GOVERNANCE TEAM
FROM THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
The 2025-26 school year will be remembered as a year of achievement, transition, and opportunity for Oconee County Schools. As we reflect on the accomplishments of our students and staff, the Oconee County Board of Education is grateful for the collective effort that continues to make our district one of the nation’s premier public school systems.
Students reached their goals in the classroom, in athletic venues, on stages, and through service to others throughout the year. From academic honors and state recognition to championship performances and artistic accomplishments, students across the district demonstrated the talent, character, and determination that define Oconee County Schools. Their success reflects not only individual effort but also the support of educators, families, and community members who believe deeply in public education.
The 2025-26 school year also marked an important chapter in district history. Following the retirement of Dr. Jason Branch after more than a decade of service as Superintendent, Dr. Debra Harden provided steady leadership during the transition period. In October, the Board welcomed Dr. Melissa Butler as the district’s next Superintendent. Her vision, energy, and student-centered approach have already helped position Oconee County Schools for continued success.
The strength of our school system extends beyond individual accomplishments. It is reflected in the relationships among schools, families, businesses, civic organizations, and local government. Those partnerships create opportunities for students and strengthen our community.
As another successful year comes to a close, the Board remains focused on preparing students and supporting staff members while being a responsible steward of public resources. We are thankful for the trust placed in us and look forward to the opportunities ahead.
Sincerely,
Michael Ransom, Board Chair
Ryan Hammock, BoardViceChair
Adam Hammond
Amy Parrish
Brock Toole
FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT
Oconee County Schools has much to be proud of, and this Annual Report provides an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of our students, employees, schools, and community.
Throughout the year, our students continued to excel in academics, athletics, fine arts, leadership, and service. They achieved at the highest levels, represented our schools with pride, and demonstrated the character, determination, and commitment that define Oconee County Schools.
These accomplishments do not happen by accident. They are made possible by talented educators, dedicated support staff, engaged families, strong community partners, and a Board of Education that remains focused on providing exceptional opportunities for every student. Across our district, there is a shared commitment to high expectations, responsible stewardship, and doing what is best for students.
Since joining Oconee County Schools in October, I have had the opportunity to visit schools, attend events, and meet many of the students, employees, families, and community members who make this district so special. The pride and dedication found throughout Oconee County are evident, and I am grateful to be part of a community that values and supports public education.
While we celebrate the successes highlighted in this report, we also recognize that excellence requires continued growth. Oconee County Schools is committed to building on our strengths, embracing new opportunities, and continually improving the educational experience we provide. By working together and keeping students at the center of every decision, we will continue to build an even stronger future for our schools and community.
Thank you for your continued support of Oconee County Schools and for the important role you play in our success. I am honored to serve this community and look forward to all we will accomplish together in the years ahead.
Sincerely,
Melissa Butler, Ed.D.
CLASS OF 2026
#OCONEEFAMILY
The Class of 2026 was offered nearly $5.2 million in scholarships (excluding HOPE and the Zell Miller Scholarship) and was accepted to the following colleges, universities, and military academies.
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
Agnes Scott College
Albany State University
Albion College
Anderson University
Appalachian State University
Athens Technical College
Auburn University
Augusta University
Augustana College
Barton College
Baylor University
Belmont Abbey College
Belmont University
Bentley University
Berry College
Boston Conservatory at Berklee
Brandeis University
Brenau University
Brevard College
Brigham Young University
Brown University
Butler University
Carnegie Mellon University
Catholic University of America
Clark Atlanta University
Clayton State University
Clemson University
Coastal Carolina University
College of Charleston
College of Coastal Georgia
College of William and Mary
Colorado State University
Dalton State College
Davidson College
DePaul University
Duke Kunshan University
Duke University
East Carolina University
East Georgia State College
East Tennessee State University
Eckerd College
Elon University
Emerson College
Emmanuel University
Emory University
Erskine College
Florida A&M University
Florida Atlantic University
Florida Institute of Technology
Furman University
Gardner Webb University
George Washington University
Georgia College and State University
Georgia Gwinnett College
Georgia Institute of Technology
Georgia Southern University
Georgia Southwestern University
Georgia State University
High Point University
Indiana University-Bloomington
Ithaca College
Jacksonville State University
Jacksonville University
James Madison University
Johnson & Wales University
Kansas State University
Kennesaw State University
Kenyon College
King University
Lanier Technical College
Lenoir-Rhyne University
Liberty University
Long Island University
Louisiana State University
Loyola University, Chicago
Lynn University
Marymount Manhattan College
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Mercer University
Michigan State University
Middle Georgia State University
Middle Tennessee State University
Mississippi State University
Montana State University
Mount Holyoke College
Murray State University
New York Institute of Technology
New York University, Shanghai
North Carolina A&T State University
North Carolina State University
Northeastern University
Northern Illinois University
Northwest Missouri State University
Nova Southeastern University
Oberlin College
Ohio State University
Oglethorpe University
Oxford College of Emory University
Palm Beach Atlantic
Penn State University
Pfeiffer University
Piedmont University
Presbyterian College
Princeton University
Purdue University- Fort Wayne
Rhode Island College
Rochester Institute of Technology
Roosevelt Warm Springs
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Samford University
San Diego State University
Savannah College of Art and Design
Savannah State University
Seton Hall University
Sewanee: University of the South
Shawnee State University
Shorter University
Southern Adventist University
Southern Wesleyan University
St. John’s University
St. Mary’s College of Maryland
St. Thomas University
Stetson University
Stony Brook University
Syracuse University
Taylor University
Tennessee Wesleyan University
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
Toccoa Falls College
Troy University
Truett McConnell University
Tufts University
Tulane University
United States Air Force
United States Marine Corps
United States Military Academy
United States Naval Academy
University College London
University of Alabama
University of California-Los Angeles
University of Central Florida
University of Cincinnati
University of Colorado
University of Connecticut
University of Denver
University of Florida
University of Georgia
University of Iowa
University of Kentucky
University of Massachusetts Boston
University of Miami
University of Michigan
University of Minnesota
University of Mississippi
University of Missouri
University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
University of North Carolina-Charlotte
University of North Carolina-Wilmington
University of North Florida
University of North Georgia
University of Oregon
University of Pittsburgh
University of Richmond
University of South Carolina
University of South Carolina Upstate
University of Southern California
University of Sydney
University of Tampa
University of Tennessee
University of Tennessee-Chattanooga
University of Tennessee-Memphis
University of Utah
University of Vermont
University of Virginia
University of Washington
University of West Georgia
University of Manchester
Utah State University
Valdosta State University
Vanderbilt University
Virginia Tech
Viterbo University
Wake Forest University
Washington and Lee University
Washington University
Webster University
Wentworth Institute of Technology
Western Carolina University
Wingate University
Wofford College
Young Harris College
ABOUT OCONEE COUNTY SCHOOLS
SCHOOLS
12 Total
• Primary (1) Oconee County
• Elementary (6) Colham Ferry, Dove Creek, High Shoals, Malcom Bridge, Oconee County, Rocky Branch
• Middle (3) Dove Creek, Malcom Bridge, Oconee County
• High (2) North Oconee, Oconee County
STUDENTS
8,282 Total
• Gifted - 24.7%
• Special Needs - 12%
• ESOL - 3%
• Native Languages - 34
• White - 76.8%
• Hispanic - 8%
• Asian/Pacific Islander - 6.9%
• Multiracial - 4%
• Black - 3.5%
EMPLOYEES
1,075 Total Full Time
• 692 Certified
• 383 Support Staff
BUDGET INFORMATION
• Operating Budget: $120,526,304
• Local Revenue: $56,573,678
• State Revenue: $62,582,082
PER PUPIL EXPENDITURES
2024-25
One of the lowest in Georgia
• Oconee - $11,772.88
• Barrow - $12,767.19
• Jackson - $12,955.56
• Oglethorpe - $13,049.09
• Clarke - $$20,240.16
MILLAGE RATE
One of the lowest in Northeast Georgia
• Oconee - 13.962
• Oglethorpe - 14.962
• Jackson - 15.324
• Barrow - 15.695
• Clarke - 18.80
GRADUATION RATE
Class of 2025
Highest rate in Georgia among systems with 250+ graduates
• Oconee - 99.7%
• Georgia - 87.2%
DUAL ENROLLMENT COURSES
• 59% of seniors participated in DE (374 or 635)
• 1390 total DE courses (for all eligible students)
SAT ACHIEVEMENT
2024-25
Ranked #3 in Georgia
• Oconee - 1158
• Georgia - 1029
• U.S. - 996
ACT ACHIEVEMENT
2024-25
Ranked #4 in Georgia
• Oconee - 24.2
• Georgia - 21.4
• U.S. - 19.4
POST-SECONDARY ENROLLMENT
Class of 2025
• $5.2 million in scholarships (excluding HOPE and Zell Miller)
• 179 institutions of higher learning
• 4 military branches
TRANSPORTATION
• 821,755 - Total Route Miles
• 710,589 - Total Field Trip Miles
• 7107,283 - Total Field Trip Miles
• 3,883 - Route Miles Daily
NUTRITION
720,800 Total Meals Served
• 563,386 Lunches
• 157,414 Breakfasts
• 4,026 Meals Served Daily
Information reflects the 2025-26 school year unless otherwise noted.
ABOUT OCONEE COUNTY SCHOOLS
#OCONEEFAMILY
COUNTY WITH BEST PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN AMERICA
BLUE RIBBON SCHOOLS OF EXCELLENCE
• Colham Ferry Elementary
• Dove Creek Elementary
• High Shoals Elementary
• Malcom Bridge Elementary
• Malcom Bridge Middle
• North Oconee High
• Oconee County Elementary
• Oconee County Middle
• Oconee County Primary
• Rocky Branch Elementary
*10 of the 400-plus nationwide schools chosen since 2003 as National Blue Ribbon Lighthouse Schools of Excellence are in Oconee County.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION NATIONAL
BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL
• High Shoals Elementary
STEM-CERTIFIED SCHOOL
• Colham Ferry Elementary
GREATSCHOOLS.ORG COLLEGE SUCCESS AWARD
• North Oconee High
• Oconee County High
TITLE I DISTINGUISHED SCHOOLS
• Colham Ferry Elementary
• Oconee County Elementary
• Oconee County Primary
ADVANCED PLACEMENT SCHOOLS OF DISTINCTION
• North Oconee High
• Oconee County High
EXEMPLARY SCHOOL BOARD
• One of the top designations from the Georgia School Boards Association
TOP 20 PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN GEORGIA
As ranked byNiche District:
• #1 Oconee County Schools
Elementary:
• #5 Malcom Bridge
• #15 Rocky Branch
• #19 High Shoals
#1
FINANCIAL EFFICIENCY STAR RATING
Middle:
• #4 Malcom Bridge
• #11 Oconee County
High:
• #16 North Oconee
SPORTS YEAR IN REVIEW
Oconee County High:
• 2 Team State Championships
• 5 Individual State Champions
• 1 Relay State Championship
• 4 State Team Runner-Ups
• 2 State Semifinal Appearances
• 5 Elite 8 Appearances
#1 COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM IN GEORGIA
• 5 Area or Region Championships
• 5 Area or Region Runner-up Finishes
• 22 Sports Qualified for State Playoffs
• GADA Director’s Cup: AAA 3rd Place; Boys AAA Champions; Girls 4th Place
North Oconee High:
• 2 Team State Championships
• 5 Individual State Champions
• 2 State Team Runner-Ups
• 5 Elite 8 Appearances
• 17 Area or Region Championships
• 4 Area or Region Runner-up Finishes
• 23 Sports Qualified for State Playoffs
• GADA Director’s Cup: AAAA- Overall 2nd Place; Boys 5th Place; Girls 3rd Place; 8-AAAA Champions
Dove Creek Middle:
• Apalachee Athletic Conference Football Champions (2nd year in a row)
• Apalachee Athletic Conference Boys Soccer Champions
Oconee County Middle:
• Boys Div. 2 title at the Georgia State Cross-Country Champions
• Girls Div. 2 title at the Georgia State Cross-Country Runner-Up
• Apalachee Athletic Conference Boys Cross-Country Champions (3rd year in a row)
• Apalachee Athletic Conference Girls Cross-Country Champions (3rd year in a row)
• Boys JV Georgia State Cross Country Champions
• Girls JV Georgia State Cross Country Champions
• Apalachee Athletic Conference Girls Basketball Champions
• Apalachee Athletic Conference Girls Soccer Champions (7th year in a row)
COLHAM FERRY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Home of the Mustangs
Mr. Michael Stanton Principal
Mrs. Kandice Ivarie Assistant Principal
• CCRPI Content Mastery score of 97.9
• No. 55 among Georgia elementary schools by SchoolDigger
• Top 9.3 percent of Georgia elementary schools by U.S. News & World Report
• 2025 Title I Distinguished School by the Georgia Department of Education
• PBIS School of Distinction by the Georgia Department of Education
• 2024-2025 Literacy Leader by the Georgia Department of Education
• Silver recognition in the Highest Performing category through the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement’s 2026 Single Statewide Accountability System Awards
• John Hancock Award from the Georgia Department of Education for excellence in cursive writing and instruction
• One of 10 schools selected statewide to receive the School Bell Award from the Georgia Association of Elementary School Principals
• 5-Star Climate Rating from the Georgia Department of Education
DOVE CREEK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Dr. Grace Staniszewski Principal
Ms. Maggie Allen Assistant Principal
• Two-time National Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Lighthouse School
• 2024-25 GASEP School Bell Award Winner for Curriculum and Organizational Leadership
• 2026 NAESP Gold Star School - Inaugural Awardee
• State Superintendent “Georgia Literacy Leader” and “Math Leader”Awards
• 2026 Georgia Office of Student Achievement Silver Highest Performing Award
• National Junior Beta Club School of Distinction for Character, Service, and Achievement
• Two-time Positive Behavior Intervention Supports Distinguished School
• 2 Georgia DOE Teacher Fellowship Recipients
• 2 Don Cargill STEM Scholar Award Winners
• 2026 GAESP Educational Patron Award for our World Class PTO and Community Partnerships
• 2025-26 Walton EMC & Oconee Chamber Grants Recipient
• Georgia DOE 5/5 Star Climate Rating
• 2026 Georgia DOE Gold Grant Recipient
HIGH SHOALS
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Home of the Hawks
Ms. Sara Bailey Principal
• CCRPI Content Mastery score of 97.7
NATIONAL
Ms. Chelsea Palmer Assistant Principal
• No. 19 among Georgia elementary schools in Niche’s 2026 Best Schools rankings
• No. 95 among Georgia elementary schools by SchoolDigger
• Top 9.3 percent of Georgia elementary schools by U.S. News & World Report
• U.S. Department of Education National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence
• Two-time Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School of Excellence
• PBIS School of Distinction by the Georgia Department of Education
• Silver recognition in the Highest Performing category through the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement’s 2026 Single Statewide Accountability System Awards
• John Hancock Award from the Georgia Department of Education for excellence in cursive writing and instruction
• Combined $1,759 in Walton EMC EmPOWERment Grants for social skills supports and a classroom cooking cart
MALCOM BRIDGE
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Home of the Eagles
Mr. Eric Watson Principal
• CCRPI Content Mastery score of 99.7
Ms. Stacy Peters Assistant Principal
• No. 5 among Georgia elementary schools in Niche’s 2026 Best Schools rankings
• No. 70 among Georgia elementary schools by SchoolDigger
• Top 9.3 percent of Georgia elementary schools by U.S. News & World Report
• PBIS Operational School by the Georgia Department of Education
• Three-time Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School of Excellence
• Bronze recognition in the Greatest Gain category through the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement’s 2026 Single Statewide Accountability System Awards
• John Hancock Award from the Georgia Department of Education for excellence in cursive writing and instruction
• 2024-2025 National Beta School of Distinction
• Home to the Georgia Association of Colleges for Teacher Education Mentor Teacher Award winner
OCONEE COUNTY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Home of the Chiefs
Ms. Kim Griffith Principal
• CCRPI Content Mastery score of 100.0
Ms. Dori Davis Assistant Principal
• No. 66 among Georgia elementary schools by SchoolDigger
• Top 9.3 percent of Georgia elementary schools by U.S. News & World Report
• 2025 Title I Distinguished School by the Georgia Department of Education
• National Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School of Excellence
• PBIS School of Distinction by the Georgia Department of Education
• 2024-2025 Math Leader by the Georgia Department of Education
• $5,715 Walton EMC EmPOWERment Grant to expand student opportunities beyond the basics
• The Chiefs Cup initiative provides students with special needs real-world learning opportunities
• $50,000 grant for adaptive playground equipment
Ms. Shelby Hilley Principal
OCONEE COUNTY PRIMARY SCHOOL
Home of the Little Chiefs
NATIONAL BLUE RIBBON LIGHTHOUSE SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE
• CCRPI Content Mastery score of 97.4
Mrs. Jennifer Dalton Assistant Principal
• No. 66 among Georgia elementary schools by SchoolDigger
• 2025 Title I Distinguished School by the Georgia Department of Education
• PBIS School of Distinction by the Georgia Department of Education
• Silver recognition in the Highest Performing category through the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement’s 2026 Single Statewide Accountability System Awards
• National Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School of Excellence
• Making The Shade grant presented by the U.S. Forest Service, resulting in the planting of 25 trees around the playground
• Outdoor classroom spaces, gardens, and an educational trail featured
• Project-based learning initiatives for kindergarten, first-grade, and second-grade students offered
• STEM opportunities in areas including art, gardening, robotics, and problem solving provided
Ms. Sara Johnson Principal
ROCKY BRANCH
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Home of the Rockets
Ms. Jennifer Hutcherson Assistant Principal
GOVERNOR’S OFFICE OF STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
• CCRPI Content Mastery score of 98.5
• No. 15 among Georgia elementary schools in Niche’s 2026 Best Schools rankings
• No. 71 among Georgia elementary schools by SchoolDigger
• Top 9.3 percent of Georgia elementary schools by U.S. News & World Report
• Gold recognition in both the Greatest Gain and Highest Performing categories through the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement’s 2026 Single Statewide Accountability System Awards
• John Hancock Proficiency Ribbon from the Georgia Department of Education for excellence in cursive writing and instruction
• $8,315 Walton EMC EmPOWERment Grant for a book vending machine initiative
• Governor’s Office of Student Achievement Greatest Gains and Highest Performing Gold Awards
• 2025 State School of Character (only school in Georgia; 1 of 98 in America)
• Character.org Promising Practice designation
Dr. Michael Eddy Principal
DOVE CREEK MIDDLE SCHOOL
Home of the Knights
Dr. Lisa Vaughn | Mr. Brian Roberson Assistant Principals
• CCRPI Content Mastery score of 98.1
• No. 16 among Georgia middle schools by SchoolDigger
• PBIS School of Distinction by the Georgia Department of Education
• 2024-2025 Math Leader by the Georgia Department of Education
• 2024-2025 National Beta School of Merit and a National Beta School of Distinction
• Apalachee Athletic Conference championships in football and boys soccer, with football capturing back-to-back titles through undefeated seasons
• FBLA National Leadership Conference qualifiers
• Home to the Daughters of the American Revolution essay contest regional and state winner
• Home to the District Spelling Bee winner
• $1,457 Walton EMC EmPOWERment Grant for World Book Encyclopedia 2026 resources in the Learning Commons
• Safe Online Surfing national award for cybersafety and digital citizenship from the Federal Bureau of Investigation
Dr. Brock Holley Principal
MALCOM BRIDGE
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Home of the Lightning
Mrs. Chelsey Manning | Mrs. Lisa Thomas Assistant Principals
• CCRPI Content Mastery score of 99.2
• No. 4 among Georgia middle schools in Niche’s 2026 Best Schools rankings
• No. 19 among Georgia middle schools by SchoolDigger
• Top 3.1 percent of Georgia middle schools by U.S. News & World Report
• PBIS School of Distinction by the Georgia Department of Education
• 2024-2025 Math Leader by the Georgia Department of Education
• 2024-2025 National Beta School of Merit
• Silver recognition in the Highest Performing category through the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement’s 2026 Single Statewide Accountability System Awards
• FBLA National Leadership Conference qualifiers
• Home to the National Association of Agricultural Educators’ Outstanding Early Career Teacher Award winner
• $8,167 Walton EMC EmPOWERment Grant for timpani for the middle school band program
OCONEE COUNTY MIDDLE
SCHOOL
Home of the Braves
2-TIME GASSP BREAKOUT SCHOOL
Anne Poss Principal
• CCRPI Content Mastery score of 94.4
• No. 11 among Georgia middle schools in Niche’s 2026 Best Schools rankings
• No. 39 among Georgia middle schools by SchoolDigger
• Top 3.1 percent of Georgia middle schools by U.S. News & World Report
• PBIS School of Distinction by the Georgia Department of Education
• 2024-2025 Math Leader by the Georgia Department of Education
• 2024-2025 National Beta School of Distinction
• State championships in varsity boys and junior varsity cross country and Apalachee Athletic Conference championships in girls basketball and girls soccer
• FBLA National Leadership Conference qualifiers
• Home to the Georgia Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association Animal Sciences Teacher of the Year
• Annual host of the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, celebrating survivors and caregivers while remembering loved ones lost
Ms.
Ms. Katie Hunter | Mr. Josh Martz Assistant Principals
NORTH OCONEE
HIGH SCHOOL Home of the Titans
Mr. Keith Carter Principal
• CCRPI Content Mastery score of 98.6
• 2025-2026 Best High School selection in national and state rankings by U.S. News & World Report
• No. 509 nationally and No. 14 in Georgia by U.S. News & World Report
• No. 15 among Georgia high schools by SchoolDigger
• No. 16 among Georgia high schools by Niche
• 2024-2025 Literacy Leader by the Georgia Department of Education
• 2024-2025 College Success Award from GreatSchools
• 2026 Advanced Placement Honor School by the Georgia Department of Education
• AP School of Distinction, AP Humanities School, AP Humanities Achievement School, AP STEM School, and AP STEM Achievement School
• 100 percent graduation rate in 2025
• No. 22 in Georgia for SAT performance
• 24.1 average ACT score
• Blue Ribbon School of Excellence
• First state championship in flag football
Ms. Cassy Moon | Dr. Seth Rhine | Mr. Jackson Huckaby Assistant Principals
OCONEE COUNTY HIGH
SCHOOL Home of the Warriors
Mr. Matt Stephens Principal
• CCRPI Content Mastery score of 96.3
TOP 6 PERCENT OF SCHOOLS NATIONWIDE
Ms. Kelly Maffeo | Dr. Curt Miller | Dr. Alyssa House Assistant Principals
• 2025-2026 Best High School selection in national and state rankings by U.S. News & World Report
• No. 1 ,127 nationally and No. 32 in Georgia by U.S. News & World Report
• No. 21 among Georgia high schools by SchoolDigger
• 2024-2025 College Success Award from GreatSchools
• AP School of Distinction, AP Humanities School, AP Humanities Achievement School, AP STEM School, and AP STEM Achievement School
• Gold recognition in the Greatest Gain category and Bronze recognition in the Highest Performing category through the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement’s 2026 Single Statewide Accountability System Awards
• 2026 Advanced Placement Honor School by the Georgia Department of Education
• 2024-2025 National Beta School of Merit and a National Beta School of Distinction
• 99.4 percent graduation rate in 2025
• No. 29 in Georgia for SAT performance
• Posted a 24.3 average ACT score
TEACHERS OF THE YEAR
#OCONEEFAMILY
Teachers should provide a fun, engaging, challenging, and positive atmosphere to help students learn. Teachers must be enthusiastic about their subject, build strong relationships with students, continually improve their practice, and deepen their content knowledge. I want my students to learn the subject, but I also want them to enjoy the process of learning.
Jon Cotton Oconee County Middle
Craig Ellis Oconee County High
Laura Goulder Dove Creek Elementary
Becky Irvin Malcom Bridge Elementary
Allie Moree Dove Creek Middle
Leigh Anne Shore Colham Ferry Elementary
Brittney Dillard North Oconee High
Clare Eggleston High Shoals Elementary
Jessica Loshy Malcom Bridge Middle
Jennifer Manders Rocky Branch Elementary
Amy Waddell Oconee County Elementary
Shannon Wiley Oconee County Primary
Craig Ellis, Oconee County High School 2025-26 District Teacher of the Year
RETIRING EDUCATORS
VILLA PARENT ACADEMY
SEVENTH ANNUAL PARENT ACADEMY PROGRAM
Developed by the Georgia School Boards Association, VILLA (Volunteer Instructional Leadership Learning Academy) provides parents an opportunity to learn more about public schools in their local communities.
VILLA 2026 PARTICIPANTS
Colham Ferry Elementary: Trey Beavers, Lindsey Elder
Dove Creek Elementary: Derek Illston, Jessica Lewis
Dove Creek Middle: Jemelleh Coes, Travis Stephens
High Shoals Elementary: Malcom Bridge Elementary: Malcom Bridge Middle: Jessica Roberts, Katie Simmons
North Oconee High: Michelle Gilley, Mandy Rice
Oconee County Elementary: Lauren Littlefield, Karie Turpin
Oconee County High: Justin Barnette, Bjorn Stillion Southard
Oconee County Middle: Janet Ford, Catherine Kinnard
Oconee County Primary: Andrew Barnes, Megan Clark
Rocky Branch Elementary: Kyle Moore, Shinae Park
2,371 students enrolled in CTAE courses
122 students participated in Work-Based Learning
80 employers participated in Work-Based Learning
CAREER, TECHNICAL, & AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION (CTAE) AT NOHS & OCHS
PROGRAMS & ASSOCIATED STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS:
Agriculture - FFA
Business and Entrepreneurship - FBLA
Computer Science - FBLA
Early Childhood Education - FCCLA
Engineering - TSA Finance - FBLA
Graphic Design - SkillsUSA
Health Science - HOSA
Marketing - DECA
SUSTAINED EXCELLENCE & CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
