CCSD

The CCSD announced that Dr. Jennifer Scott will assume the superintendent position on an interim basis for the 2025-26 school year.

The CCSD held a Mental Health Town Hall at Clarke Middle School on April 28 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the CMS cafeteria as a way to highlight community access to resources.

President Donald J. Trump’s push to abolish the United States Department of Education is a direct attack on public education and a danger to the CCSD community.

The Clarke County School District named Sabrina Lumpkin and Bylan Swift as the new principals of Barnett Shoals and Whitehead Road Elementary Schools on April 17.

CCSD Superintendent Dr. Robbie P. Hooker will depart from the district after almost three years in the role.

A slideshow shows a list of major international, national and Athens news stories from March 22 to March 28.

Five CCHS students were selected to attend the 2025 Georgia Governors Honors Program from June 15 to July 13.

Sheila Neely-Norman, a retired educator, shares her experience being active in Athens from teaching to being involved with the University of Georgia.

The annual CCSD Special Olympics were held in Billy Henderson Stadium on March. 20 and facilitated by CCHS and Cedar Shoals High School JROTC students.

On March 17, the CCSD announced that two interim middle school principals will become full-time, effective immediately.

On Feb. 28, CCHS and Cedar Shoals High School were named Advanced Placement Honor Schools by the Georgia Department of Education.

CCSD and Athens Community Career Academy ninth and 10th grade students are invited to attend the ACCA Pathway Showcase night on March 6.

The CCSD hosted its third annual Educator Career Fair on Feb. 22, kickstarting the hiring for vacant teacher positions from schools around the district.

Five CCSD elementary school principals will change schools at the start of the 2025-26 school year.

A slideshow shows a list of major international, national and Athens news stories from Feb. 15 to Feb. 21.

The CCSD Board of Education discussed its resolution to opt out of House Bill 581 at their Feb. 13 meeting.

A slideshow shows a list of major international, national and Athens news stories from Feb. 8 to Feb. 14.

The CCSD announced the Cedar Shoals High School and CCHS 2024-25 STAR (Student Teacher Achievement Recognition) Students for the 2024-25 school year on Feb. 3.

A slideshow shows a list of major international, national and Athens news stories from Jan. 11 to Jan. 17.

As popularity and attendance at CCHS football games increase, CCHS and CCSD administrators continue to adapt and evolve measures against possible violence.

A slideshow shows a list of major international, national and Athens news stories from Jan. 4 to Jan. 10.

School communities in the Athens area are grappling with the mental health effects of the deadly shooting at Apalachee High School on Sept. 4.

The Nov. 14 vote to terminate the contract with UGA’s Georgia College Advising Corp was reversed in a unanimous decision at the Dec. 12 CCSD Board of Education meeting.

Restorative justice is an underutilized measure of reform for students.

A new art exhibition at the Lyndon House Arts Center opened on Oct. 8, featuring art from several students at Burney-Harris-Lyons Middle School.

“Learning Wednesdays” were instituted at CCHS at the beginning of the 2024-25 school year to coach teachers on improving student engagement.

CCSD Executive Director of Human Resources Dan Swartz will temporarily take over the position from longtime educator Selena Blankenship, who will retire effective Nov. 22.

Despite an increase in CCSD and CCHS graduation rates, CCHS staff continue to focus on providing support for struggling students.

The CCSD recognized 2024-25 Teacher of the Year Chris Batson and Support Professional of the Year Christian Barner at an awards banquet on Oct. 24.

At the Oct. 17 CCSD Board of Education meeting, CCSD personnel discussed health centers across the district.

According to Georgia Department of Education data, students in the CCSD Class of 2024 outperformed national and state public schools on the Scholastic Aptitude Test.

A notification was sent to all CCSD high schoolers’ email addresses by admin on Sept. 19 pertaining to the organization of a statewide walkout on Sept. 20.

The CCSD Board of Education is reinforcing and introducing multiple safety measures to ensure student and staff safety.

Burney-Harris-Lyons Middle School will host its first ever Parent Teacher Organization Potluck on Sept. 16, at 6:00 p.m. to welcome new parents into the PTO.

Derrick Maxwell has been appointed as Interim Principal at Clarke Middle School for the 2024-25 school year, following the rebuilding of the old CMS building.

Fine arts department teacher Leslie Sokal-Berg and Family Engagement Specialist Christian Barner were recognized by the CCSD.

The Clarke County School District Board of Education held its first meeting of the 2024-25 school year on Aug. 8.

Ahead of the first day of the 2024-25 school year, CCSD leaders cut the ceremonial ribbon on the new Clarke Middle School building on July 30.

CCHS employees Vara Loggins, William Lance and Dr. Amanda Price are the recipients of awards from The Foundation for Excellence in Public Education.

Clarke County School District schools do not provide Gifted Education services to a representative sample of the student body.

CCSD elementary school sports leagues were created to develop interest in sports for a new generation of young-student athletes.

The CCSD’s declining graduation rate is nothing short of alarming, but before community members panic, they need to recognize the complicated contributing factors.

Administrators at Classic City High School look forward to the 2023-24 school year with new plans to build community.

The CCSD is considering a pair of proposals that would shift CCHS’ start time back until 7:30 a.m. or 8:00 a.m.

CCHS will be kicking off a pilot year in which students will be able to keep their CCSD-distributed learning devices over the summer.

CCSD Superintendent Dr. Robbie P. Hooker has worn many hats throughout his career, including stints as BHL Principal (2003-2008), CCHS Principal (2008-2016) and Superintendent positions outside the county (2016-2022). But now, Hooker has come back to the CCSD on Oct. 6, 2022 with an eye for supporting students and staff.

Former CCSD Superintendent Dr. Xernona Thomas, who retired on Oct. 8, reflects on her time as an educator and the legacy she hopes to leave behind.

CCSD students and teachers came together with HEART Music faculty to perform music at HEART Music’s Hispanic Heritage Month event, which took place on Oct. 16 at Hendershot’s.

Dr. Robbie Hooker, sole finalist for the Clarke County School District Superintendent, participated in a meet-and-greet on Aug. 28.

Dr. Garrick Askew, the new CCSD Chief of Operations, will start work with CCSD on March 28.

Chief Executive Officer of DeKalb County and Clarke Central High School Class of 1971 graduate Michael Thurmond speaks to CCHS faculty, staff, and students about his journey to publishing a book about the history of Athens on Feb 23.

Members of the CMS community met over a public Zoom meeting with representatives from CCSD on Jan. 18.

CCHS will switch to a virtual model from Jan. 20 through at least Jan. 21 due to staffing shortages caused by COVID-19.

On Saturday, pre-registered CCHS students who are 16-18 years old and their parents received free COVID-19 vaccines in the Competition Gym.

The CCHS band program will return to five days a week of in-person instruction for the majority of its students.

The Taco Stand, an iconic local restaurant, reopened in 2021 with a new co-owner Mark Opel, on Jan. 1, reminding some Athenians of their memories of the original restaurant.

The CCSD Board of Education Policy Committee is attempting a complete review of the Board’s policies.

The CCSD Board of Education is reorganizing how it delegates committee work.

CCHS varsity girls basketball point guard Na’kia Rucker, a senior, is known for her work ethic and her willingness to help others.

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the CCHS counseling department continues to help students who are struggling with mental health.

The CCSD announced Wednesday that high schools will begin the return to in-person learning on March 15.

During her 15-year career, CCHS Assistant Principal Latinda Dean has gone from English teacher to instructional coach to administrator, driven by a passion for helping students.

The CCSD announced their plan to return to in-person learning on Feb. 4 at a CCSD Board of Education work session.

The CCSD administration has selected two individuals to replace top human resources positions after the departure of Chief of HR Lynn Duke and Executive Director of Talent Management Michael Harris.

Viewpoints Editor Maya Cornish talks with Clarke Central High School counselor Darline Coleman about her experience as a counselor and how the CCHS counseling department has adapted to the new needs of students due to COVID-19.

The CCSD will continue to provide online-only instruction for all schools for an undetermined period.

CCSD is looking for replacement hires for two top Human Resources positions given the imminent departure of Chief of Human Resources Lynn Duke and Executive Director of Talent Management Michael Harris.

Clarke County School District Interim Superintendent Dr. Xernona Thomas was announced as the official CCSD Superintendent on Dec. 10.

CCSD and Clarke Middle School administrators have begun planning the renovation or reconstruction of the CMS building.

Fowler Drive Elementary School returns to virtual learning after a week of in-person instruction from Nov. 9 to Nov 13.

The CCSD School Nutrition department has worked to ensure student access to meals since school was made virtual on March 16.

The Clarke County School District is planning for pre-K-8 students to return to face-to-face instruction on Nov. 9.

Longtime Clarke Central High School and Governor’s Honors Program teacher decries defunding the program.

The Clarke County School District will provide free breakfast and lunch meals for students in need during the district-wide closure to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Many school systems in Georgia, including the Clarke County School District, will suspend classes in an effort to contain and limit the spread of COVID-19.

Clarke County High School students, along with the ODYSSEY Media Group, will be off from March 9 to March 13 for spring break. Enjoy the break!

Managing Editor Naomi Hendershot writes a letter to the future Superintendent, sharing her hopes, fears and concerns about the future of the Clarke County School District.

The Clarke County School District shouldn’t push digital education if it can’t sustain it.

In her time in the Clarke County School District, Clarke Central High School Associate Principal Dr. Linda Boza has built deep relationships that helped her fall in love with the school and district.

Clarke County School District leaders are engaging in behavior that is distracting from the needs of CCSD students.

On Oct. 30, the Clarke County School District parents received an email from the CCSD Superintendent Demond Means addressing an investigation into a social media post that threatened violent actions against three CCSD schools.

The Clarke County School District Board of Education called for a special meeting on Aug. 29 at the Athens Community Career Academy to discuss the AdvancED complaint regarding select members of the BOE.

Although not a perfect solution, restorative justice initiatives are a positive step forward for the Clarke County School District.

After a 34-year career working in schools, Clarke Central High School Assistant Principal Dr. Sheila Dunham will be retiring when her contract runs out at the end of June. Dunham shared an email announcing her retirement with the Clarke Central High School faculty on March 20.

The Clarke County School District implements a new logo and slogan for the 2018-19 school year.

Clarke County School District closed all schools on Jan. 17 and 18 due to a winter weather advisory. Students and faculty are feeling the effects of the days off.

The Clarke Central High School International Baccalaureate/ODYSSEY hosted a Moderated Discussion with Dr. Demond Means, Clarke County School District Superintendent, on Dec. 6.

The Clarke County School District’s entire staff for all 21 schools came together at the Classic Center on Aug. 1 to kick-off the 2017-18 school year.

The Georgia Department of Education recently released the College and Career Ready Performance Index scores for the 2015-16 school year. Some experts question the accuracy of the state’s measure of student performance.

A community forum was held at Whitehead Road Elementary School on April 3 to introduce the Clarke County School District’s final candidate for CCSD Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Demond Means, to the community.

On April 1, Clarke Central High School hosted the first annual school district maker faire. Clarke County School District students were able to present their creations.

Oglethorpe Avenue Elementary School will undergo construction, which started in early February.

A dessert reception was held to honor former Clarke County School District Superintendent Dr. Philip Lanoue for his eight years of achievement on Feb. 28.

The Athens Area Chamber of Commerce honored two Clarke County School District seniors who have excelled in academics, standardized testing and extracurriculars.

Athens’ own David C. Barrow Elementary and Chase Street Elementary Schools were recognized by the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement. Barrow received silver status and Chase Street received bronze status on the state’s list.

The Clarke County School District Code of Student Conduct was recently updated and distributed at the start of the 2016-17 school year.

Clarke County School District Superintendent of Schools Dr. Philip Lanoue announces resignation, which will go into effect March 1.

Clarke County School District was approved as a charter school district on March 31, which will go into effect on July 1.

The Clarke County School District community is currently recuperating from events that have spurred debates, leaving many feeling that issues and breakdowns have reached a boiling point.

Print Senior Copy Editor Tierra Hayes questions whether she is “Proud to be CCSD” after the district’s failure to communicate an alleged rape on Cedar Shoals High School’s campus.

After seven years as Clarke County School District superintendent, Dr. Philip Lanoue announced on Friday, Feb. 5 that he would be moving to the Fulton County School District as the sole finalist for FCSD’s vacant superintendent position.

This year, teachers will be graded with a new evaluation system created with TrueNorthLogic.

Clarke County School District has taken a big technological step, from rolling out personal laptop devices to students, to now launching an app. On this app, students can check their grades, CCSD news and even the lunch menu.

Newly-hired social studies department co-chair Ammon Hammett-Bregger returns to his former ranks within the Clarke County School District.

Freshman Kaya Pollack sat down with Burney-Harris-Lyons Middle School Principal Melanie Sigler to talk about her recent win as the Georgia National Distinguished Middle Level Principal of the Year.

Local musician Kishi Bashi performed at David C. Barrow Elementary School on Thurs., March 26, as the school’s Cool Composer of the Month.

The “Proud to be CCSD” campaign works to establish a positive view of the Clarke County School District among those in the community.