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CCSD 2025 PTA Reflections National Qualifiers 4 29 25

Cherokee County School District student artists earned statewide honors in the PTA Reflections fine arts contest, with eight advancing to national competition!  The annual competition offers students in all grades and of all abilities the opportunity to create original works of art in the categories of dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography and visual arts.

5 8 25 Job Fair

Join the Cherokee County School District's team of valued professionals! Learn more at our job fair to fill remaining openings for next school year from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 8, at 1020 Keeter Road, Canton, GA 30114. We will be meeting with candidates for positions including bus drivers, paraprofessionals, teachers, School Nutrition workers and custodians (a full list of open positions is online here).  

CCSD 2025 TomeCon 42325

Cherokee County School District students earned top honors at an annual statewide literary competition, including seven first-place wins!  Tome Student Literacy Society is a national student organization dedicated to promoting reading through club activities, community service and competition.

CCSD 2025 Governors Honors Program Scholars

Twelve Cherokee County School District high school students will continue their learning this summer at the prestigious Georgia Governor’s Honors Program!  The statewide summer honors program for Georgia’s top rising high school juniors and seniors offers four weeks of college-level instruction at Georgia Southern University.  Students are selected based on overall excellence in academics, extra-curricular activities and leadership, as well as exceptional skills and talents in a specific area of study.  

CCSD job ad facilitator 4 22 25

The Cherokee County School District is seeking applicants for Lead Facilitator and Lead Compliance Facilitator in our Special Education department.  These positions offer competitive compensation with outstanding benefits, wonderful work environment and caring team, and opportunities for professional development and advancement.  

National Signing Day logo

Sixty-six Cherokee County School District student athletes this month signed commitment letters to play competitive sports at the college level!  This month’s National Signing Day follows signing days held earlier this school year during which CCSD student athletes signed to play on competitive college teams … for a total so far this school year of 164 signings!

2025 Budget Vote

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, April 17, 2025, approved the Superintendent’s recommended budget for next school year, which holds the millage rate steady while raising teacher and support staff pay and increasing funds for classroom resources.  The board also approved updated teaching and learning standards for next school year and its first-ever literacy policy and appointed several new principals and other leaders.

CCSD Athletes of the Month 4 14 25

The Cherokee County School District recognizes two outstanding high school athletes each month.  Congratulations to this month’s winners: Female Athlete of the Month Zino Edet of Etowah High School for track, whose head coach is Garrett Hurlburt; and Male Athlete of the Month Sammy Erickson of Cherokee High School for baseball, whose head coach is Josh Thomas.

image CCSD Connections newsletter April 2025

Please check out the April edition of the CCSD Connections newsletter online here for the latest CCSD news, announcements, upcoming events, a special teacher appreciation contest, and a message from the Superintendent.  Thank you to this month's sponsors, Credit Union of Georgia and the City of Canton's Teen Job Fair!

Teacher of the Year Dr. Lisa Spence

The Cherokee County School District saluted educators tonight at the 2025 Legacy Makers: CCSD Teachers of the Year Celebration and Dr. Lisa Spence of Hasty ES Fine Arts Academy was named CCSD’s Teacher of the Year!  The Legacy Makers event held at the Northside Hospital Cherokee Conference Center in Canton honored the Teacher of the Year for every CCSD school.

artist supplies

Five Cherokee County School District students recently won the opportunity to display their artwork at statewide events!  Artwork by three students was selected for the Atlanta High School Art Exhibit, with two students’ artwork chosen for the Georgia Capitol Art Exhibit.

CCSD 2025 STATE LITERARY CHAMPIONS

Cherokee County School District high school students earned top honors at the statewide literary competition!  The Georgia High Schools Association event includes writing, public speaking, acting and singing competitions, with region winners advancing to the recently held state competition.

CCSD High School Delegates 1 3 20 25

The Cherokee County School District’s Student Advisor and Student Delegates to the School Board gathered today for their third roundtable meeting with Superintendent of Schools Mary Elizabeth Davis. One outstanding high school senior from each of CCSD’s high schools serves as a delegate for one school year to give input and feedback to the School Board and to the Superintendent.

cover image Proposed FY26 Budget

The Cherokee County School District’s proposed budget for next school year invests more funding in teachers and resources that directly support student learning, while holding the millage rate steady.  Proposed improvements include more competitive compensation for teachers and staff directly supporting students, advancing school safety and security, and upgrading instructional resources and classroom supplies for teachers and students.

gmea logo

Cherokee County School District high school and middle school students earned seats in the prestigious Georgia Music Educators Association All-State Band, Chorus and Orchestra!  Students from Georgia middle and high schools statewide audition for these selective performance opportunities.  This year’s All-State music events recently were held at the Classic Center in Athens. 

2025 School Board Appreciation Week - Dr Susan Padgett-Harrison 3 15 25

It’s School Board Appreciation Week, and we’re so grateful for our amazing Cherokee County School Board!  A high-performing school district begins with a high-performing school board … and our board is incredibly dedicated to elevating the excellence in its governance.  Each day this week, we will share one School Board member’s thoughts on three questions.

Celebrating School Board Member Erin Ragsdale

It’s School Board Appreciation Week, and we’re so grateful for our amazing Cherokee County School Board!  A high-performing school district begins with a high-performing school board … and our board is incredibly dedicated to elevating the excellence in its governance.  Each day this week, we will share one School Board member’s thoughts on three questions.   

Celebrating School Board Member Rick Steiner

It’s School Board Appreciation Week, and we’re so grateful for our amazing Cherokee County School Board!  A high-performing school district begins with a high-performing school board … and our board is incredibly dedicated to elevating the excellence in its governance.  Each day this week, we will share one School Board member’s thoughts on three questions.   

CCSD 2025 Model ARC 3 13 25

Six Cherokee County School District students have graduated from a prestigious regional leadership program!  Kennedy Hawks of Woodstock HS, Rohan Pandya of Etowah HS, Claire Park of River Ridge HS, Camila Pérez of River Ridge HS, Maddie Ragsdale of Etowah HS, and Aubrey Smith of Sequoyah HS are among 50 outstanding high school students from across the region selected to participate in the 2024-25 Model Atlanta Regional Commission, which recently concluded for the school year.  

2025 School Board Appreciation Week - Chance Beam 3 12 25

It’s School Board Appreciation Week, and we’re so grateful for our amazing Cherokee County School Board!  A high-performing school district begins with a high-performing school board … and our board is incredibly dedicated to elevating the excellence in its governance.  Each day this week, we will share one School Board member’s thoughts on three questions.   

2025 School Board Appreciation Week - Kelly Poole 3 11 25

It’s School Board Appreciation Week, and we’re so grateful for our amazing Cherokee County School Board!  A high-performing school district begins with a high-performing school board … and our board is incredibly dedicated to elevating the excellence in its governance.  Each day this week, we will share one School Board member’s thoughts on three questions.  

2025 School Board Appreciation Week - Patsy Jordan 3 10 25

It’s School Board Appreciation Week, and we’re so grateful for our amazing Cherokee County School Board!  A high-performing school district begins with a high-performing school board … and our board is incredibly dedicated to elevating the excellence in its governance.  Each day this week, we will share one School Board member’s thoughts on three questions.  

2025 School Board Appreciation Week - Janet Read Welch 3 9 25

It’s School Board Appreciation Week, and we’re so grateful for our amazing Cherokee County School Board!  A high-performing school district begins with a high-performing school board … and our board is incredibly dedicated to elevating the excellence in its governance.  Each day this week, we will share one School Board member’s thoughts on three questions.   

CCSD 2025 POTY VOTY winners

The Cherokee County School District celebrates outstanding school volunteers and business and community partners and their valued role in our mission to become the highest-performing school district in Georgia!  The annual CCSD Partner of the Year and Volunteer of the Year Recognition Ceremony honored a Partner of the Year and a Volunteer of the Year for each individual school and center.  The evening included the surprise announcement of the CCSD Partner of the Year and Volunteer of the Year selected from that pool of honorees.  

2025 AP Honor School

Cherokee County School District’s high schools have earned the state’s top honors for outstanding Advanced Placement programs and performance!  All six of CCSD’s traditional high schools today were named 2025 AP Honor Schools for exceptional student performance and participation on AP exams, which offer students more challenging coursework and the opportunity to earn college credit.

CCSD New School Board Member 1 2 27 25

The Cherokee County School District this evening celebrated the swearing in of the Cherokee County School Board new District 3 member. Chance Beam of Woodstock was appointed by the board last month to fill the District 3 post vacancy for the remainder of the term.

Georgia Student Technology Competition logo

Thirty-eight Cherokee County School District students are advancing to the Georgia Student Technology Competition! CCSD students earned the opportunity to compete in the March 1 statewide event by winning first place in the recently held Piedmont Regional Technology Competition.  The annual contest invites students in grades 3-12 to create projects in a range of real-world technology industry categories such as mobile apps, robotics, and video production.

CCSD Science Fair 2 25 25

Four Cherokee County School District students are advancing to the Georgia Science and Engineering Fair!  CCSD middle and high school students compete at a regional event, which was held earlier this month at Georgia Highlands College, for the opportunity to vie for top honors at the statewide fair in April at the University of Georgia.

National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day

Our CCSD Police Officers serve and protect our students, employees and visitors every day with exceptional professionalism … and do so much more to support our students’ success! From reading to kindergarten classes to speaking at eighth-grade career days to cheering on students whether on the field or onstage, our officers are valued members of our school communities. 

CCSD 2025 STAR Students 2 12 25

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.

football on field in stadium with lights

Thirty-six Cherokee County School District student athletes this month signed commitment letters to play competitive sports at the college level!  This month’s National Signing Day follows signing days held earlier this school year during which 64 CCSD student athletes signed to play on competitive college teams … for a total so far this school year of 100 signings.  

Key Scholars Event 202510

The Cherokee County School District on Thursday night celebrated 264 outstanding high school students as 2025 Superintendent’s Key Scholars!  These top students were recognized, through the 20th Annual Superintendent’s Key Scholar Recognition Ceremony, for earning a PSAT National Merit Selection Index score of 185 or greater, which ranks them in at least the top 10% of students nationwide.    

Sgt Ciarra Malto

A Cherokee County School District teacher has earned a top statewide career education award! Etowah High School aerospace science instructor U.S. Air Force Sgt. (Ret.) Ciarra Malto has been named the Georgia New Teacher of the Year for Junior ROTC programs by the Georgia Association for Career and Technical Educators.  

CCSD State of the County 412225

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.  

CCSD Athletes of the Month January 2025

The Cherokee County School District is continuing a new monthly recognition for outstanding high school athletes. Congratulations to this month’s winners: Taylor Wills of Etowah High School for basketball, whose head coach is Jordan Tetley; and Sean Hamilton of Cherokee High School for basketball, whose head coach is Joe Veihman.

CCSD 2025 TOTY School Winner Surprise Photos 1 15 25

Congratulations to the Cherokee County School District’s 2025 School Teachers of the Year winners!  Every school year, every CCSD school’s teachers and staff are asked to select a Teacher of the Year for their school.  These school-level winners now are eligible for the honor of Cherokee County School District 2025 Teacher of the Year. 

CCSD Agriculture Teacher National Award 1 9 25

A Cherokee County School District teacher has been honored with the nation’s top award for agricultural educators!  Etowah High School teacher Ashley Rivers, who leads the school’s Career Pathway agriculture program, is one of only six teachers nationwide to win the 2024 National Association of Agricultural Educators’ Outstanding Agricultural Education Teacher Award.  

ACTE Region II New Teacher Award - Lt. Col. Stephen Bergey

A Cherokee County School District career education teacher has earned national recognition!  Lt. Col. (Ret.) Stephen Bergey, senior aerospace instructor for Etowah High School’s Career Pathway in Air Force Junior ROTC - Government and Public Administration, was honored this month by the National Association of Career and Technical Education as the Region II winner of its New Teacher of the Year Award.

2024 AP Exam Infographic

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.  

Recognition of 2024 EHS Partner of the Year

We appreciate partners' support of our schools, which is why we celebrate their service here – congratulations to Etowah HS 2024 Partner of the Year: EF2 Realty Team Powered by Keller Williams Realty Partners.

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

Staff giving bus drivers breakfast and gifts at drive-through breakfast outside the bus shop

CCSD leadership and staff showed appreciation this morning for our outstanding CCSD bus drivers with a drive-through breakfast sponsored by Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and gifts from other partners for the 450 men and women who get the community's children to and from school each day with safety and care.

Principals Month - Free Home ES - Julie Peppers

October is National Principals Month!  Our Principals are Elevating the Excellence every day in our schools by providing leadership and inspiration.  We’re recognizing one of these amazing leaders each day.  Please join us in thanking them for all they do each day for our students and families, teachers and staff, and communities!

Principals Month - Etowah HS - Robert Horn

October is National Principals Month!  Our Principals are Elevating the Excellence every day in our schools by providing leadership and inspiration.  We’re recognizing one of these amazing leaders each day.  Please join us in thanking them for all they do each day for our students and families, teachers and staff, and communities!

CCSD community forum on safety and security

The Cherokee County School District, as previously announced, last night presented a community forum on the topic of safety and security.  A video recording of the panel presentation, featuring Superintendent of Schools Mary Elizabeth Davis, Police Chief Buster Cushing and staff, Chief School Leadership and Operations Officer Dr. Debra Murdock and staff, and Cherokee Sheriff Frank Reynolds, now is posted online here.

2024 Grad Rate Graphic

The Cherokee County School District’s graduation rate for the Class of 2024 rose to 93.5%, a new high that also continues to top the state average.

School Custodian Day

Join us as we #ThankACustodian in recognition of National School Custodian Day. We love our custodians -- not just today, but every day! 

safety and security video image

Given the heartbreaking tragedy at Apalachee High School and uneasy atmosphere we have navigated in the days since, Superintendent Mary Elizabeth Davis gave a video report, during her welcome, on the state of safety and security in our school district at tonight’s School Board meeting.

CCSD logo

It is with a heavy heart that I send this message this evening following the horrific and tragic events at Apalachee High School in Barrow County today.  As the Superintendent of the Cherokee County School District, there is nothing that I think more about each day than the safety and security of our students and our staff, and I am heartbroken to think about the devastation experienced by the Barrow community and shared by our entire state of Georgia.

milestones report image

The Cherokee County School Board at its meeting on Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024, reviewed the school district’s Georgia Milestones Assessment Performance Review report, a new level in accountability reporting introduced this school year by the Superintendent of Schools.

Class Act magazine

Class Act, the award-winning magazine from the Cherokee County School District, went home with students the first week of school, giving parents a one-stop publication for back-to-school information and a peek at what's new for this school year.  

Notable Emma Hunt

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. #CCSDElevateTheExcellence

Back-to-School Video Message from Superintendent Davis

It is the night before our first day of school in CCSD, and we are excited for a great day!  Please click the link below for a video message from Superintendent of Schools Mary Elizabeth Davis.  We can’t wait to see you tomorrow.

ParentVUE logo

This summer, we converted our student information system and launched a new platform called Synergy in preparation for the 2024-25 school year.  Synergy offers families a ParentVUE website and app that provides greater access to their children’s emergency contacts and attendance information. 

New Leaders 62024

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, June 20, approved its budget for next school year, which provides salary improvements to teachers and support staff while maintaining the same tax rate.  The school board also adopted consistent guidance for student dress and appropriate cell phone use for elementary, middle, and high school students to take effect as we start the 2024-25 school year.

CCSD ParentVUE infographic 6 21 24

Get Ready for Back to School with CCSD’s New ParentVUE … the parent portal for our new student information system, where you can update emergency contact info, track absences and more!

CCSD 2024 AFJROTC Distinguished Unit Awards 6 7 24

All four of the Cherokee County School District’s high school Air Force Junior ROTC programs have earned national honors for excellence for the past school year, with one program earning the highest award achievable!

Congratulations to CCSD's Class of 2024

The message below from Superintendent of Schools Mary Elizabeth Davis is to our graduating Class of 2024 seniors.  You can see each of their names posted below by clicking on the name of their school.

Superintendent's Entry Plan Summative Analysis

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday heard a report from Superintendent of Schools Mary Elizabeth Davis on her key priorities and recommended balanced budget for next school year, with a focus on elevating the excellence of academics and achievement for all students and improving employee compensation to retain the best educators possible.

Superintendent Continues Ongoing Meetings with CCSD Community

Mary Elizabeth Davis over the past month has continued her ongoing meetings with students, parents, teachers, support staff and community partners to listen and learn more about CCSD’s strengths to further nurture and invest in, as well as for opportunities for continuous improvement.  

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday heard a presentation from Superintendent of Schools

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday heard a presentation from Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mary Elizabeth Davis on her progress over the past month in the new role.  The school board also approved new school assistant principals for next school year.

Cherokee County School District high school students earned top honors at the statewide literary competition! 

Cherokee County School District high school students earned top honors at the statewide literary competition!  The Georgia High Schools Association event includes writing, public speaking, acting and singing competitions, with region winners advancing to the recently held state competition. 

student chefs holding plates of quesadillas

 The Etowah High School team of senior Brianna Doville and sophomores Nami Alcaniz and Lily Riggins was one of only eight high school culinary teams statewide selected to participate in the Georgia Department of Education’s School Nutrition Division Student Chef Competition. 

collage of six photos of winning Coach of the Year group pics with banners

The 2024 Coach of the Year finalist for each of the CCSD Innovation Zones was named on Tuesday, with the county winner slated to be announced later in May.

Ten Cherokee County School District high school students have been selected for the prestigious Georgia Governor’s Honors Pro

Ten Cherokee County School District high school students have been selected for the prestigious Georgia Governor’s Honors Program!  The statewide summer honors program for Georgia’s top rising high school juniors and seniors offers four weeks of college-level instruction at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro.  

CCSD 2024 Counselor of the Year Whitney Morberg of Etowah High School

Whitney Morberg’s title at Etowah High School is school counselor, but that’s just her not-so-secret identity.  She’s actually a superhero.  She doesn’t don a cape and rescue students from the challenges of their lives -- she instead guides them to resources and opportunities so they can rescue themselves with her helping hand.

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, March 21, 2024 heard a presentation from Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mary Eli

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, March 21, 2024 heard a presentation from Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mary Elizabeth Davis on her first two full weeks in the new role.  The school board also approved new school leaders for next school year and heard updates on new school construction projects. 

Mary Elizabeth Davis today began her service to Cherokee County as our new Superintendent of Schools.  True to her 100-day pl

Mary Elizabeth Davis today began her service to Cherokee County as our new Superintendent of Schools.
 
True to her 100-day plan’s mission -- “Listen to understand, Lean-in to remember, and Learn to Lead” – Mary Elizabeth spent her first day visiting schools and meeting students, teachers and support staff, families and business and community partners. 

The Cherokee County School District has increased its Career Pathway high school programs, which provide students with a wide

The Cherokee County School District has increased its Career Pathway high school programs, which provide students with a wide selection of job exploration and preparation electives, to 41 this school year.  Through CCSD Pathway Profiles, we’ll profile each of the three new programs over the next month … this week’s profile focuses on the Information Technology: Game Design program at Etowah High School.

Dr. Mary Elizabeth Davis

The Cherokee County School Board at its regular meeting tonight, Feb. 15, 2024, voted to officially hire Dr. Mary Elizabeth Davis as the county’s next Superintendent of Schools.

Dr. Davis currently serves as Superintendent of Schools for Henry County.  You can learn more about her extensive experience as an educator and leader online here.  Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower last fall announced he planned to retire this spring after nearly 40 years in education, including eight years in his current role.        

Dr Mary Elizabeth Davis

The Cherokee County School Board at a special called meeting tonight, Jan. 31, 2024, announced a sole finalist to serve as the county’s next Superintendent of Schools.  The school board voted to announce Dr. Mary Elizabeth Davis as the sole finalist to begin leading the school district.

school district logo

The Cherokee County School Board at its meeting on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023, heard plans by the Superintendent of Schools to return school custodial services to in-house operations for next school year.  The school board also approved the Woodstock HS classroom addition construction contract, named Dr. Chad Flatt as the new principal for Freedom Middle School beginning Jan. 8 as Principal Whitney Nolan is stepping down and appointed Adam Holley as the new head football coach for Cherokee High School.  

row of buses with lights on

CCSD is in the process of welcoming 30 new additions to its bus fleet, with new vehicles being delivered that will offer more safety features for its drivers and passengers while allowing the oldest buses in the fleet to be taken out of service. 

AP Capstone Diploma logo

The Cherokee County School District is celebrating its latest class of AP Capstone graduates, including the first cohort from River Ridge High School and a perfect score by a Sequoyah High School student!

CCSD logo

The Cherokee County School Board at its regular meeting on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023 heard an update on its search for the next superintendent of schools.  The school board earlier this month voted to contract with the Georgia School Boards Association (GSBA) for its support services to aid in the search.  Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower on Sept. 1 announced his plans to retire at the end of this school year.

CCSD Pathway Profile - Work Based Learning

This week’s CCSD Pathway Profile focuses on Work Based Learning, which is offered at all CCSD high schools.  CCSD offers 38 Career Pathway high school programs, which provide students with a wide selection of job exploration and preparation electives.  Through CCSD Pathway Profiles, we regularly share highlights with you from one of these programs … 

photos of new hires

The Cherokee County School Board at its meeting on Thursday, April 20, 2023 approved the appointment of a new Cherokee High School principal and improvements to the driveway and parking for Creekview High School and Creekland Middle School.

CCSD Pathway Profile - Veterinary Science and Equine Science

This week’s CCSD Pathway Profile focuses on Veterinary Science and Equine Science, with both programs offered at Creekview High School and the former offered at Etowah High School.  CCSD offers 38 Career Pathway high school programs, which provide students with a wide selection of job exploration and preparation electives.  Through CCSD Pathway Profiles, we regularly share highlights with you from one of these programs … 

SPORTS MEDICINE

This week’s CCSD Pathway Profile focuses on Healthcare Science: Therapeutic Services - Sports Medicine and Exercise Physiology.  Sports Medicine is offered at Cherokee, Creekview and Etowah HS; Exercise Physiology also is offered at Etowah HS.  Five different Healthcare Science programs are available in CCSD high schools.  CCSD offers 38 Career Pathway high school programs, which provide students with a wide selection of job exploration and preparation electives.  Through CCSD Pathway Profiles, we regularly share highlights with you from one of these programs … 

AIR FORCE JROTC (13)

This week’s CCSD Pathway Profile focuses on Air Force JROTC - Government and Public Administration, which is offered at Cherokee HS, Etowah HS, River Ridge HS and Sequoyah HS, with other JROTC Pathways also offered at Creekview HS (Army) and Woodstock HS (Navy).  The Cherokee County School District offers 38 Career Pathway high school programs, which provide students with a wide selection of job exploration and preparation electives.  Through CCSD Pathway Profiles, we regularly share highlights with you from one of these programs.  

Therapeutic_Healthcare_CTAE (7)

This week’s CCSD Pathway Profile focuses on Healthcare Science - Therapeutic Services and Allied Health and Medicine, which is offered at Creekview and Etowah High Schools.  The Cherokee County School District offers 38 Career Pathway high school programs, which provide students with a wide selection of job exploration and preparation electives.  Through CCSD Pathway Profiles, we regularly share highlights with you from one of these programs … 

CRIM JUST 2 (3)

This week’s CCSD Pathway Profile focuses on Law Enforcement Services and Criminal Investigations, which is offered at Woodstock and Etowah High Schools.  The Cherokee County School District offers 38 Career Pathway high school programs, which provide students with a wide selection of job exploration and preparation electives.  Through CCSD Pathway Profiles, we regularly share highlights with you from one of these programs … 

Cybersecurity Pathway (12)

The Cherokee County School District offers 38 Career Pathway high school programs, which provide students with a wide selection of job exploration and preparation electives.  Through CCSD Pathway Profiles, we’ll regularly share highlights with you from one of these programs.  This week’s profile focuses on Cybersecurity, which is offered at the Cherokee College & Career Academy that is open to all CCSD high school students …

 EHS Auto (9)

The Cherokee County School District offers 38 Career Pathway high school programs, which provide students with a wide selection of job exploration and preparation electives.  Through CCSD Pathway Profiles, we’ll regularly share highlights with you from one of these programs.  This week’s profile focuses on Transportation: Collision Repair - Painting and Refinishing, which is offered at Etowah High School, with Cherokee HS and Sequoyah HS offering other automotive programs …

Board Business Briefs 11 18 22

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.

FOOD SCI WHS 2022

The Cherokee County School District offers 38 Career Pathway high school programs, which provide students with a wide selection of job exploration and preparation electives.  Through CCSD Pathway Profiles, we’ll regularly share highlights with you from one of these programs.  This week’s profile focuses on Nutrition and Food Science, which is available at all CCSD high schools …

CLOUD COMPUTING (1)

The Cherokee County School District offers 38 Career Pathway high school programs, which provide students with a wide selection of job exploration and preparation electives.  Through CCSD Pathway Profiles, we’ll regularly share highlights with you from one of these programs.  This week’s profile focuses on Computer Science - Cloud Computing, which is offered at Woodstock HS and Etowah HS …

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

The Cherokee County School District offers 38 Career Pathway high school programs, which provide students with a wide selection of job exploration and preparation electives.  Through CCSD Pathway Profiles, we’ll regularly share highlights with you from one of these programs.  This week’s profile focuses on Engineering Drafting and Design and Architectural Drafting and Design, which is offered at Sequoyah High School and Etowah High School.

CCSD_Identity_horizontal_CMYK

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.

2022 CCSD Pathway Profile - Construction and Carpentry

The Cherokee County School District offers 38 Career Pathway high school programs, which provide students with a wide selection of job exploration and preparation electives.  Through CCSD Pathway Profiles, we’ll regularly share highlights with you from one of these programs.  This week’s profile focuses on the Construction and Carpentry program, which is offered at Etowah and Cherokee High Schools:

CCSD 2022-23 Student Delegates and Superintendent 8 19 22

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday evening welcomed its new Student Advisor and Student Delegates for the school year!

The School Board has included a Student Advisor position on its board since 1999, and, for the past 11 years, a Student Delegate from each high school also has been selected.  

VIDEO FILM (1).

The Cherokee County School District offers 38 Career Pathway high school programs, which provide students with a wide selection of job exploration and preparation electives.  Through CCSD Pathway Profiles, we’ll regularly share highlights with you from one of these programs.  This week’s profile focuses on the Arts, A/V Technology and Communications program, which is offered at all CCSD high schools:  

georgia milestones

Cherokee County School District students for the seventh consecutive year exceeded State averages on the Georgia Milestones End-of-Grade and End-of-Course tests, with significant gains on most tests. 

The annual tests assess students’ mastery of Georgia Performance Standards, which set expectations for what lessons students will learn in each grade.  Teachers and administrators use the results to improve instructional best practices.

CCSD_Identity_horizontal_CMYK

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday night approved the budget for next school year, which calls for a tax rate reduction, increased investment in school safety and pay raises for teachers and support staff.

The 1.5 mills decrease in the tax rate, which was unanimously approved, is the first reduction proposed since 2014 and was prompted by the rise in property values.  While most homeowners will see an increase in their tax bill due to their property value rising, the increase will be less due to the School Board’s action.   

CCSD School Board and Student Delegates 5 20 22

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday night reviewed the proposed budget for next school year, which calls for a reduction in the tax rate for all property owners and well-deserved pay increases for teachers and support staff.

The proposed 1.5 mills decrease in the tax rate is the first reduction proposed since 2014 and has been recommended by Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower in light of rising home values.

Board Business Briefs 4 22 22

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday heard good news about the school district’s financial outlook due to increasing home values and discussed ways to reduce the burden on taxpayers, while also using some of the windfall to make teacher and staff pay more competitive.

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The Cherokee County School District 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.”

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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.  

School Board Meeting 7 15 2021

The Cherokee County School Board at its meeting on Thursday, July 15, 2021 took the following action:

  • Approved the monthly personnel report, which included the appointment of Adam Johnson, a 13-year CCSD teacher who has taught and coached track at Cherokee High School, as a new assistant principal at Woodstock High School;
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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.  

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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.  

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The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, April 15, approved school calendars for three more years and appointed several new leaders for next school year.

The approved calendars for the 2022-23, 2023-24 and 2024-25 school year now are posted at http://bit.ly/CCSDcalendars.  They were developed by a committee of CCSD employees and parents and use the same balanced calendar model as currently in place.  

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The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, March 18, 2021, heard school operations updates on plans for special events including graduation ceremonies and proms, as well as details for next school year including the continuation of a Digital Learning option.  

The School Board also approved several appointments for CCSD school leadership roles for next school year including new Principals for Ball Ground Elementary School STEM Academy and Mountain Road Elementary School, as well as the naming of the District’s first administrator focused on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives.

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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.

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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.  

2020 Exemplary School Board Badge

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

Board Biz Briefs - Steiner 12 11 2020

The Cherokee County School Board during its meeting Thursday approved the purchase of land for the potential site of a new Cherokee High School.

The 88-acre site is north of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and adjacent to the current Teasley MS campus in Canton’s Riverstone area, and the land cost is $87,500 per acre to be paid for with current Ed SPLOST funds. 

BOE Meeting Oct. 15 2020 (1)

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday heard an update on potential State funding concerns for next school year.
 
During its pre-meeting work session, School Board members began the planning work for its annual Legislative Partnership Priorities, a list of top issues it would like to see addressed by Cherokee County’s State legislators during the General Assembly Session.  The report typically is shared by the School Board with the Delegation at a meeting in early December prior to the legislative session’s start in January.

School Board Meeting Bar Association Donation 9 18 2020

The Cherokee County School Board during its meeting Thursday heard operations updates and talked about construction of a replacement Cherokee High School as a possible project to be funded in the next Education SPLOST renewal.

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The Cherokee County School Board at its regular meeting tonight heard an update on the start of the school year, and talked about a possible “hybrid” model for the reopening of three temporarily closed high schools.

After a wide-ranging discussion of current school operations and possible operational changes, the School Board voted, 5-1, with Vice Chair Kelly Poole dissenting and John Harmon absent, to authorize Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower to make adjustments, as he determines are needed, to the Reopening of School Plan in order to reopen Creekview, Etowah and Woodstock High Schools on Aug. 31.  The motion specifically excluded authorizing a student mask mandate at this time.

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The Cherokee County School Board at its regular meeting tonight unanimously approved the Cherokee County School District’s annual budget, which, despite a $25 Million State education funding cut, was balanced without the need for furlough days or a millage rate increase.

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The Cherokee County School Board at its called meeting tonight unanimously approved the Superintendent’s recommended CCSD Reopening of School Plan, which calls for both the return to schools for traditional learning and the launch of an improved digital learning choice.

 

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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. 

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The Cherokee County School Board at its work session and regular meeting this evening reviewed the proposed CCSD budget for next school year, which balances a State funding shortfall without the need for furlough days or a tax rate increase, and heard an update on school reopening plans.

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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.

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The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2020 approved the appointment of a longtime CCSD leader as its next Chief Operations Officer.

Dr. Debra Murdock, a past Georgia High School Principal of the Year who currently serves as an Executive Director in the Office of School Operations, will begin leading the division this spring.

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The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2019 heard an update on CCSD’s Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) initiative, including projects underway to increase counseling services and create a “parent university” program for providing parents more information to help their children’s safety and well-being.

Blueprint 20-24 Five Priority Areas

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2019 approved Blueprint, a new long-range plan for the Cherokee County School District’s continued success, developed based on community input. 

The creation of the new five-year strategic plan, which is posted here, evolved over six months of meetings with students, families, teachers, support staff, business and community partners to determine what matters most to them and how CCSD could better serve them.

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The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday, July 18, 2019 appointed a longtime CCSD leader to head up the new Social and Emotional Learning initiative, as well as several resulting Principal changes.  

Dr. Debra Murdock, the former Principal of Cherokee High School and Georgia High School Principal of the Year, who has most recently served as the School Operations’ executive director overseeing middle and high schools, will take on the newly created role focused on developing new ways to better support students’ and employees’ emotional and mental health and well-being.

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The Cherokee County School 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.