Local superintendents look towards 2024-25 school year
With about two months left of the 2023-24 school year, both local superintendents are feeling positive about the past year.
“We’ve had a successful school year,” said Dr. Michele Taylor, Superintendent at Calhoun City Schools. “Teachers have worked really hard to keep an instructional focus and students continue to shine in the areas of academics, arts and athletics.”
Taylor has been superintendent since 2007 and has overseen numerous changes at the school system including massive facilities improvements and soaring enrollment. Under her guidance, graduation has substantially increased and the system has picked up numerous accolades.
“I am most proud of the impact that we’ve made as we’ve navigated through some pretty significant challenges in the past several years,” said Taylor. “We continue to provide tremendous opportunities for our students.”
Taylor cited their CTAE program as one example of their strong programs, with numerous pathways at the College and Career Academy that just keep expanding, and also pointed to their AP and honors programs. She also
said that she was proud of their arts programs — chorus, band, and musical theatre.
And, of course, Calhoun Schools wouldn’t be Calhoun Schools without the Yellow Jackets. Taylor said that CCS had been named second best district in the state for athletics, with the program boasting 25 team state championships and over 200 region titles.
“Our pursuit for excellence in all of these areas makes me proud,” Taylor said.
County schools’ new superintendent, Alice Mashburn, just started at the school system at the beginning of this academic year, taking over for Dr. Kimberly Fraker when she retired. Though she’s fairly green in the role of superintendent, Mashburn has served the district for over 20 years in various roles.
“This first year as Superintendent of Gordon County Schools has been a mix of excitement, challenge, and
gratitude,” she said. “Serving our district for over 20 years has created lasting relationships that make it easier to adapt to the new responsibilities of the position, and I am optimistic about the progress we have made and the opportunities ahead to grow and improve.”
This year, Mashburn said her focus has been on continuing to address learning loss and blending technology with instruction, remnants of the COVID-19 pandemic. Mashburn is also overseeing a slate of facilities improvements at GCS, including a massive multimillion dollar renovation of Gordon Central High School, making much needed changes to various aspects of that campus.
Mashburn said that a bright spot this year has been watching the districts’ students succeed, fueled by a sense of community and collaboration
between teachers, staff and parents.
“Their commitment to education and support for one another has been truly inspiring, and our school and district leaders share a vision for achievement,” she said. “Additionally, seeing students achieve academic success, whether it’s through improved test scores, creative projects, or personal growth has been incredibly rewarding.”
When looking forward to the future, particularly the 2024-25 school year, both superintendents seem positive about the track they’re on.
Taylor said that right now, they’re trying to plan ahead. She said that CCS is working hard on a strategic plan that will take the district all the way to 2030. And to do so, they’ve been collaborating with stakeholders, business and industry partners, and
community leaders to make sure that’s the best it can be.
“When we think about the hopes and dreams for students’ futures, we want to ensure that we are doing our very best to prepare them for an ever changing world and give them the knowledge, skills and tools to be successful,” she said.
Taylor also welcomed parents and community members to reach out and help join in on the planning process.
Mashburn said that county schools are focusing on growth, achievement, and opportunity over the next year.
“Our continued focus is on innovation and improvement,” she said. “The groundwork for new initiatives to enhance student learning and engagement are being set now to build upon for student learning and engagement. The prospect of further strengthening partnerships with parents, local businesses, and our community is exciting because it creates a supportive learning environment for our students.”
Mashburn went on to say that she’s honored to get a chance to be superintendent for county schools.
“Being the superintendent of Gordon County Schools is a privilege and an honor. I express my sincere appreciation to our school community for your support. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of children and the future of Gordon County,” she said.
Taylor also expressed thanks to the community for being supportive towards students and the school system as a whole.
“My heart is full of pride knowing how supportive our school community has been. This doesn’t happen everywhere,” she said. “Strong Board of Education leadership, school leadership, and committed teachers and support staff coupled with supportive students, parents, community members, and community leaders are the secret to success. Calhoun is an extremely special place!”
The school year is well and truly winding down for both systems — the school year will end in a half day for both systems on Friday, May 24. The 2024-25 school year will begin on Tuesday, Aug. 6.
For more information on Calhoun City Schools, visit calhounschools.org. For more information on Gordon County Schools, visit gcbe.org.