2023 Annual Report: Moving Forward #Stronger

Pictured

2022-2023 Glynn County Board of Education members Mr. Jerry Mancil (At Large Post 2), back row left, Mr. Mike Hulsey (vice chairman, At Large Post 1), Mr. John Madala (District 3), Mr. Marcus Edgy (District 1), Dr. Hank Yeargan (District 4), Mrs. Eaddy Sams (chairwoman, District 2), front row left, Superintendent Scott Spence, and Ms. Audrey Gibbons (District 5).

District 1

MARCUS EDGY

912-258-3659

medgy@glynn.k12.ga.us

District 2

EADDY SAMS Chairwoman

912-577-2323

esams@glynn.k12.ga.us

District 3

JOHN MADALA

912-506-2734

j_madala4@yahoo.com

District 4

DR. HANK YEARGAN

912-617-1451

hankyeargan@yahoo.com

District 5

AUDREY GIBBONS

912-242-3664

snobbig01@gmail.com

At Large Post 1

MIKE HULSEY Vice Chairman

912-399-0140

mhulsey1@bellsouth.net

At Large Post 2

JERRY MANCIL

912-223-0548

jmancil@seaside-electricga.com

www.glynn.k12.ga.us/boardlive/

are

SUPERINTENDENT’S CORNER

Over the past few years, we have been challenged, inspired and stretched in countless ways. But, as we adapted to the unexpected conditions of the pandemic, we were faced with a mountain of uncertainty for the future. While uncomfortable and tense at times, it has given us the opportunity to think outside the (classroom) box, empower students to lead their own learning, and recommit to fostering emotionally-healthy students and deep relationships.

As we look toward the 2023-2024 school year, we are reminded that we are only at our best when we are working together to move our students forward.

It has not been without its challenges but it has been professionally and personally rewarding to see our students and staff emerge stronger, wiser and more resilient than before. We have restrengthened our commitment to learning, academic achievement and continuous improvement, and have cultivated safe spaces for students to grow and thrive.

As evidenced throughout this Annual Report, GCSS is well-positioned to raise its profile as a leading school system in Georgia, and I am proud to watch as our students continue to grow, lead and excel in our schools, our communities, and their future pursuits. Thank you for your support of our district and your valued investment in the education of our students.

Best regards,

Board Meeting

Live Stream

Board meetings are live streamed on YouTube and Facebook.

To watch meetings live, visit www.glynn.k12.ga.us/boardlive/ or click the “Board Meeting Live Stream” banner on the school system website.

2023 Board Meeting Dates

Visit www.glynn.k12.ga.us/meetingdates/ for a schedule of 2023 meeting dates and times.

To view Board agendas and official meeting minutes, click the “Board Meetings & Policies” link under the District tab or the “Board Meetings” banner on the school system website.

Board meetings are held in the board room of the school district’s Board of Education Office, located at 5505 Altama Ave. in Brunswick.

#strongerglynn

@glynncountyschools

SCHOOLS

21 Total

• 2 Preschools

• 10 Elementary

• 4 Middle

• 2 High

• 1 Career Academy

• 2 Alternative Programs

STUDENT ENROLLMENT

12,734 Total

• 6,213 Female

• 6,521 Male

• 1,033 English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

• 1,199 Gifted Program

STUDENT DIVERSITY

• 5,596 White

• 4,240 Black

• 2,072 Hispanic

• 199 Asian/Pacific Islander

• 31 American Indian

• 596 Two or More Races

FACULTY & STAFF

3,597 Total

• 1,684 Full-time

• 657 Part-time, Substitutes and Paraprofessionals

• 362 Certified Staff (Bachelor’s Degree)

• 894 Certified Staff (Advanced Degrees)

STUDENT SUPPORT

252 Total

• 17 Speech & Language Pathologists

• 26 School Counselors

• 8 Social Workers

• 7 Psychologists

• 18 Nurses

• 2 Health Care Specialists

• 27 School Resource Officers (SROs)

• 67 General Ed. Drivers

• 15 Special Education Drivers

• 58 Bus Support Staff

• 7 Mechanics

OUR VISION

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.

OUR MISSION

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.

COMMUNITY SHARED VISION

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.

ABOUT GLYNN COUNTY SCHOOLS

With an active enrollment of approximately 13,000 students, attending a total of 21 school sites – 10 elementary schools, four middle schools, two high schools, a career academy, two alternative programs, a pre-kindergarten program and preschool special education program – Glynn County Schools is dedicated to creating 21st century learning environments that offer opportunities for all students to pursue higher education and develop skills that meet workforce needs.

Glynn County Schools has a long and storied history of excellence in academics, arts and athletics with the very focal point of our mission remaining on students. We are proud to serve the community as a premier school system empowering our students with the tools and resources to grow, lead and excel in their future pursuits.

With the support of our parents and community partners, we are confident that GCSS will continue to meet the community’s high standards, and we welcome your continued support in advancing a school system that reflects the values and aspirations of one of the nation’s oldest, proudest and most promising counties.

AP COURSES OFFERED

Brunswick High: 21 Glynn Academy: 23

GRADUATION RATES

GCSS (2022) – 95.2%

Georgia – 84.1%

TRANSPORTATION

• 145 Buses / 12 Microbuses

• 93 Bus Routes

• 6,772 Total Bus Riders

• 5,053 Miles Logged Daily

• 909,540 Miles Logged Yearly

CLIMATE STAR RATING

3-stars or more for all schools SAT

GCSS: 1099

Georgia: 1077

Nation: 1038

ACT

GCSS: 20.8

Georgia: 22.6

Nation: 20.3

• Annual Fuel Use: 288,073.9 Gallons

DUAL ENROLLMENT COURSES TAKEN

Brunswick High: 641 Glynn Academy: 461

SCHOOL NUTRITION

2,757,013 Total Meals

Served (since July 2022)

• Total lunches served: 1,475,581

• Total breakfasts served: 1,099,808

• Total snacks served: 181,624

• Total number of meals served daily: 14,196

• Approximately 62%

• students eligible for free or reduced lunch.

16:1

STUDENTTEACHER RATIO

STRATEGIC PLAN

Effective Leadership

Operate under governance and leadership that promotes and supports successful, positive student performance and system effectiveness.

Coherent Instructional System

Utilize curriculum, instructional design and assessment practices to guide and ensure teacher effectiveness and student learning across all grades and courses.

Supportive Learning Environment

Cultivate positive school and district culture for students, families, and employees.

Family & Community Engagement

Support student success through collaboration and communication with families and the community.

Professional Capacity

Attract, develop, and retain professionally qualified staff and ensure collaboration to build collective efficacy.

MOVING GCSS FORWARD

Major Objectives

Develop a shared vision for the system

Move the system towards a paperless administrative environment

Develop and implement a progress monitoring system for schools and teachers

Major Objectives

Improve achievement scores for all subgroups

Improve growth scores for high achievers

Continue with gradual release and Visible Learning as part of the Glynn Model for Effective Teaching Strategies (GMETS) instructional model

Major Objectives

Maintain graduation rate >94%

Implement adult and youth mental health supports and character education

Initiate plans for identifying and meeting the needs of students with behavioral concerns that may not be related to a behavioral disability

Major Objectives

Pursue opportunities to meet the needs of families to support learners

Create and follow communication plan for each school and system

Expand civic outreach opportunities for community members to become collaborative partners

Major Objectives

Initiate plans to “Grow Our Own”

Implement programs to support school-based staff

Develop and implement a leadership cohort/pool for Principals, Assistant Principals, and future Assistant Principals

The Strategic Plan was developed with stakeholder involvement to establish priorities and determine initiatives to support the work of Glynn County Schools. Five Focus Areas established through the Comprehensive Needs Assessment and District Improvement Planning process create a structure for all departments.

Progress on initiatives is monitored and updated regularly on the district website at www.glynn.k12.ga.us/strategicplan/.

ALTAMA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

POINTS OF PRIDE

• Partnered with FIRM Podcast to provide informative and supportive sessions for dads.

• The Junior Beta Club attended the State Convention and took home top awards and honors, including the Educator of Excellence Award (Mrs. Candace Vaughn) and Georgia State Elementary School Beta Vice President (Keian Sams).

• Justin Ballard won first place for his 2022 CoastFet artwork.

• Samuel Carroll won second place among kindergarten students in the First District RESA’s Young Georgia Authors writing contest.

• Hosted a Community Open House for local residents to tour the newly built school, which opened in Fall 2021.

Eric Cabrera Principal

BURROUGHS-MOLETTE ELEMENTARY

POINTS OF PRIDE

• 21st Century and Cubs to Tigers Afterschool Programs support academic learning and promote enrichment activities for social development.

• Partnered with FIRM Podcast to provide informative and supportive sessions for dads.

• Partnered with Kate’s Club to serve grieving children and offer resources to discuss and address their grief.

• Creation of BME Cheer Squad to improve students’ academic achievement and show them how to be leaders in school.

• Strong partnerships with community organizations, local churches, and area businesses.

Mavis Jaudon Principal

C.B. GREER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

POINTS OF PRIDE

• Title I Distinguished School (2018-Present).

• Kamille Nuque was named the 2023 Glynn County Spelling Bee Champion.

• School’s Read-A-Thon event resulted in 298 readers reading 148,475 minutes.

• Marlayna Kwiek, Elias Bailey, Luke Landers and Jackson Barnett were named district winners in the 2023 Young Georgia Authors writingcontest.

• Partnered with Needwood Middle School and the College of Coastal Georgia on a Dance Your Stress Away event to show families how to manage stress.

Robin Hunter Principal

GLYNDALE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

POINTS OF PRIDE

• Implemented Literacy on the Lawn event to promote literacy for students at every reading level and provide families with at- home academic resources.

• Hosted inaugural Big Backyard Car Show to raise money for its Field Day activities.

• Created Books for Bingo, Donuts for Dads and Moms Matter events to increase parent involvement in education.

• Logged the highest growth in MAP (Measure of Academic Progress) Assessments, across the district.

• Awarded a $2,000 mental health awareness mini-grant by First District Regional Educational Services (RESA) and Georgia DOE.

Dr. Ella Green Principal

GOLDEN ISLES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

POINTS OF PRIDE

• 2019 & 2021 Greatest Gains Award (Bronze Level – Governor’s Office of Student Achievement).

• 2019-2021 Title I Reward School.

• 2020-2021 School Grant Golden Rule Award Winner.

• Introduced Lü Interactive Playground to physical education classes to offer curriculum-based activities in an immersive environment.

• The Gifted program created a beautification project, with help from administrators and families, to paint the school’s portables and plant flowers in the courtyard.

• School renovations and modifications were completed in December 2022 as part of ESPLOST IV project.

Tracy Reyna Principal

GOODYEAR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

POINTS OF PRIDE

• 2020 Family-Friendly Partnership School (GaDOE initiative).

• Creation of STEM Lab, Archery & Coding Clubs, Lapel Club, Buddy Up, Media Internship, and PBIS Student Committee.

• Mea Warakanbancha won third place in the elementary-school category of the 2023 Culture Fest Student Art Competition.

• Hosted bi-annual Literacy on the Lawn event to promote literacy for students at every reading level, as well as provide families with at-home academic resources and students with free books.

• Strong partnerships with community organizations, local churches, and area businesses, including Community Church, Amerigroup, Junior Women’s League and Golden Isles Association of Realtors.

Dr. Oatanisha Dawson Principal

OGLETHORPE POINT ELEMENTARY

POINTS OF PRIDE

• STEM Lab and Makerspace classrooms introduced in August 2022.

• June Humphries was named Georgia’s first Kid Lieutenant Governor – a national award-winning civics program – and her platform is to reduce school lunch waste.

• 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).

• Kitchen renovations and modifications planned through ESPLOST III funds and to be completed by Fall 2023.

Dr. Anna Wiles Principal

SATILLA MARSH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

POINTS OF PRIDE

• Title I Distinguished School (2019-Present).

• Partnered with Green Our Planet to implement its Hydroponics STEM Program and help produce more than 100 heads of lettuce that were used in meals by the School & Nutrition Department.

• Provided students with a virtual field trip of a farm through the Georgia Ag Experience’s mobile classroom.

• 2023 Georgia Library Media Specialist of the Year (Blake Lipthratt).

• Received the Mathical Book Prize Collection Development Award and a Snapdragon Book Foundation Grant.

• Implementation of ActivFlor, STEM-based classes and the Green Leaves Club’s chicken coop.

Dr. Charlie Frazier Principal

ST. SIMONS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Katy Ginn Principal

POINTS OF PRIDE

• Newly-constructed, state-of-the-art classroom building completed in January 2023 as part of ESPLOST IV modernization.

• Title I Distinguished School (2019-Present).

• Implementation of ActivFlor, an interactive solution designed to bring movement and play into learning.

• 2020 National ESEA Title I Distinguished

• 2016-2018 Greatest Gains Award (Gold Award); 2015 Greatest Gains Award (Platinum Award).

• Implementation of a Book Fashion Show and Reading Assembly, STEM Media Centers and Ocean Lab (a hands-on learning science lab funded by the PTA/donors).

STERLING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Stephen Brooks Principal

POINTS OF PRIDE

• Addition of kindergarten and first-grade CABS (Communication Academics Behavior Social Skills) classes for the district.

• Created a Book Character Parade for students and staff members to celebrate reading for Read Across America Week.

• Addition of a book vending machine to incentivize students who display exceptional RISE behavior to read in a fun, creative way.

• Introduced Lü Interactive Playground to physical education classes to offer curriculum-based activities in an immersive environment.

• 2019-20 & 2020-21 Title I Reward School.

• Participated in “Rock Your School” event, which aims to engage students in hands-on activities to deepen their love of learning.

GLYNN MIDDLE SCHOOL

POINTS OF PRIDE

• Title I Distinguished School (2022).

• 2022 Glynn County Middle School Baseball, Girls’ Cross-Country, Boys’ Soccer Team Champions.

• Marie Feazel was awarded the Gwen Hutcheson Outstanding Educator Award by the Georgia Council for Social Studies (a first in GCSS).

• Benjamin Pope was named to the GMEA’s (Georgia Music Educators Association) All-State Band as a first-chair percussionist.

• Created ROLL Program to recognize students for showing respect, ownership, leadership and learning each month.

• Festival Band performed in the Georgia Southern Pre-LGPE Clinic.

Dr. Carter Akins Principal

JANE MACON MIDDLE SCHOOL

POINTS OF PRIDE

• 2022 Glynn County Middle School Football and Softball Runners Up.

• Jr. Beta Club received School of Merit award as recognition of its dedication and commitment to academic excellence (2021).

• Football players Jayden Gibson and Waseem Murray competed at the Under Armour Next Camp Series in March 2023.

• Organized Future Farmers of America (FFA) Chapter in 2021 and competed in national FFA convention in 2022.

• La’Desir’a Baker won first place in Young Georgia Author Contest.

• Jacqueline Powell named Katz-Whittle Foundation Golden Rule Staff Award finalist.

Dr. Leslie Forcina Principal

NEEDWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL

POINTS OF PRIDE

• 2022 Glynn County Middle School Volleyball, Wrestling, Boys’ Cross-Country and Girls’ Basketball Champions.

• Ava Mountain, two-time cross-country champion (2021 & 2022).

• Partnered with C.B. Greer Elementary and the College of Coastal Georgia on a Dance Your Stress Away event to show families how to manage stress.

• Formed a peer-mentoring program for eighth-graders to help sixth-graders build their communication and social skills.

• Organized Warrior Dad Walk for dads to show support of their kids.

• Kitchen renovations and modifications to be completed by August 2023.

Rebecca Smith Principal

RISLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL

POINTS OF PRIDE

• 2022 Glynn County Middle School Baseball and Golf Runners Up.

• One of first schools to invite Kate’s Club to provide professional training on grief support for students experiencing loss.

• Daphne Wilson won first place in the middle school category of the Exchange Club of Brunswick’s Annual Rodeo at the Beach bullriding competition.

• Chorus participated in a combined concert with Glynn Academy and Glynn Middle School in recognition of Veterans Day.

• Redesignated as a National Forum School to Watch and Georgia Lighthouse School to Watch (Georgia Middle School Association designation since 2015).

Maggie Grange Principal

BRUNSWICK HIGH SCHOOL

POINTS OF PRIDE

• 2022 City Football and Girls Basketball Champions (three straight wins in football and Final Four appearance for Lady Pirates).

• Graduation Rate: 94.5% (up from 93.1% in 2021)

• SAT Achievement Average: 1036; ACT Achievement Average: 19.5

• Dual Enrollment Courses Taken: 654

• AP Courses Offered: 22

• Goodwill’s Pass it On Winner with 5,805 pounds of collected items.

• Early education students achieved a 100% pass rate for 11th year.

• State Champions: Anthony Rowe (Wrestling) and Riyon Rankin (two-time winner in High Jump and broke high jump record set in 1983).

Slade Turner Principal

GLYNN ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL

POINTS OF PRIDE

• 2023 AP School of Distinction, AP STEM School and AP STEM Achievement School (Georgia Department of Education).

• 2022 City Baseball and Girls & Boys Golf Champions.

• Graduation Rate: 96.1 % (up from 95%)

• SAT Achievement Average: 1119.8; ACT Achievement Average: 22.8

• Dual Enrollment Courses Taken: 808

• AP Courses Offered: 29 (1,121 AP tests taken)

• 2022 High Tide yearbook won first-place award from American Scholastic Press Association (one of four in nation to win “Most Outstanding High School Yearbook).

Matthew Blackstone Principal

GOLDEN ISLES COLLEGE & CAREER ACADEMY

Brian Weese CEO/Workforce Strategy Leader

POINTS OF PRIDE

Dr. Joseph Depenhart Principal & CTAE Director

• Added Dental Science, Workforce Ready and Fire & Emergency pathways to begin in Fall 2023.

• 78% of students passed End-of-Pathway Assessment for a career pathway (614 students total; 16 points above state average).

• 228 Work-Based Learning (WBL) students worked over 111,000 hours, earning over $1.1 million.

• Provided $6,500 in scholarships to 11 students.

• Inaugural “GICCA Signing Day” where 35 students signed their intent to work or complete WBL with 12+ local employers.

• Hosted 2nd Annual GICCA Open House that included employer showcases and 550 total visitors of which 213 were school-aged.

• 12 Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) students received first-ever Technical Certificate of Credit from Coastal Pines Technical College.

• GICCA student Hayden Strehle placed third in the state in the SkillsUSA Georgia competition in diesel mechanics.

• This Girl Can program aimed at welding, automotive and engineering.

FACES PRE-K CENTER/LEAPS & BOUNDS

POINTS OF PRIDE

• 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.

• Continued participation in Summer Transition Program, through the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL’s) grant, to provide a 6-week intensive academic program for rising kindergarteners and now rising pre-kindergarteners.

• Golden Isles College & Career healthcare students provided dental hygiene lessons, screenings and goodie bags for all students.

• Participated in Jumpstart’s Read for the Record, which is the world’s largest shared reading experience that celebrates children’s early language and social-emotional development.

• Golden Isles Retired Educator Association donated coloring books to all ACESS/Leaps & Bounds students.

Stephanie Thompson Principal

COLLEGE & CAREER READINESS

Continuing Education

$6,330,864

SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS

79.3%

The Class of 2023 was offered approximately $6.33 million in scholarships (not including the HOPE or Zell Miller Scholarships) and accepted to the following colleges and universities:

Dalia Darazim Valedictorian

Perla Venagas Salutatorian

Emily Dey Valedictorian

James Ellis Long Salutatorian

CLASS OF 2023

Abraham Baldwin Agriculture College

Agnes Scott College

Alabama A&M University

Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Science

Albany State University

Appalachian State University

Aquinas College

Athens Technical College

Auburn University

Augusta University

Barnard College

Barry University

Baylor University

Belmont University

Berry College

Bethune-Cookman University

Brenau University

Brown University

Canisius College

Catholic University of America

Centre College

Clark Atlanta University

Clemson University

Colby College

Coastal Carolina University

Coastal Pines Technical College

College of Charleston

College of Coastal Georgia

Columbia University

Columbus State University

Covenant College

Duke University

Eckerd College

Elizabeth City State University

Emory University

Florida Institute of Technology

Florida Southern College

Fordham University

Fort Valley State University

Furman University

Georgetown University

George Washington University

Georgia College & State University

Georgia Gwinnett College

Georgia Institute of Technology

Georgia Military College

Georgia Southern University

Georgia Southwestern State University

Georgia State University

Gordon State University

Grambling State University

Grand Canyon University

Hampton University

Harvard University

Iowa State University

Jackson State University

Jacksonville University

James Long University

Kennesaw State University

LaGrange College

Lees-McRae College

Life University

Louisiana State University

Loyola Marymount University

Lycoming College

McKendree University

Mercer University

Middle Georgia State University

Midway University

Missouri Valley College

Nazareth College

New York University

Norfolk State University

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University

North Carolina Central University

Northeastern University

Oglethorpe University

Ohio Northern University

Oklahoma State University

Pace University

Penn Foster College

Penn State University

Pepperdine University

Piedmont University

Presbyterian College

Queens University of Charlotte

Samford University

Santa Clara University

Savannah College of Art and Design

Sewanee: University of the South

Shaw University

Simmons University

Shorter University

South Carolina State University

South Georgia State College

South Georgia Technical College

Southern Crescent Technical College

Southern Methodist University

Spelman College

St. John’s University

Stanford University

Sweet Briar College

Tennessee State University

Texas Christian University

The American Musical and Dramatic Academy

The Ohio State University

Tuskegee University

United States Naval Academy

University College Dublin

University of Alabama

University of Alabama at

Birmingham

University of California Los Angeles

University of California Santa

Barbara

University of Central Florida

University of Colorado Boulder

University of Evansville

University of Florida

University of Georgia

University of Kentucky

University of Mississippi

University of North Carolina

Chapel Hill

University of North Carolina

Wilmington

University of North Florida

University of North Georgia

University of Notre Dame

University of Pennsylvania

University of South Carolina

University of South Carolina Aiken

University of Tennessee Knoxville

University of Vermont

University of Virginia

University of West Georgia

Valdosta State University

Vanderbilt University

Virginia State University

Voorhees University

Wake Forest University

Wellesley College

Wentworth Institute of Technology

Wesleyan College

Western Illinois University

Wilberforce University

Wingate University

Winston-Salem State University

Xavier University

Yale University

Military Army Marines

Navy

TEACHERS OF THE YEAR

She is a loving individual who prides herself on building strong and concrete relationships because she understands that she’s not just making an impact for today but for tomorrow as well.”

Taylor Priest, 2023-2024 Teacher of the Year

Katie Howard FACES Pre-K Center

Stacey Winter Altama Elementary

Michaela Atkinson-Walker Burroughs-Molette Elementary

Emily Morgan Glyndale Elementary

Haley LeGrand Golden Isles Elementary/ Special Education

Miranda Geiger Goodyear Elementary

Barbara Peeler Greer Elementary

Breanna Young Oglethorpe Point Elementary

Staci Bennett St. Simons Elementary

Taylor Priest Satilla Marsh Elementary

Mary Ann Wellman Sterling Elementary

Devan Rees Glynn Middle

Octavia Cash Jane Macon Middle

Victoria Ramirez Needwood Middle

Natasha Donley Risley Middle

Chas Bumgardner Glynn Academy

Rachael Yeargan Golden Isles College & Career Academy

Heather Parent Alternative Programs

– Dr. Charlie Frazier Satilla Marsh Elementary Principal

Erica Johnston Brunswick High

LEARNING IN ACTION

Our students work incredibly hard and are well-supported by engaged parents, excellent teachers, and dedicated support staff and leaders. However, our strong partners throughout the community set our county apart. While parent and community involvement has always been a cornerstone of Glynn County Schools, greater recognition and support of these collaborative efforts is essential for helping our students achieve at their maximum potential.

Here, our STEAMFest and Literacy Fair and Bandapalooza events provide a snapshot of our school-community partnerships in action and illustrate how diverse programs effectively build and sustain partnerships for learning.

Because of our valued stakeholders, we are a #strongerglynn.

RETIRING EDUCATORS

In May, we were honored to celebrate and recognize 56 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 1,056 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.

GROW. LEAD. EXCEL.

Title I Distinguished School

C.B. Greer Elementary School, Satilla Marsh Elementary School, St. Simons Elementary School, and Glynn Middle School

2023 Glynn County STAR Student

Griffin Lee (Glynn Academy) was named the Glynn County and Region 11 STAR Student.

2023 Georgia Scholars

Emily Dey, Madigan Kirkland and Manas Patel (Brunswick High).

Future Educator Signing Day

21 Brunswick High and Glynn Academy students signed letters of intent to their respective colleges to pursue careers in education.

2023 REACH Scholars

The four recipients of the needs-based mentorship and scholarship program are Fortune Hicks (Glynn Middle), Waseem Murray (Jane Macon), Ri’Auna Ruff (Needwood), and Ty’Teanna Cantrell (Risley Middle). Each will receive $10,000 scholarships to be used at a Georgia university, technical college or private postsecondary institution.

GCSS Intervention Support Programs

Risley Annex was implemented to house four programs: Bright Beginnings (a Tier III intervention program for grades K-8), Glynn Learning Center (alternative education), Newcomers Academy (an English language learner transition program for grades 6-9), and Morningstar Academy (a unique special education program).

Glynn Early Education Childcare Center

The new childcare center will be open to all district employees and will serve children ages six weeks to 3-years-old, beginning in the 2023-2024 school year. The program will be housed at FACES Pre-K Center and at Altama Elementary School.

Cultivating Teachers Grant

GCSS is one of 38 school districts that will

receive this Georgia Department of Education grant to support professional learning for teachers of the Teaching as a Profession Pathway courses and recruitment efforts of high school students to participate in the pathway. GCSS will receive $9,000.

Opportunity Grant Recipient

This Georgia Department of Education grant helps districts expand options and opportunities for their students. GCSS will receive Digital Media & Library ($1,880), Mathematics ($4,000), Science ($3,000), and Social Studies ($2,000) grants, for a total of $10,880.

“End Alternate Lunch” Campaign

Our School Nutrition Department partnered with Eat’n Together, a local organization fighting food insecurity in Glynn County and surrounding counties, to help alleviate student lunch debt and the need for the altenate lunch. Since November 2022, the organization has donated $31,000 to the initiative. No students were provided an alternate lunch in Spring 2023 thanks to their efforts.

Career and Technical Instruction (CTI) State Leadership Conference Winners

Of the 16 CTI students who competed in the conference, eight took home top prizes: Brantley Kate Jones (3rd place, Public Speaking); Demetrius Hart (3rd place, Technology Skills); Adam Sapp (2nd place, Automotive Service Technology); Asher Keller (2nd place, Community/Civic Awareness); Josiah Desameau (1st place, Catering/Table Set-up); Angelica Sorensen (1st place, School Project); Austin Spell (1st place, Most Improved Person); and Dharyn Usher (State Officer Leadership Award & Department of Education Exceptional Student Award).

BASC-3 BESS: Behavior Screener

As a first stage in our Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), this program assesses a wide variety of potential behavioral challenges so that timely prevention and intervention services can be provided.

FISCAL YEAR 2024 BUDGET SUMMARY

School districts heavily rely on the money from local taxpayers to help pay for necessary expenses that directly impact the classroom. The value of a well-rounded Glynn County Schools education is nowhere more evident than in the educationally-enriching opportunities our students are afforded.

Total estimated revenues in the 2024 budget are $273,449,200. Total expenditures are $278,534,600. Mandated budget changes this year include state-required salary increases and rising health insurance costs. Additional changes include the cost of new positions, athletic supplements and the new child care center.

LOCAL SOURCES

50%

Local revenues account for 50% of the district’s total budget. Property taxes are the largest source of revenue from local funding.

STATE SOURCES

28%

State revenue makes up less than one-third of the revenues GCSS receives. The Georgia Department of Education oversees state funding and distributes funds to all districts through numerous formulas, grants, allotments and programs.

FEDERAL SOURCES

LOCAL TAXES

15.40 Millage Rate, 4.93% Increase in Property Values and 98% Collection Rate

22%

Federal funds are very restrictive and may only be used for specifically designated programs. Federal funds are the smallest source of revenue for GCSS and account for 22% of the district’s budget.

HOW IS THE MONEY USED?

General Fund Capital Project Funds

Operating budget that guides day-today activities.

Majority of this fund goes to salaries and benefits.

Our long-term school construction and repair needs.

Special Revenue Funds Debt Service

Includes federal grants and entitlements that are received by GCSS.

Funds

Used to pay the principal and interest on bonds that we issue to finance school construction and renovation.

A PENNY WELL SPENT

Projects completed through ESPLOST IV (Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) have allowed us to address safety improvements, update and enhance our technology in our schools, and provide maintenance on buildings that will ensure our students continue to have the resources needed to succeed.

Construction priorities for ESPLOST IV include renovations and additions to Satilla Marsh Elementary School; foundation repairs to Glynn Academy’s Annex Building; phased renovations to each wing of the new Board of Education Office; and demolishment of the old Board of Education builiding, which will be converted into a parking lot for Glynn Academy. 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, technology upgrades and equipment, and other school facility needs.

Thank you for your continued support and investment in our students’ education as we work together to enhance safety and security measures across the district and academically move our school communities forward.

Artificial turf, seen here, was installed at the stadium and on the practice fields at both high schools. The artificial turf will reduce maintenance costs for the school system and will open new opportunities for uses of the fields. Through ESPLOST IV funds, the $3.7 million contract with FieldTurf USA includes a 10-year warranty option, sweeper and groomer for each field, reconditioning every five years and new goal posts at every facility.

Image of St. Simons Elementary’s gymnasium as part of their new Classroom building project.

Image of Glynn Academy’s Annex Building foundation repairs.

The one-cent sales tax directly supports our students and staff with the most up-to-date facilities and other vital resources needed to provide an exceptional education.

#strongerglynn

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