GREENE COUNTY
What seems to have been a misinterpretation of recommendations by a consulting firm working with the Greene County Board of Education on its strategic plan to achieve charter school status got most of the attention at the most recent meeting, but the five-year program includes an ambitious approach to the future and much more in its 55 pages.
According to the strategic plan, the Greene County system has already surpassed the state graduation rate with 86.3 of its students completing requirements for a diploma. The BOE hopes to keep those numbers consistent through 2029.
Administrators also hope to boost learning and test scores in the areas of Algebra I, American Literature, biology, and U.S. History, as well as Milestones assessments for students in grades three to eight for science, math, and social studies. The system will also focus on primary school students and hopes to get at least 50 percent of them scoring on grade-level mathematics and other areas.
At the high school level, the GCSS wants to increase the number of students entering college who do not need remedial courses, the number who have qualifying scores on AP tests, and the number who complete dual-enrollment courses.
According to the numbers provided in the strategic plan, Greene County educators have plenty to keep them busy over the next five years as the school system seeks to increase the number of students who can demonstrate above-average competency levels in all subjects.
Currently, 68 percent of students received a score of 1 on Algebra I proficiency, which indicates a beginner’s level of competency on the subject matter. The school system hopes to lower that number to the state average of 28 percent by 2028-29.
There is still much to be done, but the GCSS has even more ambitious goals for American Literature and biology students as it seeks to lower the number of students at the beginner level from 50 percent to 22 percent.
Similar improvements are being sought for middle, elementary, and primary school students.
Under the heading of culture and climate, the GCSS seeks to maintain avenues for community volunteers to get involved in education and to revise the district communications plan to respond to community needs. A plan is in place to determine stakeholder perceptions of schools and the Greene County school district.
A system-wide effort to increase parent participation will continue over the next five years.
The school system also wants to work with the Greene County Board of Commissioners to educate Greene County residents on tax issues to increase the public’s understanding of the ESPLOST, homeowner’s property tax exemptions, millage rates, and how the GCSS charter school system will be funded.
To view the Strategic Plan document, go to the GCSS website at greene.k12.ga.us, hover over the “Administration” tab, and click on the Board of Education button. On the left side of the screen, you will find the “BOE Meetings” heading. Click on the Meetings and Agendas buttons and then click on the June 15 meeting. The meetings are listed in chronological order beginning with the most recent.