Community Leadership Academy

The Henry County Board of Education believes that a well-informed community helps to support the work and direction of public schools. By providing opportunities for Henry County residents to engage with the district and to learn about the complex inner workings of district operations, we hope to cultivate a more knowledgeable and engaged community.

Continuing in the fall of 2025, we will host our third annual Community Leadership Academy cohort. During the Academy, participants will learn about several key aspects of school district operations, including:

• Governance and Policy
• Teaching and Learning
• Student Supports
• Finance and Operations

The Academy will consist of seven, 1.5-2-hour training sessions plus an additional day of touring school district facilities and Board Meeting observation. Each session will be led by members of the Henry County School District Executive Leadership Team, Board Members, Superintendent, and select special guests. Sessions will also be accompanied by supporting materials including PowerPoint presentations and handouts intended to enhance the cohort’s learning experience and to facilitate deeper discussion.

Participants must:

1. Be a Henry County resident
2. Have an interest in developing deeper knowledge about Henry County Schools,
3. Commit to attending no less than 6 of the 7 scheduled program sessions.
4. Submit a 250-word essay describing your interest in the program

APPLY by September 8, 2025, for the opportunity to join the HCS 2025-2026 Community Leadership Academy Cohort

Frequently Asked Questions

How large will the CLA cohort be?
The third annual Henry County Schools Community Leadership Academy Cohort may consist of 15-25 participants. However, this number may be adjusted depending on the number of applicants.

When will participant acceptances be determined?
Acceptances will be determined in September 2025.

Procedures for nomination:
Interested applicants will be asked to submit an application which will be available on the district’s website. The application will ask for minimal background information, e.g. Name, address, email, school district residency (District 1-5), etc. Applicants should submit a 250-word essay indicating why they want to participate in the program. (Completed via Google Form)

Action Item	Date and Time	Location	Responsible Party
Session #1: Welcome + Brief History + Governance and Policy  (HCBOE Chair & Supt.)	Thursday, October 16, 2025, 4:00 p.m. -6:00 p.m.	Administrative Building B - Rom 103	Presenter: Stefon Plummer Board Chair Superintendent
Session #2: Teaching and Learning  (Chief Learning Officer)	Thursday, November 13, 2025 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.	Administrative Building B - Rom 103	Presenter: Chip Johnson Planning Team: Toni Thompson Stefon Plummer
Session #3: “How to Facilitate Collaboration as a County Leader?”  (Supt. and Select Community Leader Panel)	Thursday, December 11, 2025 4:30 p.m. -6:00 p.m.	Administrative Building B - Rom 103	Facilitator: Stefon Plummer Panel Selection: Superintendent Planning Team: Toni Thompson Stefon Plummer
Session #4: Student Support & Welcome Center Tour (Chief Family and Student Services Officer and Team)	Thursday, January 22, 2026 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.	Henry County Learning and Support Center	Presenter: TBD Planning Team: FSS Cabinet Team Toni Thompson Stefon Plummer
Session #5: Finance and Operations (Chief Financial Officer)	Thursday, February 12, 2026 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.	Administrative Building B - Rom 103	Presenter: Shanika Clay Planning Team: Toni Thompson Stefon Plummer
Session #6 School Tour (Chief Operations Officer)	Thursday, March 12, 2026 Presentation: New Admin Building School Visits: TBD	Various School Sites and District Sites	Presenter: Barry Miles Planning Team: Toni Thompson Stefon Plummer
Session #7 Board Meeting and Board Recognition	Monday, April 13, 2025 Board Meeting Study Session: 4:00 p.m. (Tentative) Dinner: 5:30 p.m. Board Meeting Business Meeting: 7:00 p.m.	Board Room	Presenter: Micki Foster Stefon Plummer Planning Team: Toni Thompson Stefon Plummer

Program Completion, Reception, and Board Recognition

Program participants who meet completion requirements will be invited to attend a reception and will be given a special gift denoting completion. Additionally, participants will be recognized during the April Board of Education meeting.