Leah Bleisath

The meeting included a School Board Training session focused on Policy Development and Review, presented by the GSBA Board Development Specialist. Key topics covered the public policy process, distinguishing roles and responsibilities between the Board and the Superintendent concerning policy adoption and implementation, and reviewing the governing policy process (Develop, Adopt, Monitor, Review & Revise). Discussions included policy work pertaining to Instructional Vision for Student Learning Devices, Grading Systems, and Placement/Promotion/Retention. The agenda also covered the development phase of Education-SPLOST 2026, outlining objectives such as studying facility age/condition and reviewing long-range student enrollment projections. A portion of the meeting involved an executive session to review data concerning Cherokee High School and Canton Elementary School, as well as evaluating next steps before adjourning.

This document outlines the Cherokee County School District's (CCSD) key priorities and action steps for the 2025-2026 period, serving as a roadmap to achieve its vision of becoming the highest-performing district in Georgia where students thrive. The plan is built upon five pillars: elevating excellence in academics and student achievement, effective School Board-Superintendent governance, district-wide coordination and alignment, fostering a high-quality school environment, and executing mission-critical objectives. These priorities focus on areas such as teaching and learning standards, employee investment, facility management, and student support systems, ultimately preparing the district for a future long-range strategic plan.

The meeting commenced with an organizational segment during which Patsy Jordan was selected as the 2026 School Board Vice-Chair. Recognitions were given for the Georgia STEM Scholar Awards, Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District Essay Contest Winner, CCSD Elementary School Math Competition Winners, and GHSA State and Region Champions. Key actions taken included the adoption of the 2026-27 School Board Meeting Calendar, tabling the appointment of an HB845 Auditor, approval to declare surplus property and dispose of it, and renewal of the partnership agreement with Northside Cherokee Hospital. The Board also approved human resources employment recommendations and reappointments. An executive session was held to discuss a Student Discipline Matter, Personnel Matter, Safety and Security, and Legal Update, following which the Board voted to uphold the findings and disposition of a Discipline Tribunal panel.

The Work Session meeting agenda covered several key areas, starting with the Superintendent's Welcome and the third-quarter report on the 2025-2026 Key Priorities. School Board Member Items included a discussion on a Third-Party Personnel Survey. Superintendent Reports detailed the Academics and Accountability outlook for the 2026-2027 School Year and transition planning for Cherokee High School, alongside Monthly Finance Reports, FY2027 Budget reports, and Monthly Capital Outlay Reports. The agenda also allocated time for an Executive Session and Adjournment. Supporting documents detailed the 'Elevate the Excellence 2.0' priorities, the FY2027 budget projections, assumptions, recommended investments and reductions, and the progress of major capital outlay projects including the Cherokee High School Replacement, River Ridge HS Auxiliary Gymnasium, Sequoyah HS improvements, and Woodstock HS Classroom Addition.

This document outlines the 2025-2026 Key Priorities for the Cherokee County School District, designed to build on its tradition of excellence and reflect stakeholder insights. The plan is structured around four main priorities: elevating academic excellence and student achievement; fostering effective School Board-Superintendent governance; enhancing district coordination and alignment of goals, systems, and processes; and establishing a pervasive high-quality school environment defined by high standards, effective supports, and consistent practices. These priorities aim to drive the district's work to become the highest-performing in Georgia, where students thrive, families are connected, and the community maintains its pride.