





Visit www.glynn.k12.ga.us and click on the “2022 Board Meeting Dates” link under the District tab for a complete schedule of meeting dates and times. To view Board agendas and official meeting minutes, click the “Board Meetings & Policies” link or the “Board Meetings” banner on the school system website.
Board meetings are held in the board room of the school district’s Central Office, located at 1313 Egmont St. in Brunswick.
Board meetings are live streamed on our YouTube and Facebook pages. To watch meetings live, click the YouTube icon on the school system website homepage.
After more than two years of uncertainty caused by the pandemic, it is more apparent than ever how critical it is to move our school system from recovery to restoration and finally to continuous improvement. What has remained constant in the midst of disruptions are our faculty and staff members who have continued to show up for our students, families and community, each and every day.
The faculty and staff inside of the school buildings are the backbone of this school system and our society. During the past two years they have proven that there are no obstacles too great to overcome. They have taken on unimaginable tasks and met the demands of this profession to the absolute best of their abilities.
This year, we will focus on the momentum of where we’ve been, where we are and where we’re heading. We began last year with students and staff in our buildings but found ourselves dealing with the effects of the pandemic, forcing us to close schools for two weeks as we rallied together to help our students shift back to distance learning. Our teachers and staff continued to move us forward and provide the best instruction possible to our students. We returned shortly after to a learning environment that closely resembled a normal school year, and were able to finish the year strong with little to no COVID restrictions.
Together, we are placing each student on a trajectory to graduate and to succeed beyond graduation. As we see our district’s graduation rate of 93.9%, please know that our valued community owns a stake in that success. We are reminded that learning is not just about the destinations we reach; it’s about the wisdom and growth that come from that learning, the paths we follow and the lessons learned along the way. GCSS continues to set the bar high, and I have no doubt that the momentum we have created will make us stronger than ever in 2022-2023.
Sincerely, Scott Spence
To create 21st century learning environments that offer opportunities for all students to pursue higher education and develop skills that meet workforce needs while producing informed, conscientious and productive citizens who give back to their community.
The Glynn County School System will ensure that all decisions are made in the best interests of its students through the adoption of policies and the adherence to responsible business and financial practices that are conducted in accordance with applicable laws and State Board rules.
Our schools will be safe places for learning, innovative and creative teaching, and meaningful assessment. The school system will provide diverse academic environments and extracurricular activities through leading edge facilities and technology.
Working together to make Brunswick and the Golden Isles an exceptional place in Georgia to live, work and visit by strengthening our communities and enhancing the quality of life.
Brunswick High: 641 Glynn Academy: 461
Ten Brunswick High and Glynn Academy students were chosen to participate in the highly selective academic program for Summer 2022.
Title I Distinguished School
C.B. Greer Elementary School Satilla Marsh Elementary School St. Simons Elementary School
Title I Reward Schools
Golden Isles Elementary School Sterling Elementary School
2022 Glynn County STAR Students
Liam Nunn (Brunswick High) and Garrett Mallette (Glynn Academy) were named 2022 STAR Students. They were both invited to represent Glynn County at the Region 11 Event in April.
Liam Nunn and Keon Shaw (Brunswick High).
This program offers educators a unique professional development opportunity for teachers to explore in-demand careers in our community and apply what they learned to their lesson plans.
26 Brunswick High and Glynn Academy students signed letters of intent to their respective colleges to pursue careers in education.
The four recipients of the needs-based mentorship and scholarship program: Trenity Jones (Glynn Middle), Logan Walden (Jane Macon), Tanay Brinson (Needwood), and Ree-Shena Grovner (Risley Middle). Each will receive $10,000 scholarships to be used at a Georgia university, technical college or private postsecondary institution.
(LEAP) School sytem and College of Coastal Georgia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to provide access to the college’s teacher education program to qualified paraprofessionals or classified staff, so that they can earn a bachelor’s degree in education.
New Telehealth Program
In collaboration with Global Partnerships for Teleheath, this program provides students with access to medical and behavioral health services during the school day. Laura Cooper, RN, is our telehealth coordinator.
2022 6A High Jump State Champion Riyon Rankin (Brunswick High) set a state record with a jump of 7’0.
2022 American Battlefield Protection Program Participant Rachael Walters (Glynn Academy).
Winter Literacy Fair
Hosted our first-ever, book-centered event with local community organizations, and provided hundreds of books and academic resources to families, along with an on-site demonstration of our new telehealth program.
Parent Academy
This new program provided free family resources to help promote parental involvement, enhance student achievement and support their need for personal growth, such as their SaturDads & MomDays event.
2022 Glynn County Spelling Bee and Runner-Up Sisters Kara Nuque (Needwood Middle) and Kamille Nuque (C.B. Greer Elementary)
One Glynn Magazine
Our newest publication offers behindthe-scenes glimpses into our schools and classrooms.
School districts today face many challenges, not the least of which is communication. Ensuring accurate, timely and honest communications with key stakeholders is integral to supporting student success.
Because it is so important, Glynn County Schools partnered with the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) and SCoPE (School Communications Performance Evaluation) to determine how effective our current communication tools are, highlight our strengths and weaknesses, and provide practical recommendations on how to advance.
A survey was distributed to our staff, families and community in September 2021, followed by focus groups and administrative interviews in November.
Results from the audit – completed in March 2022 – revealed that while the district has cultivated supportive and welcoming school environments, there are a number of gaps that affect the ability of GCSS to achieve its communication goals. As such, the following suggestions will drive our work as we improve our communication efforts:
• Adopt a more strategic approach to communications;
• Streamline external communication practices;
• Increase accessibility of information to all stakeholders;
• Increase the engagement of staff, parents and community members in the district’s decision-making process; and
• Adopt a proactive communications strategy to address concerns about mental health and low morale.
These recommendations will serve as a framework and “road map” for building and strengthening the district’s communication program. It is our hope that this long-term effort will improve our communication and engagement with internal and external stakeholders, and help us become more strategic and effective with outreach and messaging efforts.
Although we have work to do, audit evidence reaffirmed that GCSS is well-positioned to raise its profile as a leading school system in Georgia. The district has a solid reputation as an excellent school district with high-quality teachers and programs. With a strong commitment to continuous improvement and effective communication, GCSS is poised for success as it continues to grow, lead and excel in moving forward as a #strongerglynn.
Few people have contributed more to our culture and generations of leaders here in Glynn County Schools than Principal Ms. Michelle Drew, who passed away this year. We honor her achievements and contributions in service to Altama Elementary School.
Michelle was a gifted leader, effective visionary and outstanding mentor. Throughout her life and especially her time in the Eagles Nest, she showed kindness, motivation, drive and compassion toward others. She had a big heart for her Eagle students and families, and was never shy to let you know just how much her school family rocked.
Michelle was a woman of enormous grace and integrity, and her legacy will endure in the school she led and in the lives of those she cared for and mentored. We will miss her.
“If you can’t see the sunshine, be the sunshine.” – Michelle DrewMICHELLE DREW
• Newly-constructed, state-of-the-art building opened in Fall 2021.
• Beta Club sponsor Candace Vaughn named a John W. Harris Educator of Excellence (only 175 of over 20,000 sponsors received this honor).
• Step team was added to list of available extracurricular activities.
• Books and learning resources provided to parents and students through Communities in Schools’ outreach efforts.
• Implemented inaugural 5th grade graduation with caps and gowns.
• Partnered with FIRM Podcast to provide informative and supportive sessions for dads.
• 21st Century and Cubs to Tigers Afterschool Programs support academic learning and promote enrichment activities.
• Local churches and community organizations provided food bags, student supplies and staff/student incentives throughout the school year.
• Title I Distinguished School (2020-2021).
• Monyca Harper featured as a Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB) Teacher Spotlight on its “Let’s Learn GA” channel.
• Mary Catherine Cambest honored at First District RESA New Teacher Recognition Program.
• Renovations and modifications planned through ESPLOST III funds.
• Introduced STEM kits, circuits and sphero robots to promote science standards and gifted classes.
• Recipient of Literary Guild of SSI grant for Keep Reading Summer Program.
• L4GA grant supports student-teacher learning, classroom literacy instruction, school climate and community-school partnerships.
• New, state-of-the-art school planned through ESPLOST IV funds.
• 2014-15 Family-Friendly Partnership School (GaDOE initiative).
• 2019 & 2021 Greatest Gains Award (Bronze Level – Governor’s Office of Student Achievement).
• 2019-20 & 2020-21 Title I Reward School.
• Implemented STEM in enhanced curriculum rotations and donated nearly $500 to American Heart Association.
• 2020 Family-Friendly Partnership School (GaDOE initiative).
• Awarded $2,000 wellness grant from First District RESA
• One-to-one technology in classrooms, and increased engagement and participation in STEM Lab and Coding Club.
• Extended day programs in 21st Century, Boys & Girls Club, and GOLD Club.
• 2019 Greatest Gains Award (Bronze Level – Governor’s Office of Student Achievement); 2017 Highest-Performing Award (Silver).
• Orton Gillingham, Google and Promethean experienced teachers.
• Freshwater wetland discovery trail and MarshLab (a hands-on learning science lab funded by PTA/donors).
• STEAM Lab and Makerspace classrooms to be added in August 2022.
• 2019-20 & 2020-21 Title I Distinguished School.
• Led new professional learning initiatives to increase student engagement (i.e. Strengthening + Nurturing Academy for Paras, Sanderlings, Project Based Learning and Engineering Design Process).
• Inaugural STEAM into Nature Earth Day with hands-on learning exhibits.
• Recipient of $1,000 PTA STEM+Families Propelling Our World grant.
• 2019-20 & 2020-21 Title I Distinguished School (*2020 National ESEA Title I Distinguished School)
• Ocean Lab (a hands-on learning science lab funded by PTA/donors).
• Renovations and modernizations planned through ESPLOST IV funds.
• Classroom Building modernization underway (completion is set for January 2023).
• 2019-20 & 2020-21 Title I Reward School.
• Added new family and parent engagement event in awareness of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (May).
• PTA donated funds to purchase Car Rider Pro, which will help streamline dismissals (beginning Fall 2022).
• Introduced Lü Interactive Playground to gamify physical education in a new and innovative way.
• 2021 Glynn County Middle School Tennis Champions.
• Introduced Career Fair to seventh-graders to provide opportunities to explore hands-on careers and skilled trades.
• Virtual tutoring programs offered to support continuous learning.
• Renovations and modifications planned through ESPLOST IV funds.
• 2021-22 National Beta School of Merit.
• Newly reinstated Student Council donated 2,800+ socks to Saved by Grace.
• Developed new Agricultural Education courses (and new FFA chapter), and expanded school garden with addition of a chicken coop.
• Georgia Department of Transportation “Heads Up, Stay Safe” runner-up winners: Jacob Bridwell, Sydney Clark and Elise Weber.
• 2021 & 2022 Glynn County Spelling Bee Winner: Kara Nuque.
• 2021-22 Glynn County Middle Volleyball, Baseball, Wrestling, and Boys & Girls Individual Cross Country Champions.
• Mentoring Monday, Saturday school tutoring and PBIS programs help students assess their self-development and set high standards.
• Full building renovation completed during Summer 2022.
• Redesignated as a Georgia Lighthouse School to Watch (Georgia Middle School Association designation since 2015).
• CABS and PBIS programs yield significant benefits in reinforcing positive behaviors and social interactions between students.
• 2021 Glynn County Middle School Softball Champions (5-year win).
• Created RMS Wildcat Academy, a STEM-focused after-school program.
• 2021 City Football, Boys Basketball and Girls Basketball Champions (2-year win in football and Elite 8 appearance for Lady Pirates).
• Graduation Rate: 93.1%
• SAT Achievement Average: 1045; ACT Achievement Average: 19.1
• 2021 National Merit Scholar (and Region STAR Student): Liam Nunn.
• Microsoft Office Specialist State Champion: Kijah Brooks.
• Dual Enrollment Courses Taken: 641
• AP Courses Offered: 21
• 2022 AP School of Distinction, AP STEM School, AP Expansion School, and AP STEM Achievement School (Georgia DOE).
• Graduation Rate: 94.4%
• SAT Achievement Average: 1102.9; ACT Achievement Average: 22.4
• Awarded a $400,000 Learning, Living, and Leading in Georgia (L4GA) grant.
• 2022 City Softball & Girls Golf Champions (first state title in golf since 2011).
• Dual Enrollment Courses Taken: 461
• AP Courses Offered: 23
• This Girl Can workshop, in partnership with the Golden Isles Development Authority and Coastal Pines Technical College, introduced 8th and 9th grade girls to non-traditional careers.
• Partnered with the Chamber of Commerce to create the Connect Glynn Externship for educators to learn about in-demand careers.
• Four students earned 1st- through 3rd-place awards at this year’s state Career and Technical Instruction Competition.
• Hosted first-ever Open House for middle and high school students.
• Addition of Heavy Equipment Operations Pathway to include use of a heavy equipment simulator (runs programs for skid steer and hydraulic excavator.)
• 73% of students passed the End-of-Pathway Assessment (EOPA) for a career pathway (a total of 228 students).
• 15 students received $500 scholarships from the GICCA Foundation and its community partners.
Abraham Baldwin Agriculture College
Agnes Scott College
Alabama A&M University
Albany State University
Alfred University
Appalachian State University
Auburn University Augusta University
Baylor University
Belhaven University Belmont University
Bentley University Berry College
Bethune-Cookman University
Boston College
Brenau University
Brewton-Parker College
Brigham Young University
Cazenovia Collge
Charleston Southern University
Claflin University
Clark Atlanta University Clayton State University
Clemson University
Colby College
Coastal Carolina University
Coastal Pines Technical College
College of Coastal Georgia
Colorado State University
Columbus State University
Covenant College
DeSales University
East Georgia State College
Eckerd College
Edward Waters University
Elon University
Emory University
Florida A&M University
Florida Atlantic University
Florida Memorial University
Florida Southern College
Florida State University
Fort Valley State University
Furman University
Georgia College & State University
Georgia Institute of Technology
Georgia Military College
Georgia Southern University
Georgia State University
Grambling State University
Gwinnett College
Jackson State University
Johnson C. Smith University
Kennesaw State University Knox College
KU Leuven University (Belgium)
LaGrange College
Louisiana State University Marshall University Mercer University Methodist University Miami University
Middle Georgia State University Minnesota State University at Moorhead
Mississippi State University Monroe College
Morehouse College
North Carolina Central University North Carolina State University Northeastern University
Nova Southeastern University Presbyterian College
Princeton University
Queens University of Charlotte Rhodes College
Samford University
Savannah College of Art and Design Savannah State University
Sewanee: University of the South South Carolina State University
South Georgia State College
Southern Methodist University Southern University at New Orleans
Spelman College
St. Leo University
Stanford University
Stetson University
Suffolk University
SUNY Maritime College
Tennessee State University
Texas A&M University
The Citadel Toccoa Falls College
Tulane University
United States Merchant Marine Academy
United States Naval Academy University of Alabama
University of Central Florida University of College Berkley University of Colorado Boulder University of Delaware
University of Florida University of Georgia University of Iowa University of Kentucky University of Maryland University of Mississippi
University of North Carolina
Chapel Hill University of North Florida University of North Georgia University of South Carolina University of South CarolinaUpstate
University of South Florida University of Southern California University of TennesseeChattanooga University of Tennessee Knoxville University of Virginia University of West Georgia
Valdosta State University
Valparaiso University
Vanderbilt University Villanova University
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Voorhees University
Wesleyan College Wingate University Yale University
Military Air Force Army Coast Guard Marines National Guard Navy
The Class of 2022 was offered approximately $9.92 million in scholarships (not including the HOPE or Zell Miller Scholarships) and accepted to the following colleges and universities:• Institute of Museum and Library Services, the Communities of Coastal Georgia Foundation Phoenix Fund and Literary Guild of SSI provided all GCSS pre-K students with at-home learning resources for its “Take 5” early literacy project.
• Piloted a new version of the Reading Rockets program using Zoom video chats as a creative solution to the pandemic’s challenges.
• Received a Summer Transition Program grant from the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) to provide a 6-week intensive academic program for rising kindergarteners during Summer 2022.
• Golden Isles College & Career healthcare science students, as well as nursing students from College of Coastal Georgia, provided dental hygiene lessons, screenings and goodie bags for all students.
GCSS district and school leadership took part in a weeklong, team-based and handson learning experience in June to reflect on district and school progress, deepen instructional leadership, and develop their skills as talent managers as they strive to offer a quality education experience to every student, every day.
Coined “Back to Basics,” this year’s institute was organized to support the creation of a strong, practical professional learning plan that principals and leadership teams can use to drive their daily work during the 2022-23 school year. Special thank-you to Dr. Ruby Payne for facilitating a workshop on emotional poverty and the importance of building emotional wealth in students.
Eden Davis, College of Coastal Georgia
Jaeden McRae, College of Coastal Georgia
Kaeleb McRae, College of Coastal Georgia
Alyssa Blair, College of Coastal Georgia
Selene Dimas, College of Coastal Georgia
Brynn Hebner, Georgia Southern University
Abigail Watford, College of Coastal Georgia
Opal Sanchez, College of Coastal Georgia
Dylan Starling, Georgia State University
Trinity Cone, Georgia State University
Ja’Kaya Andrews, College of Coastal Georgia
Shiloh Ferguson, College of Coastal Georgia
Milan Chase, College of Coastal Georgia
Anslee Dowdy, College of Coastal Georgia
Savannah Farquhar, College of Coastal Georgia
Sophie Pinter, College of Coastal Georgia
Emma Maxwell, Young Harris College
Kaley Mather, University of Alabama
Sarai Fontanez-Davila, Agnes Scott College
Logan Williams, College of Coastal Georgia
Chuckari Hill, College of Coastal Georgia
Zaria Clayton, Georgia State University
Eliza Kroll, Agnes Scott College
Karen Martinez, College of Coastal Georgia
Minnie Miller, Georgia Southern University
Ali Grace Williams, Stanford University
There’s not a child that leaves her class that is not prepared for the next level if that’s what they choose to do. She has such an impact.”
“Aleisha Rice Special Education
• Installed the CrisisAlert solution by CENTEGIX throughout the district (a panic button rapid notification system that can be utilized by all staff).
• Purchased the Financial Management Software from Harris School Solutions (SmartFusion), an integrated software package purpose-built to fulfill complex accounting, reporting, billing, and human resources needs.
• Added additional school social workers to assist with school loads and students with disabilities.
• Added a telehealth nurse position to provide students with access to medical and behavioral health services during the school day.
• Expanded professional development opportunities to equip teachers and staff with strategies and tools to respond to the growing mental health needs of our students (e.g. Youth Mental Health First Aid and Trauma 101 courses for staff)
• Billie Foulk, parent mentor for the Special Education Services and Suports Department, was selected as Southeast Georgia’s Region Representative for Georgia’s Parent Mentor Program (GaPMP).
• Heidi McDaniel and Tracey Wendel, specially designed instructional coaches with the Special Education Department, completed the first cohort of the Administrator Development Academy sponsored by the Georgia Council of Administrators of Special Education (G-CASE).
• Contracted with Deer Oaks EAP Services to provide all teachers and staff with access to the Employee Assistance Program’s counseling services.
• All students were served meals at no cost for the 2021-2022 school year.
In May, we were honored to celebrate and recognize 64 GCSS retirees with a special luncheon at the King & Prince Resort. The Marshland Credit Union was the event sponsor, and the Glynn Middle 7th and 8th grade orchestra provided the musical entertainment.
Together, these incredible individuals dedicated approximately 1,306 years of combined service. Congratulations to our retirees, and thank you for your commitment, hard work and vision in leading GCSS to the thriving and vibrant school sytem it is today.
The Special Education Department opened a Pathway Assessment Exploration System (PAES) lab at GICCA in January 2022.
The PAES lab helps students explore vocational interests through their engagement in a variety of generalized work activities in the areas of Computer Technology, Construction/Industrial, Processing/Production, Consumer/Service and Business/Marketing.
Three students were named National Merit Scholarship semifinalists: Liam Nunn (Brunswick High), and Nolan Hartley and James Mallette (both Glynn Academy).
Dharyn Usher was the first student from Glynn County Schools elected as a Career & Technical Instruction (CTI) student officer. Dharyn will be the Georgia CTI State Historian for the 2022-23 school year.
This year’s construction projects are funded through ESPLOST IV (Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax), and complete needed maintenance and replacements to our learning environments and infrastructure.
Priorities for ESPLOST IV include full building renovations at Golden Isles Elementary, Oglethorpe Point Elementary and Needwood Middle; modifications to the Glynn Academy auxiliary gym; and artificial turf installations at Glynn County Stadium and both the Brunswick High and Glynn Academy practice fields. ESPLOST dollars have and will continue to provide necessary funding for school buses, road work, more paved parking, improvements at the athletic facilities, land acquisition, a kitchen expansion, technology upgrades and equipment, and other school facility needs.
Thank you for your support and continued commitment as we work together to provide the highest quality education for all students.
The St. Simons Elementary School Classroom Building project was one of several improvements approved by Glynn County voters in November 2020 as part of ESPLOST IV. The classroom building is set to be completed and occupied in January 2023. Housing 30 classrooms, including an art room, music room and new media center, the building addition will replace the three classroom buildings that were constructed in the 1950s and 1960s. Image of the artificial turf installation at the Glynn County Stadium. Image of the St. Simons Elementary School Classroom Building project.Thanks to the tremendous support of Glynn County citizens, the district continues its commitment to providing state-of-the-art facilities for our students and staff.