Skip To Main Content

District Home

Summary

Students raise their hands to speak to the superintendent during an advisory meeting

As a result of my experiences over my first 90 days in the Office of Superintendent, several key themes emerged:

HCS Highlights

  • A unified Governance Team focused on what’s best for all students
  • A powerful Community-Inspired Strategic Plan in place with clear Priority Student Outcomes and consistent reports of progress
  • A comprehensive safety and security strategy that provides uniform campus security investments, student and staff safety training, and conduct and behavior expectation across all school facilities, including dedicated SROs at all secondary schools
  • Dedicated investment and implementation of innovative STEM practices in all schools, including a state-of-the-art STEM high school set to open in 2027
  • Dedicated investment and implementation of Fine Arts districtwide, with a nearly completed plan for implementing orchestra programs across all middle and high schools
  • A graduation rate that is above the state average
  • A total of 14 schools recognized as Literacy and Math Leaders in November by the Georgia Department of Education
  • Innovative teacher recruitment strategies, including attracting retirees through Georgia House Bill 385 and international teachers through outside agencies, as well as a strong substitute staffing partnership
  • 1:1 access to mobile devices/technology for learning in school and at home
  • Family and community involvement through initiatives such as the HCS Community Leadership Academy, Community Cluster Conversations, Superintendent Advisories, and more
  • A robust current E-SPLOST program that will prepare the county to serve a total of 5,000 additional students through completed and planned projects that include a state-of-the-art STEM high school, two new elementary schools, and additions to five schools
  • Recent launch of the Henry County Public Schools Foundation to provide philanthropic support for the district’s students and staff to optimize the learning experience and enhance educational outcomes
Henry County Public Schools Foundation board presidents speaks to trustees during workshop session

Opportunities for Growth

  • Effective cross-collaboration among departments centered on the achievement of all students connected to the Strategic Plan
  • Proactive use of streamlined data to improve implementation of the continuous improvement model
  • Differentiated professional development programming that aligns to student performance data metrics, historical school data, and standards, while building capacity for professional efficacy and growth opportunities for all teachers and providing on-the-job training for novice teachers and career changers - ultimately having a positive impact on employee retention and wellness
  • Communication and engagement that evaluates and resolves varying stakeholder and organizational concerns in a more efficient and effective manner
  • Ensuring teachers have the pedagogical and technological tools for instruction in the classroom that improves engagement, learning, and achievement
Students intently look on as they control a robot during a robotics competition in a gymnasium

Illuminating Our Next Steps in Our 'Pursuit of Exceptional'

In seeking to prepare students for success in a global society, we will continue to pursue opportunities that further our Mission and Vision and assure our community of our commitment to providing the highest quality education for Henry County Schools students.

Accomplishing the goals set forth in the current five-year Community-Inspired Strategic Plan and nurturing a highly effective school district remain the overarching objectives of HCS. The Strategic Plan encapsulates board mandates inspired by our community’s voice and guides and informs our work in creating the best educational opportunities and experiences for all students.

As we move forward, examples of our ambitious “Pursuit of Exceptional” will be found in:

  • Continuing the award-winning model of Unified Governance set forth by our Board of Education
  • Embarking on a new five-year Strategic Plan and E-SPLOST referendum that provide all students with access and opportunity
  • Advancing the supportiveness, safety, and security of all learning environments as a top priority, inclusive of physical, mental, and emotional wellness, which involves exploring weapons detection procedures at high schools, limitations on electronic devices in schools, and increased mental health and behavior support strategies
  • Implementation of a districtwide mentorship model focused on middle and high school students, supporting the goal of all students achieving through the theme of “Pursuing our Positive Purpose”
  • Deepening investments and innovative implementation of professional development for teachers and school leaders, who are the most important drivers of student learning and achievement, while mastering and implementing high-yield, research-based practices/strategies along with exploring the feasibility of an HCS Educators Institute that provides differentiated professional learning for all teachers and staff
  • Ensuring a culture that embraces organizational capacity-building with a growth mindset while offering competitive compensation packages to recruit, retain, and reward employees
  • Realigning structures as needed to support and meet the needs of student achievement and teacher development, while being fiscally responsible and viable
Superintendent speaks to a crowd of district leaders in a school commons area

Timeline 

  • Appointment by School Board - August 6, 2024
  • Pre-Entry Meetings - August 21-30, 2024
  • First Day - Swearing-In - September 9, 2024
  • Culture and Climate Visits - September 10-October 4, 2024
  • Whole Board Training - October 31, 2024
  • P.O.W.E.R. Forums - November 13-14, 2024
  • Instructional Walks - January 5, 2025-current
  • Conclusion of 90-Day Plan - January 27, 2025
  • P.O.W.E.R. Forums - February 26-27, 2025
  • 90-Day Plan Board Report - March 10, 2025