As part of the new Strategic Planning process, the Jackson County School System adopted a new vision, mission and core beliefs. These were approved by the Jackson County Board of Education in May 2024.
The Jackson County School System will excel nationally in academics, arts, and athletics, fostering the development of well-rounded individuals who contribute positively to society.
All students can learn in a safe, engaging, challenging, and supportive learning environment.
School, family, and community collaboration are essential to continuous improvement.
An essential function of school is to prepare students to be independent and critical thinkers, problem solvers, and successful, lifelong learners.
Providing students with opportunities to learn, develop, and excel outside of core academic areas promotes connections that are critical to a positive learning environment.
It is the duty of the district to be responsible stewards of public funds and resources while putting the essential needs of students first.
The Retention and recruitment of a quality workforce is paramount to student success.
The mission of the Jackson County School System is to strive for continuous improvement and excellence in achievement, performance, and life preparation for all students.
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5 Board of Education & Superintendent
About Our System Class of 2024 & Work-Based Learning
6 A Growing Jackson County
Building For The Future
School Profiles
GSBA Names Jackson County BOE
An Exemplary Board
FY25TENTATIVEBUDGET
TRANSPORTATION&SCHOOLBUSES
The Jackson County School System is committed to building partnerships with community members and organizations. During the 2023-24 school year, JCSS faculty and staff donated over $17,000 to the United Way of Northeast Georgia, beating the previous year’s total by more than $5,000.
Augusta University
Berry College
Brenau University
Brown University Catawba
Clark Atlanta University
Centre College
College of Coastal Georgia
Colorado State University
Emmanuel College
Emory University
GA State University
GA Southwestern St. University
Gordon State College
Gwinnett Technical College
John Hopkins University
Johnson and Wales University
Kennesaw State University
Lanier Technical College
Mercer University
Middle Tennessee State University
Missouri Baptist University
Class of 2024 was accepted the following colleges and niversities, in addition to rs entering the U S Military e branches of U.S. Air Force, Army, U.S. Marines and U.S. y The Class of 2024 at East kson Comprehensive High ol and Jackson County High ol combined to receive over $13,016,000 in college scholarships.
Montreat College
rth GA Technical College a Southeastern University
Oglethorpe University
lahoma State University
College of Emory University
Piedmont University
SCAD
South GA State College
Toccoa Falls College
University of Alabama
University of Georgia University of North Georgia
University of North Carolina
University of UNC-Pembroke
Valdosta State University
Western Carolina University
Young Harris College
The Work-Based Learning Program is designed for students within CTAE Pathways to gain work experience with local businesses and industries to connect career goals and classroom learning
Jackson County, Georgia
was ranked as the fourthfastest growing county inside the United States of America, according to a report released by the U.S. Census Bureau in the spring of 2024
With the rapid growth occurring inside the county, the Jackson County School System is now the fastest growing school system in the state of Georgia. JCSS has grown 32.5 percent from Fiscal Year 2018 to Fiscal Year 2023.
A Growing Jackson Co.
With the growth, the Jackson County School System is working with city and county leaders to keep track of the growth in order to better plan for the future of public education inside of the county. The data collected is monitored through a GIS tracking system that allows school system administrators and the Board of Education to keep track of the number of dwellings under construction.
Central Registration: To assist schools with tracking new student enrollment, the Jackson County School System established a Central Registration Department in March of 2023. These dedicated professionals are responsible for assisting new families with registering a student(s) into the school system. The office is located at the Empower College and Career Center and offers in-person and virtual assistance.
students in seven elementary schools, three middle schools, two high schools and the Empower College and Career Center.
The Board of Education is committed to planning for the future and preparing public education inside Jackson County for a successful future
As part of the planning, the Jackson County School System has partnered with local city and county leaders to better track the growth of residential developments taking place inside the county.
This data collected is then placed into a mapping software by the Jackson County GIS Department Through this collaborative process, the Board of Education is able to plan for future growth patterns taking place inside county.
As part of the strategic
planning taking place inside of the Jackson County School System, the Board of Education approved the purchase 170 acres of land located off Highway 332 and Boone Road in Hoschton. The sale was completed in January of 2024 and will provide the ability to house two new schools on the property.
“This is a monumental day for the Jackson County School System,” Superintendent Dr. Philip Brown said following the purchase.
“We have to be thinking about the future of our school system and this property acquisition helps prepare our system and county for a robust future in public education, not just in the next five years but for the next 50 years. We have worked tirelessly to find suitable school property sites, while also ensuring we are good stewards with our funds.
“I believe we accomplished our task of finding future school property while also making certain we were fiscally responsible I want to commend our Board of Education for sharing the foresight to purchase this property to better prepare our rapidly growing school system.”
In May 2024, the Jackson County Government agreed to purchase 70 acres of the land from the Board of Education that will be used as a park.
The 100 acres that will remain in possession of the Jackson County School System will be future sites for a new high school and middle school
Fiscal Responsibility
Since the start of the Fiscal
Year 2023, the Jackson County School System has been committed to ensuring an elevated level of fiscal responsibility. Through strategic planning, the system has paid off over $115,000,000 in debt and new construction, all without incurring new debt for the community Of the payments, $35,771,125 went toward paying off previous debt incurred through the voting of General Obligation bonds, while approximately $80 million went toward the construction of both Legacy Knoll Middle School and Heroes Elementary School. The construction for those facilities was paid for by use of SPLOST revenue, state capital outlay and general funds.
The Jackson County School System was able to officially pay off Legacy Knoll Middle School at the completion of its construction schedule in January of 2024
“This is a huge accomplishment
for our school system and something to celebrate within our community,” Brown said. “Through strategic planning we were able to accomplish the payoff of Legacy Knoll by use of SPLOST revenue funds. Our community recognized the need for SPLOST funds when they voted it into effect, and I am proud that our school system was able to make a significant impact to our community with those funds “As we continue to grow at a record pace, the partnership with our community will remain of critical importance to the success of our school system. We must be strategic with our future planning and our community plays a very important piece in shaping the future of public education inside Jackson County.” This was all completed while the Jackson County Board of Education lowered the school millage rate to its lowest rate in over 20 years In September 2023, the Board of Education approved the millage rate of 15 495
EMPOWER COLLEGE EMPOWER COLLEGE & CAREER CENTER & CAREER CENTER
Nestled on the corner of Highway 11 and Highway 129 in Jefferson, The Empower College and Career Center campus is located at the former home of Jackson County High School The Empower College and Career Center is a career academy that serves students from both East Jackson Comprehensive High School and Jackson County High School by offering a multitude of courses. These course offerings range from JROTC, agriculture, healthcare, construction, business and more. Through these courses, Empower served 1,961 students from both high schools during the 2023-24 school year with 75-minute block courses.
Empower is home to the award-winning Jackson-Empower Future Farmers of America (FFA), which boasts a wide-array of opportunities for students to get involved with agriculture, the state of Georgia’s number one business industry. The Jackson-Empower FFA was named a Gold Emblem Chapter for the second consecutive year in 2024, the highest honor the chapter may earn. The FFA program is also home to a newly elected Georgia State FFA Officer Additionally, Empower boasts multiple clubs, including the Future Business Leaders of America, which was named a Gold Champion Chapter in 2024.
In the spring of 2024, the Empower College and Career Center received its full accreditation from the state of Georgia, a rigorous certification where the academy received exemplary remarks. Additionally, the academy’s Audio and Video Pathway received its industry certification, becoming the second pathway program in two years to receive such an honor, after the Heavy Machinery Pathway earned the honor in 2023.
Dr. Meri Blackburn Chief Operating Officer
EAST JACKSON EAST JACKSON HIGH SCHOOL HIGH SCHOOL
East Jackson High School is the pride of the East Side, home to over 1,400 students in eighth through 12th grade A sprawling campus located off Old Hoods Mill Road in Commerce, East Jackson features a rigorous academic curriculum that has received multiple awards and honors throughout the past year.
Among the points of pride for EJHS in 2024 is being named a Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Beacon School. Additionally, East Jackson was named to the U S News and World Report Best High Schools Rankings in the spring of 2024, an honor bestowed to just the top 30 percent of high schools in the nation The Georgia Department of Education named East Jackson High School an AP Honor School in February 2024 The school specifically earned the honor in three categories AP Expansion School, showing more than 25 percent growth in Advanced Placement student participation; AP STEM and AP STEM Achievement. East Jackson also saw over 340 advanced placement courses administered during the 2023-24 school year. East Jackson also boasted two Governor’s Honors Program finalists and two National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists and one Questbridge Prep Scholar.
East Jackson is home to a variety of opportunities for students to become involved outside of the classroom, from 29 award-winning clubs to performing arts to 26 varsity athletic teams. East Jackson’s performing arts building was renamed in the fall of 2023 to the Tim and Lynne Wheeler Performing Arts Building to honor the commitment to public education by the Wheeler family.
Dr. Matt Stratemeyer Principal
JACKSON COUNTY JACKSON COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL HIGH SCHOOL
Jackson County High School was relocated to its current location in Hoschton in 2021 and is home to over 2,100 students JCHS is one of just 35 public high schools in the state of Georgia with an International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, which provides students with a highquality, challenging and international education. In addition to Advanced Placement courses, the IB program offers students an additional avenue to receive college course credit while in high school.
Jackson County High School was named to the U.S. News and World Report’s Best High Schools Rankings in 2024, an honor bestowed to just the top 30 percent of high schools in the nation. Additionally, Jackson County was named an AP Honor School by the Georgia Department of Education in the AP STEM category. Jackson County High School also received the AP Honor Roll Bronze and AP Access Award for fostering college-bound atmosphere and granting students opportunities to earn college credit and promoting equal Advanced Placement opportunities. JCHS boasted a Governor’s Honors Program finalist, one Georgia Scholar and one state champion wrestler during the 2023-24 school year
Students at JCHS have ample opportunities to get involved within the school community, from 31 award-winning clubs to award-winning performing arts and over 26 varsity athletic teams
Athletic director Brad Hayes was named the Class AAAAAA State of Georgia Athletic Director of the Year, while Band Director William Kilgore was named the Georgia Music Educators Association’s District 14 Music Educator of the Year and Sheri Koenig was named the NEGSACS High School Chemistry Teacher of the Year. JCHS is also home to the 2023 JCSS Support Person of the Year, Keith Ware.
Melissa Gillespie Principal
EAST JACKSON EAST JACKSON
MIDDLE SCHOOL MIDDLE SCHOOL
Johnathan Harris Principal
SSTAGE AWARD WINNER FOR PROMISING PRACTICES
GoldEmblemChapter
East Jackson Middle School is a sixth and seventh grade facility housed off Old Hoods Mill Road in Commerce
EJMS offers students a multitude of clubs, organizations and athletic offerings. The EJMS Junior Beta Team competed in the state competition and qualified for the national competition for the awardwinning Project Proposal and Lead Outside The Box projects.
EJMS is also home to the Northeast Georgia RESA winner for the Young Georgia Author’s competition, the second-consecutive year the school has been home to the region winner.
Athletically, EJMS competes in the Pac IX league, going head-tohead with local area middle schools from Jackson, Banks and Barrow County. East Jackson Middle claimed the league championship titles in girls cross country and girls and boys track and field, and finished runner up in boys cross country, boys basketball and volleyball.
The East Jackson Middle Future Farmers of America (FFA) program won several awards throughout the 2023-24 school year The chapter was named a 2024 Gold Emblem Chapter
In the spring of 2024, East Jackson Middle School was named the 2024 Student Support Team Association for Georgia Educators’ Award Winner for Promising Practices, an award that highlights the school’s commitment to top instructional practices, collaboration with the elementary and high schools, University of Georgia and Northeast Georgia RESA, along with the elaborate and comprehensive screening and clearly defined interventions for English Language Arts, Mathematics and behavior.
LEGACY KNOLL LEGACY KNOLL
MIDDLE SCHOOL MIDDLE SCHOOL
Legacy Knoll Middle School is located in the heart of the now threeschool campus in Hoschton, nestled in between Jackson County High School and the new Heroes Elementary School Legacy Knoll Middle School was officially opened in late July of 2023 and was home to over 650 students during the 2023-24 academic year.
Throughout the first year of existence, Legacy Knoll Middle built many new traditions while offering students a high-standard curriculum and opportunities to get involved within the school community. One point of pride for LKMS is the annual eighth grade trip to Washington, D.C. Another new tradition is the student-led Fanatics club, which allows students to get free admission into school events to cheer on fellow classmates, all while building community pride. Other first-year traditions included the Mummy and Me event, Blizzard Blast, 8th Grade Formal and Spring Fest
Home to the 2023 PAC IX Football Champions
LKMS competes in the Pac IX middle school athletic league The LKMS and West Jackson Middle School combined football team in 2023 won the league championship, going undefeated for a secondconsecutive season. Students at LKMS have the opportunity to participate in over 12 clubs and organizations and 16 athletic teams. In the 2023-24 school year, 242 students participated in at least one club Additionally, LKMS offers students multiple connections course offerings that include agriculture, art, band, chorus, family and consumer science, physical education, robotics and Spanish. In 2023-24, 11 LKMS band students were recognized with Georgia Music Educators Association District 14 honors.
Completely paid off in January 2024 without incurring any debt to community.
WEST JACKSON WEST JACKSON
MIDDLE SCHOOL MIDDLE
Lucie Ausburn Principal
Home to 11
PAC IX Athletic & Middle School
Championships in 2023-24
SCHOOL
West Jackson Middle School went through quite a transition preparing for the 2023-24 school year, following the opening of the new Legacy Knoll Middle School. WJMS saw its student enrollment drop from over 1,500 students to just under 900 students and saw the removal of all modular classrooms. For the 2024-25 school year, a new principal is at the helm for WJMS, as Mrs. Lucie Ausburn was approved by the Board of Education in July.
Athletically, West Jackson Middle School dominated the competition in the Pac IV league in 2023-24, winning 11 championships
WJMS was also the only school in the district to have two students earn an invitation to the state competition in the Bus Safety Poster Contest Students at West Jackson Middle School can participate in a multitude of clubs and organizations, including band, chorus, art, Academic Quiz Bowl, FCCLA, FFA, First LEGO League Robotics, Student Council, TOME Society and the WJMS Pro Wrestling Club.
Academically, students at West Jackson Middle School have a widerange of connections courses to choose from, including agriculture, art, band, chorus, yearbook, ESOL, family and consumer science, physical education, Read 180, robotics and Spanish.
The staff at West Jackson Middle School continued to receive accolades throughout the year, including sixth-grade science teacher Chloe Westhafer, who was named a recipient of the Don Cargill STEM Scholar Award, a recipient of the TangerKids Grant and the Maitland P. Simmons Memorial Award. Community involvement is a major cornerstone to West Jackson Middle School. The school hosts an annual Veterans Day ceremony and the annual Father-Daughter Valentine’s Day Dance in February
EAST JACKSON EAST JACKSON
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
East Jackson Elementary School is located off Old Hoods Mill Road in Commerce, sharing a campus with East Jackson Comprehensive High School Fresh off being named the 2023 SSTAGE Award Winner for Promising Practices, highlighting the school’s commitment to MultiTiered Systems of Support, East Jackson Elementary was the first Jackson County School System facility to earn the Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Lighthouse Distinction, the highest honor bestowed by the organization
The Lighthouse certification follows a thorough assessment into the school’s strengths and offers EJES the opportunity to collaborate on exemplary practices with other schools on a local, regional and national level.
East Jackson is committed to offering its students a wide-array of opportunities Students at EJES competed in LEGO League Robotics and Science Olympiad competitions Students were also recognized for their creation of “A Wrinkle in Time” by the Newberry Film Festival. East Jackson Elementary students also took part in the Capitol Art Expo. Students also have the opportunity to participate in the elementary agriculture program within the school.
The staff at EJES continues to soar Ali Merk, the school’s agriculture teacher, was awarded the Oconee River Grant in December, funding the purchasing of supplies for students to learn about harvesting, preserving and eating fresh fruit and vegetables. Additionally, Ms. Rebecca Rinckey was named the system’s Exemplary ESOL Teacher in May.
Allyson Pennington Principal
GUM SPRINGS GUM SPRINGS
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Gum Springs Elementary School is located on the west-side of Jackson County, adjacent to West Jackson Middle School Gum Springs was opened in 2007 and served over 1,100 students this past school year
Joshua Todd Principal
Literacy Leader
Gum Springs Elementary is a Pre-Kindergarten through fifth grade facility and was named a 2023 Literacy Leader by the Georgia Department of Education for the having one of the greatest improvements in third grade reading on the Georgia Milestones exam. Additionally, the Georgia Department of Education named GSES a 2023 Georgia Schools Care Bronze Star School for raising money to benefit students in need during the holiday season.
Gum Springs Elementary’s Science Olympiad once again had a dominating year. The team finished first in the district competition and third in the regional competition, a finish that earned the team a second straight qualification in the Georgia Elementary School State Science Olympiad competition Additionally, the GSES Gizmos LEGO League Team finished with the Champion’s Award and Robot Game Award at the district level, the Innovation Project Award in the regional competition, the Robot Performance Award and Champion’s Award in the Super Regional and third place in the state competition. Other clubs at GSES include the Drama, Panther Helpers, STEM, Secret STEM and Technology Club
GSES’ Kasey Sheridan, the school’s STEM teacher, was named a finalist for the Presidential Award for Mathematics and Science Teaching.
HEROES HEROES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Heroes Elementary School will open in August of 2024 and will be home to over 900 elementary students in grades Pre-Kindergarten through fifth grade The facility is fully funded by the Jackson County School System through use of SPLOST revenue funds, State Capital Outlay funds and use of the General Fund. The facility costs approximately $38,000,000 and becomes the seventh elementary school inside the Jackson County School System.
Heroes Elementary School was derived from the need to accommodate rapid growth occurring on the county’s west-side Students at Heroes Elementary School will be afforded the same academic and extracurricular activity opportunities as all elementaryaged students inside of the Jackson County School System.
Heroes Elementary School is a first of-its-kind, in terms of name and theme, for a public elementary school inside the United States of America When naming the newest elementary school, the Jackson County Board of Education made the decision to honor heroic careers throughout the school, to include members of the United States military, police officers, firefighters, medical personnel and educators. These heroic careers will be honored throughout the building and through special events held by school administration and the community. It is the intention of the JCSS Board of Education that the naming of Heroes Elementary School, the Jackson County community can always remember and honor the local heroes who have risen or currently rise to the occasion to protect and serve the community and nation.
Ground breaking on Aug. 16, 2023 Ribbon Cutting on July 27, 2024
125,551 squarefeet
Start-of-the-art playground inclusive for all students
Kristi Holloway Principal
MAYSVILLE MAYSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Dr. Katie Warwick Principal
Literacy Leader
Maysville Elementary School is located off Highway 82 in Maysville, and is home to over 450 students MES was named a Literacy Leader by the Georgia Department of Education after being the top school in the state in third grade reading improvement during the 2023 Georgia Milestones.
Additionally, Maysville Elementary School earned the Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Lighthouse Distinction, the highest honor bestowed upon a school by the organization As part of the honor, Maysville Elementary will have the opportunity to collaborate on exemplary practices with schools on a local, regional and national level.
Maysville Elementary was awarded The Leader in Me Grant by the Georgia Department of Education in May of 2024, a total of $31,769.82, to focus on building leadership and life skills in students and staff by creating a high-culture of trust and accelerating academic achievement Students at Maysville have the opportunity to get involved with multiple clubs and teams, including LEGO League Robotics.
Maysville Elementary is a school built on community partnerships. As part of the ongoing partnerships with local organizations, Maysville Elementary was once again able to provide a piece of clothing to each student within the school In 2023, every student in Maysville received a new winter jacket This year, students received a pair of shoes This is thanks to the donation from Maysville Baptist Church. MES boasts a brand new playground on the property, a courtyard garden and is one of the first facilities to have audio enhancement devices inside classrooms.
NORTH JACKSON NORTH JACKSON
North Jackson Elementary School is one of the most diverse schools in the state, with over 25 native languages and countries represented in its student body. North Jackson serves the Talmo and Pendergrass communities with a Pre-Kindergarten through Fifth grade curriculum. Principal Troy Johnson describes the school as a little school with a big heart
That big heart is evident in the school’s commitment to family connections. NJES has an established Care Closet, where the school is able to provide food, snacks, clothing and school supplies. Additionally, the school hosted Operation Christmas, where over 30 families were hosted by the school.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 25
The school also hosts International Family Night, Kindergarten Kickoff, All-Pro Dads, Grandparents’ Week, NJES Loves Reading Campaign, Holiday Reading Night, Fall Festival, Goodies with Guardians and the Reindeer Run 5K and Fun Run.
The students at NJES had additional opportunities to get involved within the school community this school year. NJES established a new Kindness Crew and launched its first-ever Science Olympiad Team NJES is also home to its own school garden.
The staff at NJES received a multitude of grants this year. The school received $4,000 for the Opportunity Math Grant, $3,000 for the Whole Kids Foundation Garden Grant and $2,000 for the Georgia Department of Education’s Kindness Grant Additionally, Kristen Bowen was named the CLASE Model Teacher and Educator of the month NJES feeds into Legacy Knoll Middle School.
languages& countries representedwithin studentbody
Troy Johnson Principal
SOUTH JACKSON SOUTH JACKSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Amy Adams Principal
South Jackson Elementary School is the educational home to over 700 students in grades Pre-K through fifth grade, and is located on New Kings Bridge Road in Athens South Jackson Elementary is under the leadership of Amy Adams, who will be entering her second year as principal during the 2024-25 school year.
Under the direction of Adams, South Jackson showed one of the biggest improvements in state test scores of any school inside the Jackson County School System during the spring 2024 assessment period Additionally, South Jackson saw an increase in community and family engagement opportunities, along with a climb in membership of the school’s Parent Teacher Organization.
Students at South Jackson Elementary have ample opportunities to get involved during and after the school day. As part of a new initiative by the leadership team at SJES, all students have the ability to attend Eagle Experiences during in-school hours, compared to the normal afterschool club meeting options. This offering affords all students the ability to participate in clubs outside of the classroom setting. Additionally, students at SJES may participate in Good News Club, Science Olympiad, and LEGO League Robotics. The LEGO League Robotics team won a trophy for demonstrating exceptional core values during the regional meet in December South Jackson Elementary is proud to have added the STEM Specials to student offerings this school year.
South Jackson was awarded $2,100 by the TangerKids Grant Program for an Adaptive Playground Communication Board.
WEST JACKSON WEST JACKSON
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
West Jackson Elementary School is the largest elementary school inside Jackson County Located in Hoschton, West Jackson Elementary is a Pre-Kindergarten through Fifth grade facility with over 1,200 students during the 2023-24 school year.
WJES is one of just 44 elementary schools in Georgia to be a certified STEAM School, which places an emphasis on incorporating Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics into all curriculum areas As part of being a STEAM certified school, West Jackson Elementary hosts a STEAM Showcase to administrators from systems throughout the state. WJES features its own green house, weather station, garden, live chickens, rabbits and goats.
The WJES Science Olympiad team had a stellar season this year, qualifying for the Georgia Elementary School State Science Olympiad competition for the first-time in school history. WJES also offers LEGO League Robotics, Fitness Club, Chorus, Dance Team, STEM Gems and STEM Gents and the Good News Club.
The staff at WJES continues to earn accolades. Dr. Stephanie Westhafer was named the 2023 JCSS District Teacher of the Year. Additionally, Westhafer was named the Georgia Science Teacher’s Association’s Elementary School Representative
A pair of WJES staff members Jessica Frazer and Kathy Venable also received the Don Cargill STEM Scholar Award, a $500 award to incorporate STEM into the classroom setting.
