Currently the 14th largest district in Georgia, the Houston County school system has many things to be proud of as they continue to work toward their vision to be world class.
At the system’s annual opening session kickoff Wednesday morning on the teachers’ first day of the school year, approximately 2,500 employees and special guests were expected to attend. This event is the one time during the year that employees from all of the schools gather in one place. This year’s theme is literacy.
“We know that educators work hard to do what is best for students. Despite constant change and challenges, we also know that teachers care deeply and put their heart and soul into teaching and into instilling love for learning,” said Houston County Board of Education Chairman Fred Wilson, thanking the teachers for the high-quality work they deliver every day.
“To teach is a calling and a service to others, and we are thrilled that you chose to serve our students in our system,” he told the crowd of teachers. “Always remember that you and your efforts make a difference in the lives of every student who walks into your classroom and into your school.”
Wilson said they hired approximately 200 new teachers this year. On behalf of the board, he said they promise to continue to try to best serve their employees by providing a fiscally sound system, a balanced budget, a full school calendar year and a properly staffed school.
During the ceremony, Superintendent Dr. Mark Scott celebrated the past year and shared his vision for the new year. Thanking teachers, administrators and support staff, he went over the many accomplishments last year from employees and students, who were national and state winners.
When going over the 2016 CCRPI (College and Career Ready Performance Index) scores, Scott said the district continues to outperform the state at every level. Local schools also performed well in the 2017 Georgia Milestones tests and the Georgia Alternate Assessment. He also announced that Miller Elementary School came off of the focus school list.
“For the eighth consecutive year, 100 percent of our teachers were deemed highly qualified by the Georgia Department of Education,” Scott said. “In addition, 100 percent of our paraprofessionals are highly qualified.”
When addressing the year ahead, he noted the Houston County school system is 147 years old, and this year they will serve approximately 29,450 students across 39 campuses. With about 5,200 employees, he said they are the second largest employer in the county. He said the district has experienced consistent growth.
With literacy being their focus, Scott said the ability to read by the end of first grade is the first major milestone to ensure a child is successful in school.
“Our focus on literacy has paid off,” he said, noting on their most recent Georgia Milestones, third graders reading at their level increased from 75 percent to more than 80 percent. He noted each teacher in the room was given a book from Gottwals Books and every first grader will receive their very own copy at the beginning of school.
“I want to ask you to pledge this year to read to a young child,” Scott said. “Let’s do our part in helping our community and state to improve the number of children who can read at or above grade level…”
He also said during the ceremony that their ultimate goal is graduation.
“Our 2016 graduation rate was 86.7 percent, 7.5 points higher than the state,” he said. “Overall, our rate has increased in total of 13.5 points since the current formula was initiated in 2011. I’m very proud to say that all five of our high schools are above the state average with our graduation rate.”
Scott said although they will not be satisfied until 100 percent of their seniors walk across the stage to graduate, they are pleased their rates continue to rise.
Other highlights included performances by music teachers and a video by the Top 10 Teachers of the Year. Music teacher Scott Gunn from Shirley Hills Elementary School, playing patriotic music on the bagpipes, led the Warner Robins High School Air Force JROTC in the presentation of colors. Houston County music teachers also sang a medley, along with a performance by cheerleaders from the five high schools. Additionally, Pamela Stanescu, Warner Robins High School teacher from 1969 to 2015, gave an inspirational speech, “Teach them like they’re great!”
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