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Community Leadership Academy

 

Group photo of the 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 2026, we will host our fourth 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 NOW

Frequently Asked Questions

How large will the CLA cohort be?
The fourth 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 2026.

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. APPLICATION COMING SOON.

Action Item Date and Time Location Responsible Party
 

Session #1: Welcome + Brief History + Governance and Policy 

(HCBOE Chair & Supt.)
Thursday, October 15, 2026, 4:00 p.m. -6:00 p.m. Building B - Room 103

Presenter:
Stefon Plummer
Board Chair Superintendent

 

Session #2: Teaching and Learning 

(Chief Learning Officer)
Thursday, November 12, 2026
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
AAS, Room 114 and 116

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 10, 2026
4:30 p.m. -6:00 p.m.
Building B - Room 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 21, 2027
4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Henry County Learning and Support Center

Presenter:
Megan Sayago

Planning Team:
FSS Cabinet Team
Toni Thompson
Stefon Plummer

 

Session #5: Finance and Operations

(Chief Financial Officer)
Thursday, February 11, 2027
4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Building B - Room 103

Presenter:
Shanika Clay

Planning Team:
Toni Thompson
Stefon Plummer

Session #6
School Tour
(Chief Operations Officer)
Thursday, March 11, 2027
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 19, 2027
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.