Hines brings positive school message to CoC

The third installment of the Robins Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Eggs and Issues Breakfast featured Robin Hines, superintendent of the Houston County Board of Education.

Hines informed guests that the school system is performing a step higher than the rest of the state. Students scored better and outperformed the state on the CRCT, EOCT and on Advanced Placement (AP) exams.

“What makes us different is the support we receive from the community. Everyone works together and that is what sets us apart,” stated Hines.

Robins Air Force Base awarded a $2.9 million grant to expand the AP program in all of the middle and high schools. Hines shared that the enrollment in math, science and English AP courses increased by 75.6 percent systemwide.

He said, “We are excited about this grant and thankful for the collaboration with RAFB and the support we receive.”

The county also introduced a new Gifted and Talented Education (GTE) program this school year into the elementary schools. In the past, gifted classes only lasted for 32 days, but now with to the GTE program, classes last for 180 days. According to Hines, there are 110 teachers who have received their gifted endorsement. Hines predicts that the level of education scores will continue to grow.

The county has also established a credit recovery system called Edge Academy for students who are at least five credits behind in high school. This program is online and allows students to retake classes. The school board already has plans to expand this program to accommodate more students.

“We are not satisfied until every child is successful and has graduated,” expressed Hines.

In other school news, No Child Left Behind was replaced with a program called Career Readiness Performance Index. It measures school progress and overall improvement.

Many school systems have cut fine arts programs due to budget cuts, but not Houston County. Hines said, “We took bold steps and added fine arts. We made sure students have access to it.”

Due to the new Langston Road Elementary School that is opening next year, elementary rezoning for next school year will begin early in 2014. A community forum on this issue will be held in January, and from there the board will continue discussions at its regular February meeting.

The school system currently has multiple projects still in the works. McConnell-Talbert Stadium received an increase in bathrooms and new seating for the handicap. The county is also working on a tennis facility and a central bus facility. Hines made note that Houston County High is 22 years old and probably needs to be renovated soon.

“This system is the envy of others. They take care of our children and teachers,” stated Sonya Jenkins, vice chairmen of government affairs for the Robins Regional Chamber of Commerce.

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