engineering education!

The school has been named the Georgia winner of the 2020 Program Excellence Award presented by the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA) and Paxton-Patterson.  Clark Creek previously earned this recognition in 2017.

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.

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2019 reaffirmed its opposition to vouchers by joining Georgia’s largest coalition of school systems in its stand against giving taxpayer dollars to private schools.

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.

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2019 began the development of its annual Legislative Partnership Priorities outlining its stand on statewide education issues.

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.

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.

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.

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, June 20, 2019 unanimously approved the Superintendent’s proposed budget for next school year and celebrated the swearing-in of a new CCSD School Police Chief.

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, May 16, 2019 reviewed the Superintendent’s proposed budget for next school year and approved a new crackdown policy to stop student vaping.

Clark Creek Elementary School STEM Academy this month became the first school in the Cherokee County School District - and only the 183rd in the world - to earn STEM certification from AdvancED, the international accreditation agency for educational institutions. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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, Nov. 15, 2018, approved its annual Legislative Partnership Program outlining requests for the local Legislative Delegation’s consideration during the upcoming session, and local control topped the list. 

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. 

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.

The School Board on Thursday, May 17, 2018, reviewed the Superintendent of Schools’ recommended tentative Annual Budget for 2018-19, which calls for continued reduction in class sizes, greater spending on safety and security measures and no tax rate increase.

The School Board on Thursday, May 3, 2018, heard the Superintendent of Schools’ recommendations for improving safety and security in CCSD schools and approved three more years of school calendars.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower in February, following the Parkland school shooting, re-established his Ad Hoc Safety and Security Committee, which initially formed after the Sandy Hook school shooting.

"On Valentine's Day, our hearts again were broken by a tragic school shooting, this time in Florida," Dr. Hightower said.  "As I shared after Parkland, while I would keep its families in my prayers, I also would take action to ensure the safety of our students, employees and schools."

Dr. Hightower asked the Cherokee County Sheriff, Chief Marshal, all of Cherokee's city Police Chiefs, parents and Principals from every one of CCSD's Innovation Zones and CCSD leaders to serve on the Committee, which was chaired by CCSD School Police Chief Mark Kissel.

The School Board on Thursday, April 19, 2018, approved the appointment of new School District and school leaders for next school year and a voter-supported classroom addition at Mill Creek Middle School.

The School Board on Thursday, March 15, 2018, approved the appointment of new Principals for next school year and the voter-supported installation of artificial turf at all high schools.

The School Board on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2018, began its annual leadership hiring process with the approval of the Superintendent of Schools’ recommendations to fill two central administration vacancies.

The School Board on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2018, heard its first report on anticipated revenue for the 2018-19 budget, including expectations that the State will continue withholding $4 Million as an “austerity budget cut” as recommended by Gov. Deal and further increase costs to school districts for providing employees with mandated health and retirement benefits.

The School Board on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2017, approved a plan to relieve Cherokee High School overcrowding by using the neighboring Canton Elementary campus.

The School Board on Thursday, October 19, 2017, heard an update on meetings gathering community feedback on potential overcrowding mitigation plans for Cherokee High School.

While the campus doesn’t meet CCSD’s definition of “critically overcrowded” due to solutions already implemented, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower said he’s committed to asking for the School Board’s approval in December of a plan for alleviating overcrowding beginning next school year.

The School Board on Thursday, September 14, 2017, heard plans for a public review of options to relieve overcrowding at Cherokee High School.

The School Board on Thursday, August 17, 2017, held its first meeting in its new auditorium and announced plans to offer a parent academy program this fall in collaboration with the Georgia School Boards Association.

The School Board on Thursday, June 15, 2017, unanimously approved the Superintendent’s Recommended 2017-18 Annual Budget, which funds improvements in teaching and learning and safety and security without a millage rate increase.