CCSD News 2026-2027
Columbia County Board of Education Approves Rollback Rate for Second Year
Over the past several years, the Board has demonstrated a consistent commitment to fiscal responsibility through a steady decline from 18.30 mills in 2020 to 14.997 mills in 2026, with reductions as follows:
- 2026: 14.997 mills
- 2025: 16.234 mills
- 2024: 17.10 mills
- 2023: 17.20 mills
- 2022: 17.35 mills
- 2021: 18.10 mills
- 2020: 18.30 mills
The Columbia County School District remains committed to using these funds in a fiscally conservative manner while continuing to provide a high-quality education for all students. The district’s mission is to engage, enrich, and inspire students every day, and this financial stewardship reflects the community’s shared dedication to student success in a safe and supportive environment.
New Teachers are Pathway Success Story
August 4, 2026 - As school districts across Georgia and the nation face a growing demand for qualified educators, the Columbia County School District is building a pipeline of future teachers from within its own classrooms.
This year, four former CCSD students have returned to the district as teachers, fulfilling a commitment they made as high school seniors to pursue careers in education and return to serve their community.
Their journey began in CCSD's Teaching as a Profession Pathway (TAPP), a three-year program offered at all five high schools that introduces students to the teaching profession through hands-on learning experiences. Through the district's participation in Teach in the Peach, graduating seniors publicly commit to careers in education, with CCSD guaranteeing participants an interview upon earning the required degree and certification.
Supported by scholarships from the CCSD Foundation and a partnership with Augusta University, the district is creating opportunities for aspiring educators while helping address workforce needs. As these new teachers begin their careers, they will receive ongoing support through CCSD's New Teacher Mentor Program, which provides coaching, resources, and guidance during their first years in the classroom.
The success of these four educators demonstrates CCSD's commitment to growing and retaining high-quality teachers, ensuring students have access to exceptional instruction while creating opportunities for graduates to return and serve the community that helped shape them.
Four former CCSD students and graduates of the CCSD and completers of the Teaching as a Profession Pathway began the first day of school as new teachers. Pictured from left: Ms. SheKinah Bennett, first-grade teacher at Grovetown Elementary School; Ms. Victoria Pearson, 6th-grade math teacher at Greenbrier Middle School; Ms. Bailey Ledbetter, first-grade teacher at Martinez Elementary School; and Ms. Gracie Sidener, third-grade teacher at River Ridge Elementary School.
CCSD Students Achieve Outstanding Success on Advanced Placement Exams
The recognition comes as the district celebrates a milestone achievement in which 81% of students who took AP exams in 2026 earned a score of 3 or higher, reflecting both increased participation and sustained academic excellence. Over the past four years, the percentage of tests taken by students earning a qualifying AP score has continually increased from 55% to 81%, while participation has grown significantly, by almost 2,000 more exams taken during that time, to more than 5,200 AP exams taken this year.
Research shows that students who participate in Advanced Placement courses are better prepared for the rigor of college and post-secondary education. Regardless of exam scores, AP courses provide valuable experiences that help students develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed for future success.
The district's continued growth in AP achievement reflects its commitment to expanding rigorous academic opportunities and preparing students for college, careers, and life beyond graduation.
Evans High School was recognized as having the highest three-year increase in the percentage
of Advanced Placement exams earning scores of 3 or higher. Evans High School increased their
percentage of students scoring 3 or higher by 13% over a 3-year period to 83%.
Pictured from left: Accepting the award on behalf of all of the AP teachers at Evans High School is
Evans High School Principal Wade White; Evans High School Assistant Principal and Advanced
Studies Coordinator Russell James; and Associate Superintendent of School Improvement Steve
Cummings, during the inaugural CCSD Advanced Placement Excellence Award Ceremony, held at
Greenbrier High School on Thursday, July 30, 2026.
Harlem High School was recognized for the highest three-year increase in total advanced
placement exams. Harlem High School increased their total exams by 27% over a three-year
period.
Harlem High School Assistant Principal Dr. Joe Lott; with Associate Superintendent of School
Improvement Steve Cummings, during the inaugural CCSD Advanced Placement Excellence Award
Ceremony, held at Greenbrier High School on Thursday, July 30, 2026.
Greenbrier High School was recognized for the highest percentage of Advanced Placement exams earning 3 or higher in 2026. Greenbrier High School also had 90% of exams administered score a 3 or higher. Additionally, Greenbrier High School was also recognized as the school with the highest percentage of students to take at least one AP exam, at 40% of their student population.
Grovetown High School was recognized as the school with the highest one-year increase in the percentage of AP exams earning scores of 3 or higher, rising by 6% to 82%.
Lakeside High School was recognized for the highest one-year increase in the total number of AP exams, with an increase of 20%, for a total of 1,518 exams.
Advanced Placement Novice Master Teacher Award Winner – Stephanie Frey, Greenbrier High School
Ms. Frey was recognized as an AP Novice Master Teacher, a teacher with three or fewer years of experience teaching AP, with the highest average AP score in a single subject. Ms. Frey had 73 students take the AP Pre-Calculus exam with an average score of 4.5.
