CCSD News 2024-25
Ms. Tabitha Purvis was named 2025 CCSD Teacher of the Year at the annual celebration
November 4, 2024 - Congratulations to Ms. Tabitha Purvis from Euchee Creek Elementary School, the 2025 Columbia County School District Teacher of the Year.
Pictured from left: Superintendent Dr. Steven Flynt; Ms. Tabitha Purvis, 2025 CCSD Teacher of the Year; and Euchee Creek Elementary School Principal Katy Yeargain.
Ms. Purvis currently teaches 5th-grade math and science.
Ms. Purvis, all top five finalists and school-level winners were recognized at the annual Teacher of the Year Celebration on Monday, November 4, 2024, at the Columbia County Exhibition Center. The celebration was rescheduled and relocated due to Hurricane Helene.
Special thanks to our partners in education for generously donating gifts for the winner and all teachers of the year. The top prize is a free one-year lease of a new BMW 228 Coupe Sedan, courtesy of Taylor BMW. The car also comes with complimentary insurance on behalf of Acrisure Insurance and a $1,000 gas gift card, compliments of Affordable Auto Insurance.
Thanks to our sponsors and congratulations to the 2025 CCSD Teacher of the Year, Ms. Purvis.
Congratulations, to each of the Top Five Finalists. Hear what their students had to say about the great work they do.
Annual Teacher of the Year Celebration photos (click here)
Click here to see recognition of each Teacher of the Year
Click here to see videos of each Top Five Finalist for Teacher of the Year
October 17, 2024 - CCSD celebrates increase in Class of 2024 graduation rate (Click Here)
Graduation rates reported by the Georgia Department of Education began using an adjusted cohort calculation in 2011.
With that, the Class of 2024 graduation rate rose to 93.4%, 8 percentage points higher than the state average of 85.4%. This year’s graduation rate is also an all-time high for the CCSD since 2011, and Evans High School and Lakeside High School also reported their highest rates since 2011.
The dedicated staff of the CCSD works hard to encourage students to engage in their education and graduate on time. Through developing and implementing the CCSD’s Academic Curriculum for Excellence (ACE) and enhancing the CCSD High School Experience, students have learning options that begin in middle school with opportunities to earn high school credit. In high school, students can enrich their academic experience through a growing number of CTAE pathways and work-based learning opportunities, dual enrollment, advanced placement course offerings, the IB Diploma Programme, and athletics and fine arts programs.
Overall, this outstanding accomplishment is a picture of the hard work and dedication of our staff, students, and their families. Congratulations, to the graduating class of 2024.
Class of 2024 Graduation Percentages |
||
Evans High School |
94.7% |
1.7% increase |
Greenbrier High School |
94.4% |
2.2% decrease |
Grovetown High School |
91.9% |
2.3% increase |
Harlem High School |
88.1% |
0.5% increase |
Lakeside High School |
97% |
3.6% increase |
July 9, 2024 - CCSD Police earn prestigious state certification in record time (Click Here)
July 9, 2024
CCSD Police earn prestigious state certification in record time
The Columbia County School District Police Department (CCSDPD) received State Certification by successfully completing the Georgia Association Chiefs of Police (GACP) Georgia Law Enforcement Certification Program.
After a rigorous application and process review, the CCSDPD joins the ranks of only 140 top law enforcement agencies, out of 700 law enforcement agencies across the state, of which 41 are school police, to successfully demonstrate best practices for effective and professional law enforcement. Out of the 180 school districts across the state, the CCSDPD is now one of only five to earn certification. Cornerstones of the certification program include professionalism, positive community support, transparency, ethical conduct, and more. As part of the accreditation process, the CCSDPD met a required 141 standards covering nine areas essential to effective law enforcement. Additionally, the typical 36-month process was completed by the CCSDPD in an impressive 13 months, signifying the department’s commitment to excellence.
“We are so proud of our outstanding team of professional law enforcement officers and staff for their continued dedication to the safety of our schools, students, and staff,” said Dr. Steven Flynt, Superintendent. “This certification is an impressive achievement and is emblematic of the great work that is taking place all across the CCSD every day to help ensure our students receive the high-quality education they deserve, in a safe, positive environment.”
In 2018, the Columbia County Board of Education approved the placement of a dedicated, POST-certified, School Resource Officer in every school. In 2022, the CCSD PD was established along with full jurisdiction of school safety. Today, the Columbia County School District has a dedicated district training officer, and a School Resource Officer in every school, with two at every high school.
With accreditation complete, the CCSDPD will continue to participate in compliance monitoring.
Congratulations, CCSDPD.
Associate Superintendent Penny Jackson (left), and Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Steve Flynt (right), pictured with members of the Columbia County School District Police Department are presented with a plaque from a representative of the Georgia Association Chiefs of Police (GACP), Ed Dinsmore, during the Columbia County Board of Education Meeting on July 9, 2024.
CCSD Police Department Chief Gary Ownes (right), shakes hands with Ed Dinsmore of the Georgia Association Chiefs of Police (left), with CCSD Police Department Captain Joseph Thompson (center), after being presented with a plaque recognizing the department's prestigious state certification, during a Board of Education meeting.
CCSD Police Department Chief Gary Ownes delivers brief remarks during the presentation of a plaque from the Georgia Association Chiefs of Police recognizing the department's earning prestigious state certification, during a Board of Education meeting.