Cherokee County Board of Education is a governing body that oversees the public school system in Cherokee County, Georgia. The board is responsible for setting policies, approving budgets, and making decisions that impact the education of over 42,000 students in the district. The board comprises seven members who are elected by the public and serve four-year terms. The board’s mission is to provide students with a high-quality education that prepares them to be successful in their personal and professional lives.
History of Cherokee County Board of Education
The Cherokee County Board of Education was established in 1870, shortly after the Civil War ended. The first school in the county was established in 1846, but it was a private institution. The public school system was created after the Civil War to provide education to all children, regardless of their race or social status. The board has gone through many changes over the years, including the integration of schools in the 1960s and the expansion of the district in the 1990s. Today, the district has 41 schools, including 22 elementary schools, seven middle schools, and six high schools.
The Cherokee County Board of Education has a long history of providing high-quality education to students in the district. The board has received many awards and accolades over the years, including being named a Georgia School Board Association Quality Board and receiving the Georgia School Board Association’s Exemplary Board recognition. The board’s commitment to excellence is evident in its mission statement, which states that the board will provide “a world-class education that prepares all students for college, career, and life.”
Roles and Responsibilities of the Board
The Cherokee County Board of Education has several roles and responsibilities that are essential to the functioning of the district. The board is responsible for setting policies that govern the district, including policies related to curriculum, student discipline, and school safety. The board also approves the district’s budget, which includes funding for staffing, facilities, and programs. The board works closely with the superintendent and other school officials to make decisions that are in the best interest of the students and the district as a whole.
The board is also responsible for hiring and evaluating the superintendent, who is the district’s chief executive officer. The superintendent is responsible for implementing the policies and decisions made by the board and overseeing the day-to-day operations of the district. The board works closely with the superintendent to ensure that the district is meeting its goals and objectives.
Current Issues and Challenges
Like many school districts across the country, the Cherokee County Board of Education is facing several challenges and issues. One of the most significant challenges facing the board is funding. As state and federal funding for education has decreased, the district has had to rely more on local funding sources to support its programs and services. The board must balance the needs of the district with the available funding, which can be a difficult task.
Another challenge facing the board is diversity and inclusion. The district has become more diverse in recent years, and the board is committed to ensuring that all students feel welcome and included. The board has implemented several initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion, including the creation of a Diversity and Inclusion Committee and the establishment of a district-wide equity plan.
The COVID-19 pandemic has also presented significant challenges for the board. The board had to quickly adapt to remote learning and implement safety protocols to ensure the health and safety of students and staff. The board has worked closely with public health officials to make decisions that are in the best interest of the district and the community. Despite these challenges, the board has remained committed to providing students with a high-quality education and preparing them for success in their future endeavors.
Recent Achievements and Accomplishments
The Cherokee County Board of Education has achieved many academic successes and implemented innovative programs to enhance the educational experience for students. In 2020, the district had a graduation rate of 91.7%, which was higher than the state average of 83%. Additionally, the district had 25 schools that were recognized as Georgia Schools of Excellence, an award given to schools that demonstrate exceptional student achievement and progress. The district also has a strong commitment to STEM education and has implemented programs that promote science, technology, engineering, and math education at all grade levels.
One of the district’s most innovative programs is the Cherokee Innovation Challenge, which is a competition that encourages students to develop entrepreneurial ideas and create businesses. The program helps students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills and provides them with real-world experience that prepares them for future careers.
Future Plans and Goals
The Cherokee County Board of Education has ambitious plans for the future that will continue to improve the educational experience for students in the district. One of the board’s main goals is to increase diversity and inclusion in the district. The board has implemented several initiatives, including the creation of a Diversity and Inclusion Committee, to ensure that all students feel welcome and supported in the district.
The board is also committed to providing students with access to the latest technology and resources. The district has invested in technology infrastructure and has implemented a one-to-one technology initiative that provides every student with a device to use in the classroom and at home. The board also plans to expand its STEM programs and provide students with more opportunities to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and math.
In conclusion, the Cherokee County Board of Education is a dedicated group of individuals who are committed to providing students with a high-quality education that prepares them for success in the 21st century. With a long history of academic excellence and innovative programs, the board is poised to continue leading education in Georgia for years to come.