2026 JCSS Annual Report

2026 ANNUAL REPORT

This Edition 2

From The Superintendent

A welcome message from Superintendent Dr. Philip Brown

3

About JCSS

7

Three new schools in Hoschton are taking shape, getting closer to opening

9

A statistical look into the Jackson County School System

4

Class of 2026 Celebrate the Class of 2026 with a look into their future

5

Choose Jackson

Take a look into why staff and families are choosing Jackson County

New Schools Rising

School Leaders Meet the individuals who lead all 15 JCSS schools

10

School Spotlights

Learn more about all of the schools within the Jackson County School System

24

People of the Year

Meet the 2025-26 JCSS Teachers, Support People and Bus Drivers of the Year

25

Images of the Year

Take a look back at some of the best images from the 2025-26 school year

The 2026 Annual Report is a publication from the jackson county school system public relations department.

Annual Report | 1

www.jacksonschoolsga.org

THE JACKSON COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM GOVERANCE TEAM IS COMPRISED OF SUPERINTENDENT DR. PHILIP BROWN AND THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, WHICH INCLUDES MR. RICKY J. SANDERS (BOARD CHAIRMAN, DISTRICT 2), MR. ROB JOHNSON (DISTRICT 1), MRS. LYNNE MASSEY-WHEELER (VICE CHAIR, DISTRICT 4), MR. DON CLERICI (DISTRICT 5), AND MR. RYAN BROOKS (DISTRICT 3).

From the

Superintendent Dr. Philip Brown

I want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for the unwavering support you continue to show Jackson County Schools.

As our district grows in both size and opportunity, it is your commitment to our students, staff, and schools that makes this progress possible, fueling meaningful gains in student achievement across our system.

We are fortunate to serve a community that understands the value of education and actively invests in its success. Through strong partnerships with local businesses, the steadfast support of families, and ongoing collaboration with community organizations, our students are experiencing measurable academic growth and expanded opportunities for student success.

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Your involvement is not just supportive; it is directly contributing to improved outcomes for every learner we serve.

Growth brings both excitement and responsibility, and together, we are meeting that challenge with purpose and pride. Our shared commitment ensures that we are not only expanding, but doing so in a way that strengthens instruction, accelerates student learning, and maintains high expectations for achievement.

The success of our schools is evident in the continued growth of our students, and it reflects the strength of this community. I am continually encouraged by the way Jackson County comes together to support its schools, and, most importantly, to ensure every student reaches higher levels of success. www.jacksonschoolsga.org

About The Jackson County School System 11,480 Students 1,606 gifted 1,112 English language learners 1,968 special needs 57.3% White 23.6% Hispanic 9.8% Black 5.4% Multi-Racial 3.9% Other FY27 Tentative Budget $170,978,950 Total Revenue $170,971,720 Total Expenditures 15.324 Millage Rate *Tentative Budget; Final Budget Approved In Fall 2026 1.7+ Million Miles Driven Each Year 9,340 Average Daily Miles 142 Daily Number of Bus Routes 12,267 Students Transported Daily Approximately 1.718 million meals served in SY25-26 9,549 Daily Meals Served 100% Average Health Score Annual Report | 3

K-8 CONTENT MASTERY IMPROVEMENT SINCE 2022

EAST JACKSON ELEMENTARY

11.70 points

GUM SPRINGS ELEMENTARY

16.3 points

MAYSVILLE ELEMENTARY

17.9 points

NORTH JACKSON ELEMENTARY

6.5 points

SOUTH JACKSON ELEMENTARY

2.9 points

WEST JACKSON ELEMENTARY

5.9 points

EAST JACKSON MIDDLE

10.4 points

LEGACY KNOLL MIDDLE*

10.2 points

WEST JACKSON MIDDLE

7.3 points

EAST JACKSON HIGH 8TH GRADE**

15.2 points

*SHOWS IMPROVEMENT FROM 2024 TO 2025 ** SHOWS IMPROVEMENT FROM 2023 TO 2025

4 www.jacksonschoolsga.org

CLASS OF 2 26 The Class of 2026 was accepted into the following colleges and universities, in addition to seniors entering the U.S. Military in the branches of U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, U.S. Marines and U.S. Army National Guard. The Class of 2026 at East Jackson High School and Jackson County High School combined to receive over $18.372 million in college scholarships.

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Andrew College Athens Technical College Augusta University Benedict College Bergen College Berry College Brenau University Chattahoochee Technical College The Citadel College of Coastal Georgia Columbus State University Emmanuel College Emory University Florida Gulf Coast University Florida International University Furman University Glasgow University (U.K.) Georgia College & State University Georgia Gwinnett College Georgia Institute of Technology Georgia Southern University Georgia State University

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Gwinnett Technical College Grand Valley State University Iowa Western Community College Kennesaw State University Lanier Technical College Mercer University Middle Georgia State University North Georgia Technical College North Greenville University Piedmont University Rutgers Camden School of Engineering Savannah State University Spellman College Toccoa Falls College Truett McConnell University University of Chicago University of Georgia University of North Georgia University of South Florida University of West Georgia Valdosta State University Wesleyan College Western Carolina University

www.jacksonschoolsga.org

Choose Jackson Why Staff & Families Choose JCSS

J

ackson County is no longer one of Georgia’s best-kept secrets.

Nestled in the rolling hills of Northeast Georgia, the Jackson County School System has become one of the fastest-growing school districts in the nation. And families are taking notice.

As the 2025-26 school year concluded in May, enrollment in Jackson County surpassed 11,440 students, marking another year of unprecedented growth. Despite the rapid expansion, the district has managed to hold onto something many communities lose along the way: a small-town feel rooted in relationships, opportunity, and pride.

2025-26 Legacy Knoll Middle School Teacher of the Year Kristen Butkovich was selected as the 2025-26 District Teacher of the Year.

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For Superintendent Dr. Philip learning environments, Jackson Brown, the district’s success comes County’s facilities rival those down to one thing. found elsewhere.

“People want to be part of a But district leaders say the community where students are buildings are only part of the story. known, valued, and supported,” “We hear it all the time from Brown said. “In Jackson County, parents moving here,” said Brown. we’ve worked hard to create “They love that our schools are schools where children can thrive modern and well-equipped, but academically, socially, and what really wins them over is the emotionally while families feel atmosphere. Our schools still feel connected and welcomed.” personal.”

That vision has transformed Unlike many rapidly growing Jackson County into a destination systems forced into overcrowded district for both families and classrooms and mega-sized educators. schools, Jackson County has Across the county, beautiful intentionally prioritized smaller modern campuses stand as visible school environments that allow reminders of the community’s students to build relationships investment in education. From with teachers and peers. cutting-edge classrooms and The need for smaller school performing arts spaces to athletic environments is based on complexes and collaborative community feedback, www.jacksonschoolsga.org

teams, marching bands, cheerleaders, and student-athletes.

But athletics in Jackson County extend far beyond football.

Students can participate in a wide variety of sports programs that continue to grow in competitiveness and visibility statewide. From wrestling and volleyball to soccer, baseball, softball, and track and field, Jackson County schools offer students countless ways to stay connected and engaged.

“Our athletic programs build leadership, discipline, and community pride,” said Jackson County Athletic Director Brad Hayes. “Families appreciate that their children have opportunities to compete and belong.”

The district’s opportunities in Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education are also becoming a Dr. Matt Stratemeyer, principal of East Jackson High School, says relationships with major draw. students matter, and separates Jackson County from other systems.

Through the district’s innovative Empower College & Career Center, students are gaining hands-on experience in high-demand career and was a major catalyst to the That reputation is attracting fields while still in high school. system constructing three new talented educators from across Programs in healthcare, schools that will open in August Georgia and beyond. Many staff engineering, agriculture, education, 2027 and 2028. members cite the supportive culture skilled trades, technology, and At East Jackson High School, and collaborative environment as business are helping students principal Dr. Matt Stratemeyer says reasons they choose Jackson graduate with industry that personal connection matters.

County. certifications, college credit, and “We know our students,” “We truly believe the culture we real-world experience.

Stratemeyer said. “We know their have established within our school “Empower is changing lives,” strengths, their goals, and often and system makes a tremendous Brown said. “Students are their families. That’s something difference when recruiting discovering passions and pathways people are searching for today — a educators,” said Allyson earlier than ever before.” school system where students aren’t Pennington, principal of East The career center is part of the just a number.”

Jackson Elementary School. “We system’s long-term vision: That combination of growth and want our educators to feel like their preparing every student for success, community has also helped fuel input is valued. Our community is a whether that path leads to college, dramatic academic improvement special place, and our educators are the workforce, the military, or across the district. the people who are forming the next entrepreneurship.

Over the past several years, generation of leaders who are going Jackson County students have to live and work in our community. posted gains in state testing, Having a culture where educators graduation rates, and college and are respected is a critical piece to career readiness measures. the success we are having in Teachers have embraced Jackson County.” innovative instructional practices Another major driver behind the while district leaders have focused district’s growth is its expansive heavily on student support and extracurricular and athletic professional learning. opportunities.

“Our teachers are exceptional,” Friday nights in Jackson County Brown said. “The reason our still feel like scenes from a classic students succeed is because we have Southern movie. Stadium lights educators who care deeply and glow across the county as constantly strive to improve.” communities rally around football Annual Report | 6

www.jacksonschoolsga.org

New Schools Rising From The Ground

Hoschton High School is set to become the Jackson County School System’s third high school.

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www.jacksonschoolsga.org

Hayes Farm Elementary School Hoschton High School Sell’s Mill Middle School

Hayes Farm Elementary School and Hoschton High School will open in Aug. 2027, with Sell’s Mill Middle School opening in Aug. 2028. The three new schools are located at the corner of Highway 332 and Boone Road in Hoschton.

In February, the Board of Education approved Dr. Nicole Matthews as the first-ever principal of HFES. In March, the BOE appointed Melissa Gillespie as the inaugural principal of HHS.

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www.jacksonschoolsga.org

School Leaders *HAYES FARM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AND HOSCHTON HIGH SCHOOL WILL OPEN IN AUGUST 2027

DR. PHILIP BROWN

ALLYSON PENNINGTON

DR. MATT STRATEMEYER

JOHNATHAN HARRIS

SUPERINTENDENT

EAST JACKSON ELEMENTARY

EAST JACKSON HIGH

EAST JACKSON MIDDLE

LACEY JAKES

JOSHUA TODD

DR. NICOLE MATTHEWS

AJA LEDFORD

EMPOWER C3

GUM SPRINGS ELEMENTARY

HAYES FARM ELEMENTARY

HEROES ELEMENTARY

MELISSA GILLESPIE

LEV HARTNUP

HOSCHTON HIGH

JACKSON COUNTY HIGH

DR. MIRIAM LEDFORD-LYLE LEGACY KNOLL MIDDLE

MAYSVILLE ELEMENTARY

DR. KATIE WARWICK

ALISON STOVER

AMY ADAMS

LORI KING

LUCIE AUSBURN

NORTH JACKSON ELEMENTARY

SOUTH JACKSON ELEMENTARY

WEST JACKSON ELEMENTARY

WEST JACKSON MIDDLE

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www.jacksonschoolsga.org

East Jackson High School Boys Wrestling Wins GHSA Class AA Traditional Championship

First-ever traditional state championship in school history One individual state champion Three individual state runner-up finishes EJHS Named Breakout School Winner

by GASSP

Demonstrates exceptional leadership, strong academic growth, and innovative practices that positively impact student success

Running With Success Boys cross country finished second in Class AA, while the girls finished third. The third place finish for the Lady Eagles was the best in school-history Boys track and field finished state runner-up

EJHS Named Gold Level AP Honor School

65% of students engaged in a college-going culture 40% of students earning college credit 15% of students participating in college optimization initiatives Annual Report | 10

www.jacksonschoolsga.org

East JacksonElementary Elementary School East Jackson School Named Distinguished PBIS School

First-time honor for East Jackson Elementary School, joining five other JCSS schools to make the list Met all five data categories established by the GaDoe for the PBIS program JCSS Foundation STEM Grant Recipient

EJES’ Emily Wibel and Whitney Jordan received the STEM Grant during the winter grant period The funds were used to support the sensory garden at East Jackson Elementary Ranked Among Nations Best Elementary Schools By U.S. News & World Report

Recognizes high performance on test scores in math and reading

Reading Is A Passion, And Is Fun!

EJES held multiple reading goal drives throughout the school year. Students at EJES reached all the benchmarks As a reward, the administration spent a day on the roof at EJES and slept overnight at the school Annual Report | 11

www.jacksonschoolsga.org

East Jackson Middle School EJMS Opens Eagles Nest Food Pantry

Opened in August 2025 Provides a wide range of student volunteer opportunities Offers food, water, laundry products, and other essential items to families in need EJMS Named Beta School of Merit

Honors club’s dedication and commitment of academic excellence Offers Beta Club opportunities to all students in eligible grades

EJMS Named Heart Safe School

Awarded in recognition of the school’s commitment and preparation for cardiac emergencies Successful training of staff to respond effectively in emergency situations

EJMS Among Nation’s Best Middle Schools

Recognizes high performance on test scores in math and reading

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www.jacksonschoolsga.org

Empower College & Career Center East Jackson Elementary School Jackson-Empower FFA Once Again Named Gold Medallion Chapter

Recognized for achieving the highest standards of excellence in its programming, operations, and community involvement Empower Named Lighthouse School

by Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Recognized for its student focus and support; school organization and culture; challenging standard and curriculum; active teaching and learning; technology and integration; professional community; leadership and education vitality Empower Named Heart Safe School

Recognized for Empower’s commitment and preparation to respond in the event of a cardiac emergency Successful implementation of the sudden cardiac arrest emergency program

AutoLab Has Successful First Year

Opened in Aug. 2025, the Empower Auto Lab provides students hands-on training Students can earn industry certifications Students complete oil changes, replace brakes, tires, transmissions Annual Report | 13

www.jacksonschoolsga.org

Gum SpringsElementary Elementary School East Jackson School GSES Named Literacy, Math Leader Named a Literacy and Math Leader by the Georgia Department of Education following state testing conducted at the end of the 2024-25 school year GSES also earned an A-rating by the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement

Distinguished at PBIS, yet again!

GSES was named a PBIS Distinguished School

by GaDoe for the second consecutive year Met all five data categories established by the GaDOE for the PBIS program

Gizmos Compete In International Competition For Second Straight Year The GSES Gizmos are a Lego League First Robotics Team The Gizmos qualified for state and competed in an international competition for the second straight summer

GSES Makes U.S. News & World Report’s List of Nation’s Best Elementary Schools

High proficiency levels in reading and math Students demonstrated high performance rates on their state assessments

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www.jacksonschoolsga.org

Elementary School East Heroes Jackson Elementary School HES Celebrates Students’ Heritage, Hosts International Festival Students and families brought a variety of cultural dishes Students participated in a fashion show showcasing traditional clothing from different cultures HES Named BETA School of Merit

Recognized during their inaugural year Students demonstrated leadership, character, service, and academic excellence Involved in the K-Kids Cans of Kindness Food Drive Play Fields Open At HES

Playfields were built to provide an additional outside space for students Field day events can now occur on the campus, along with outdoor physical education courses

Heroes Named Heart Safe School

Created a cardiac emergency response plan Designated a cardiac emergency response team

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www.jacksonschoolsga.org

County High School EastJackson Jackson Elementary School JCHS Named AP Honor School by Georgia Department of Education Recognized for its Advanced Placement offerings JCHS was named an AP School of Distinction, AP STEM and AP STEM Achievement School

Recognized with 2024-25 College Success Award

High graduation rates and strong college entrance exam results High percentage of graduates going on to high education institutions Senior Sole Bailey set Fastest 100Meter Hurdles mark in the Nation

Bailey finished the 100-meter hurdles with a time of 13.40 seconds, setting the fastest mark in the nation Also placed first in the 300-meter hurdles with a time of 42.72 seconds Football Captures First-Ever Region Title, School’s First Playoff Victories Panthers finished the season 11-2, winning the school’s first-ever Region 8-AAAAA championship Panthers earned their first-ever playoff win with a 50-7 win over Glynn Academy. The Panthers then defeated two-time state champion Milton 24-19 Annual Report | 16

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Knoll Middle School EastLegacy Jackson Elementary School LKMS Named Literacy, Math Leader

High proficiency and significant growth in reading and mathematics Year-over-year increases in mathematics This marks the second straight year LKMS earned such honors Barber Named GLMA’s Northeast Region’s Media Specialist Of The Year

Recognizes outstanding media specialists who go above and beyond for students Barber serves as media specialist, social media manager, communications and yearbook advisor Panthers To Sponsor First-Ever LKMS Football Team in 2026 Following three years of a combined football team with WJMS, the LKMS Panthers will host their own football team in 2026 The team held its first-ever spring game in May Celebrating Student Success At LKMS

As part of the school’s culture of recognizing student accomplishments, record walls were placed throughout the school Records include athletics, performing arts and CTAE Annual Report | 17

www.jacksonschoolsga.org

Maysville School East JacksonElementary Elementary School MES Named To List of Best Elementary Schools In Nation

High proficiency ratings in math and reading High performance ratings on state assesments High attendance rates PBIS Distinguished School, Yet Again!

MES was named a PBIS Distinguished School

by GaDOE for the second consecutive year Met all 6 data-driven outcome measures

MES Named Math Leader by GaDoe

Recognized for third-grade growth and fifth-grade gateway growth Demonstrates substantial improvement in the number of students scoring proficient or higher on Georgia Milestones assessments MES Named Beta School of Merit

Named a Beta School of Merit for the second consecutive year Includes all eligible grade levels in their Beta Club Annual Report | 18

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North JacksonElementary Elementary School East Jackson School NJES Honor As Distinguished School

NJES was named a Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) School by the Georgia Department of Education Met all five data categories set forth by GaDOE

NJES Named to U.S. News & World Report’s List of Best Elementary Schools

High proficiency in math and reading High attendance rates High rankings on state assesments

A 5-star Climate Rating On CCRPI

Indicates a school provides an excellent, safe, and supportive learning environment Awarded by the GaDOE, this is the highest rating achievable, measured by discipline rates, attendance, safety records, and survey feedback from students, teachers, and parents NJES Named Beta School of Merit

North Jackson earned the School of Merit honor in its first-year of ever sponsoring a BETA Club Organized a toy drive and created care packages for kids Annual Report | 19

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South JacksonElementary Elementary School East Jackson School SJES Named to List of Nation’s Best

High Performance on math and reading state assessments High satisfaction ratings from parents and students High proficiency ratings in math and reading PBIS Distinguished School at SJES

Met all five data categories set forth by GaDOE Built positive environments where relationships matter, expectations are clear, and learning is the priority SJES Receives Emily Dantzler Literacy Grant by JCSS Foundation Named in honor of Emily Dantzler, a former SJES educator who passed away from cancer Awarded in February 2026 to Stacey Blagg to incorporate podcasting to support literacy

South Jackson Named Beta School of Merit

Awarded to honor the club's dedication and commitment to academic excellence Organized and led meaningful community service projects, including the school's Veterans Day Ceremony Annual Report | 20

www.jacksonschoolsga.org

West JacksonElementary Elementary School East Jackson School West Jackson Elementary School Named GaDoe Literacy Leader

Demonstrates substantial improvement in the number of students scoring proficient or higher on Georgia Milestones assessments WJES Named to U.S. News & World Report’s List of Best Elementary Schools

High student proficiency and performance in reading and mathematics High performance ratings on state assessments WJES Establishes Beta Club

John W. Harris Leadership Award Winner

by National Beta West Jackson Elementary is one of just five elementary schools throughout the nation, and the only elementary school in the state, to earn the leadership award Teresa Swaim Named Georgia Pre-K Teacher of the Year

Teresa Swaim was named the state of Georgia’s Public Pre-K Teacher of the Year Swaim has served as a Pre-K Teacher at WJES since 2012 Annual Report | 21

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West Jackson Middle School East Jackson Elementary School WJMS Named Math Leader by GaDoe

West Jackson Middle School was recognized as a Math Leader following testing data from the 2024-25 year WJMS was recognized for its 8th grade math achievement West Middle Recognized As One of Nation’s Best Middle Schools

WJMS was to the U.S. News and World Report’s List of Best Middle Schools in October 2025 The list features the top 23,328 middle schools from throughout the nation WJMS Named Distinguished School

WJMS was named a Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) School by the Georgia Department of Education This recognizes the school’s commitment to all five data categories set forth by GaDoe WJMS Wins 10 Athletic Championships During 2025-26 School Year The Panthers continued to dominate the PAX XI league, winning 10 championships The titles were won in volleyball, girls cross country, softball, boys basketball, track and field, baseball, boys and girls tennis, and boys and girls soccer Annual Report | 22

www.jacksonschoolsga.org

Jackson County School System East Jackson Elementary School JCSS Establishes Foundation

Launched in May 2025, the JCSS Foundation has raised over $130,000 to enhance the educational experience The Foundation sponsors 14 staff grants and 15 student scholarships each year JCSS Awarded $20,000 Georgia Reads Grant

District leaders were recognized on Georgia Reads Day at the State Capitol in March JCSS received the money to support literacy initiatives throughout the system

JCSS Receives $73,000 From Zee Zees

Through the Grab The Tab Program, Zee Zees officially donated a check worth $73,000 to the Jackson County School System in April The check is part of a grant that wiped away student meal debt BOE Approves Additions to EJES, EJMS

The Jackson County Board of Education approved additions to East Jackson Elementary School and East Jackson Middle School in May 2026 New additions will add classroom space to both schools and will open in Aug. 2027 Annual Report | 23

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jcss pEOPLE OF THE yEAR

2025-26 TEACHERS OF THE YEAR KRISTIN BUTKOVICH (JCSS TEACHER OF THE YEAR), PAMELA RICHARDSON, KRISSY LANDERS, KELLY MCABEE, GAY CHANDLER, SHERI JACKSON, SCOTT MCCALL, MICHELLE KUBIAK, STEPHANIE HARRISON, CORTNEY CAMPBELL, BUCKY SORROW, BROOKE CURTIS, JOSHUA DARNELL 2025-26 SUPPORT PERSONS OF THE YEAR HALEY MEIER (JCSS SUPPORT PERSON OF THE YEAR), KARA MAWDESLEY, JODI SEARS, AUDILY NUNEZ, BRITTANY PEEVY, SCOTT BESS, PATRICIA GERALD, JOANNA BOST, MEGAN MCCOY, SUSAN MCDANIEL, LAUREN KEMP, APRIL BAGWELL, REBECCA WARREN, ANGELA BROOKS 2025-26 BUS DRIVERS OF THE YEAR RHONDA COLLINS (JCSS DRIVER OF THE YEAR), SCOTT BECK, BRENDA NEAL Annual Report | 24

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Enhancing The Educational Experience STAFF GRANTS | STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS STAFF APPRECIATION | EDUCATIONAL & COMMUNITY INITIATIVES

Est. 2025

BECOME A PARTNER TODAY TO SUPPORT PUBLIC EDUCATION INSIDE JACKSON COUNTY! WWW.JCSSFOUNDATION.ORG

Jackson County School System 1660 Winder Highway Jefferson, GA 30549 www.jacksonschoolsga.org www.jcssfoundation.org

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