Conyers, Ga. – The Rockdale County Board of Education (BOE) was
recently honored by the Georgia School Boards Association (GSBA) with the
inaugural Leading Edge Award, which highlights school districts that are
leading the way in ensuring students are competitive in an ever-changing global
market. The Rockdale County BOE was recognized for its innovative college and
career readiness efforts during the Georgia School Boards Association / Georgia
School Superintendents Association Annual Conference, December 5-6, 2019, in
Atlanta.
Rockdale County Public
Schools (RCPS) Superintendent Dr. Terry Oatts said, “We commend the Rockdale
County Board of Education on receiving the GSBA Leading Edge Award. Our Board
of Education, which has a history of leading the way through innovative
practices, is committed to providing all students with options and
opportunities to be successful. Through its collaborative strategic planning
process and active community involvement, the Board and school system are able
to respond to the changing needs of our families and local community and
position our students for success on the global stage.”
The nomination for the GSBA
Leading Edge Award highlighted RCPS college and career readiness efforts such
as the creation of Rockdale Career Academy, which enrolls more than 1,800 high
school students, robust partnerships with community businesses and
organizations, growing Dual Enrollment programs allowing high schools students to
earn college credit, the wide array of Career, Technical, Agricultural,
Education (CTAE) offerings in RCPS – including more than 30 career pathways in
high school and eight offerings in middle schools – and Work-Based Learning
program with 159 students at 96 area employers.
The graduation rate for RCPS
students involved in CTAE programs is 96.37 percent, closely aligned with the
state-wide rate which rose to 96.54 percent for 2019. This rate applies to
students who complete a Career Pathway, which requires three years of
prescribed coursework.
The Rockdale County BOE was
named a GSBA Exemplary Board, the highest status in the GSBA Board Recognition
Program, in 2019, 2018, 2016, and 2015. The GSBA Board Recognition Program was
paused during 2017 and revised to require an even higher level of commitment
from school boards and individual members.