CCSD News 2024-25

Four Schools Earn State Recognition for Growth in Reading Proficiency

April 23, 2025 - The Columbia County School District (CCSD) is pleased to announce four schools have been recognized by the Georgia Department of Education for achievement and growth in reading proficiency on the Georgia Milestones Assessment (GMAS). Schools must earn at least a third or sixth grade growth or achievement award to be eligible for awards in other grade levels.

North Columbia Elementary School, River Ridge Elementary School, and Riverside Elementary School each received Third Grade Gateway Achievement recognition, which is awarded to schools with 90% or more of their third grade students reading at or above grade level. In addition, each of these schools’ fifth grade classes received the Gateway Achievement distinction.

Riverside Elementary School also received the third grade Gateway Growth designation and Riverside Middle School earned a Sixth Grade Gateway Growth distinction which is awarded to schools that have a significant growth in students scoring at or above grade level in reading in 2024 compared to 2023. 

Congratulations, to our students and staff for earning this outstanding distinction of academic excellence.

North Columbia Elementary School

Pictured from left: Columbia County Board of Education Vice-Chairman Judy Teasley; Columbia County School District Superintendent Dr. Steven Flynt; Ms. Tiffany Eargle, Instructional Specialist; State School Superintendent Richard Woods; Ms. Tonya Gambrell, Principal of North Columbia Elementary School; and Columbia County Board of Education District 2 Representative Ms. Kristi Baker. 

River Ridge Elementary School

Pictured from left: Columbia County Board of Education Vice-Chairman Judy Teasley and District 3 Representative; Columbia County School District Superintendent Dr. Steven Flynt; Ms. Michelle Miller, Principal at River Ridge Elementary School; State School Superintendent Richard Woods;    ; and Columbia County Board of Education District 2 Representative Ms. Kristi Baker. 

Riverside Elementary School

Riverside Middle School

Five Schools Earn State Recognition for Growth in Math Proficiency

April 23, 2025 - The Columbia County School District (CCSD) is pleased to announce five schools have been recognized by the Georgia Department of Education for achievement and growth in mathematics on the Georgia Milestones Assessment. Schools must earn at least a fifth or eighth grade growth or achievement award to be eligible for awards in other grade levels. Awards are also offered at the high school level based on the Algebra End-of-Course exam, which is the state test for mathematics in high school.

Gateway Growth distinction is awarded to schools that have a significant increase in the percentage of students scoring proficient or above on the Georgia Milestones Assessments in 2024 compared to 2023.    

Brookwood Elementary School and North Columbia Elementary School each received fifth grade Gateway Growth distinction, and Brookwood Elementary School also earned fourth grade growth distinction. Stallings Island Middle School earned 8th grade Gateway Growth distinction and both Evans High School and Greenbrier High School each earned growth distinctions.

Congratulations, to the students and staff for this outstanding achievement of distinction for academic success.

Brookwood Elementary School

Pictured from left: Columbia County Board of Education Vice-Chairman and District 3 Representative Ms. Judy Teasley; Columbia County School District Superintendent Dr. Steven Flynt; Brookwood Elementary School Instructional Specialist Ms. Bethany Reid; Brookwood Elementary School Principal Dr. Leslie Dial; Brookwood Elementary School EIP Teacher Ms. Catherine Wenner; State School Superintendent Richard Woods; and Board of Education District 2 Representative Ms. Kristi Baker. 

North Columbia Elementary School

 

Pictured from left: Columbia County Board of Education Vice-Chairman and District 3 Representative Ms. Judy Teasley; Columbia County School District Superintendent Dr. Steven Flynt; Ms. Tiffany Eargle, Instructional Specialist; State School Superintendent Richard Woods; Ms. Tonya Gambrell, Principal of North Columbia Elementary School; and Columbia County Board of Education District 2 Representative Ms. Kristi Baker. 

 

 

Stallings Island Middle School 

Columbia County Board of Education Vice-Chairman and District 3 Representative Ms. Judy Teasley stands next to Columbia County School District Superintendent Dr. Steven Flynt; with staff from Stallings Island Middle School including Principal Ms. Vicki Tarleton (middle holding sign); next to State School Superintendent Richard Woods. Pictured far right is Columbia County Board of Education District 2 Representative Ms. Kristi Baker. 

 

Evans High School 

Pictured from left: Columbia County Board of Education Vice-Chairman and District 3 Representative Ms. Judy Teasley; Columbia County School District Superintendent Dr. Steven Flynt; Evans High School Prinicpal Mr. Wade White; State School Superintendent Richard Woods; Evans High School Assistant Principal Ms. Ashley Kaigler; and Columbia County Board of Education District 2 Representative Ms. Kristi Baker. 

 

Greenbrier High School

Pictured from left: Columbia County Board of Education Vice-Chairman and District 3 Representative Ms. Judy Teasley; Columbia County School District Superintendent Dr. Steven Flynt; Greenbrier High School Prinicipal Mr. Chip Fulmer; State School Superintendent Richard Woods; and Columbia County Board of Education District 2 Representative Ms. Kristi Baker. 

Future Educators Sign Commitment to Pursue Education Career

The Columbia County School District (CCSD) has been selected as one of several school districts across the state to participate as a satellite location in the inaugural Teach in the Peach Georgia Statewide Educator Signing Day.

Students from Evans High School hold up their certificates after signing them, showing their comitment to pursuing a career in education during the Columbia County School District Future Educator Signing Day event, held in conjunction with the Georgia Department of Education Teach in the Peach Georgia Statewide Educator Signing Day.

The local event took place on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Columbia County School District Support Complex. Students from all five high schools who are currently enrolled in the Teaching as Profession pathway, participated in a signing ceremony signifying their commitment to pursue a career in teaching. Additionally, one student from each high school was the recipient of a $1,000 scholarship by Georgia’s Own Federal Credit Union. The scholarship award winners will attend the annual Columbia County School District Rookie of the Year celebration event, where they will have the opportunity to network and learn from new teachers.

The local signing event was held simultaneously with the statewide educator signing event that took place in Atlanta at the College Football Hall of Fame. Three Evans High School students and their teacher were awarded the opportunity to represent the Columbia County School District in Atlanta after winning the Hooked-on Literacy competition during the local TAP Talks event in March.

Recipients of the $1,000 Scholarship sponsored by Georgia's Own Federal Credit Union, are as follows:

• Treasure Bush from Evans High School
• Madilyn Link from Greenbrier High School
• Adeline Savina from Grovetown High School
• Anna Sterner from Harlem High School
• Myra Langley from Lakeside High School

Lakeside High School STAR Student Named Region 7 Winner

February 28, 2025 - Jerry Fan from Lakeside High School, was named the 2025 PAGE STAR Student Region Winner for Region 7. Jerry selected Dr. John Cato, as his STAR teacher. This is Dr. Cato’s 12th year being selected by a STAR student from Lakeside High School. 

February 13, 2025 - The Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) program honors Georgia’s highest-achieving high school seniors and the teachers most instrumental in their academic development. This year, Lakeside High School senior Jerry Fan was named the Region STAR student, along with his selected teacher Dr. John Cato.

Lakeside High School STAR Teacher Dr. John Cato, with Lakeside High School STAR Student and County STAR Winner, Jerry Fan, and Lakeside High School Principal Juliet King.

Pictured from left: Lakeside High School STAR Teacher Dr. John Cato, and County STAR Student winner Jerry Lee; Grovetown High School STAR Teacher Jennifer Fox-Norton and STAR Student Carrie Lim; Greenbrier High School STAR teacher Holly Townsend and STAR Student Ellen Han; Columbia Virtual Academy STAR Teacher Tiffany Wesser and Harlem High School STAR student Zyia Jean; Greenbrier High School STAR Teacher Ariel Taylor and STAR Student Nolan Parker; Evans High School STAR Teacher Steven Hahn and STAR Student Weston Evans. 

The winner of the STAR program is selected based on the highest score earned on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). One top student from each graduating senior class with the highest score on the SAT, including two from Greenbrier High School, competed for STAR Student. As the winner, Jerry will go on to represent the Columbia County School District at the STAR state competition.

Each year, STAR students and teachers are recognized during a reception hosted by our Partners in Education the Harlem Woman’s Club.

At the event, Dr. Cato received his 12th STAR Teacher recognition from Jerry, where he thanked Dr. Cato for not only helping him learn how to do physics, but to love physics.

“I have known since June 2023, that my STAR teacher would be Dr. Cato. Physics, as you know, can be really, really, hard. It’s the first class that I struggled to stay afloat in concept wise and the first time that I realized that cramming doesn’t work. Lucky for me, for every question I had after class, Dr. Cato had an answer,” Jerry explained.

“It’s an honor to have Jerry select me as his STAR teacher,” Cato said. “Jerry is a one-of-a-kind student and it’s been a pleasure to work with him and to teach him the past three years. Quite honestly, it’s been a rather humbling experience for me.”

Jerry is planning to attend Georgia Technical Institute in the Fall to pursue either computer science, aerospace engineering or environmental engineering. He has also applied to MIT.

Congratulations, to all of the outstanding teachers and their chosen educators for their achievements and successes. 

CCSD STAR Students and Teachers:

Evans High School

• Weston Evans, STAR Student
• Steven Hahn, STAR Teacher

Greenbrier High School

• Nolan Parker, STAR Student
• Ariel Taylor, STAR Teacher
• Ellen Han, STAR Student
• Holly Townsend, STAR Teacher

Grovetown High School

• Carrie Lim, STAR Student
• Jennifer Fox Norton, STAR Teacher

Harlem High School

• Zyia Jean, STAR Student
• Tiffany Weser, STAR Teacher

Lakeside High School

• Jerry Fan, STAR Student
• Dr. John Cato, STAR Teacher

About Jerry Fan – STAR Student Winner 

Dr. Cato shared Jerry’s many accomplishments including his participation in Lakeside High School’s rigorous IB Programme, where he earned the highest score of 7 on all but one of his IB exams. In addition, Jerry earned a score of five on all 16 of the Advanced Placement exams he took, and he has been dual enrolled at Georgia Technical Institute, for upper-level math classes. Jerry also takes computer science and has learned to program python.

In extracurricular activities, Jerry is captain of the Lakeside High School Science Olympiad Team and the Science Bowl Team, and both are currently competing for state and national titles. Jerry is also musically talented, having been selected for all-state chorus for four years, and has played piano for 11 years. Jerry is also an author, with a second-place state win for his written work, and has research published in the American Journal of Physiology. As an athlete, Jerry has qualified for state competitions in cross-country and track and field and is also on the school’s highly competitive swimming team.

However, Jerry also makes time to give back to his community, including dozens of hours of conservation work at Phinizy Swamp and Savannah Rapids Pavilion, as well as building a weather station at Stallings Island Middle School to help 6th graders learn about earth science. Jerry has inspired group initiatives including clean-up efforts on the Lakeside campus and installing recycling bins in some classrooms. Additionally, he founded Soles for Souls Augusta, an organization that has collected 259 pairs of shoes and 664 articles of clothing for people in need.

“Jerry, I will always remember you and your infectious smile, big heart, and tremendous desire to learn,” said Dr. John Cato, STAR Teacher “No matter where you go, those who are around you will be blessed to know your kind, humble and talented heart.” 

Evans High School's Sgt. Burnett named District Police Officer of the Year

February 21, 2025

The annual Columbia County School District Police Officer of the Year recognition was awarded Thursday, February 20, 2025, to Evans High School Resource Officer Sgt. Chris Burnett.

The award was created to recognize excellence among the dedicated School Resource Officers of the Columbia County School District for their dedication to keeping students and staff safe.

A winner is selected from nominations submitted by a schools’ administrative team, and requires details of how the officer enriches school safety and security, enhances positive relationships with students and staff, and demonstrates a positive image of the school district and the Columbia County School District Police Department.

Sgt. Burnett began his career in law enforcement with the Columbia County Sherriff’s Office in 2001, and joined the Columbia County School District Police Department in 2018, in service to Evans Middle School, before moving to Evans High School. Sgt. Burnett was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2023, and holds advanced certifications as a field training officer and supervisory certification. 

In his nomination, Sgt. Burnett, was noted as a good man, with a welcoming demeanor and approachable style that helps him develop positive relationships with students, staff and their families.

“It means the world to be honored as Officer of the Year,” said Sgt. Burnett. “Being at Evans High is unique because I was at [Evans] middle school so some of those relationships with students were already built over there, and have been rekindled once they get here…Coming to work every day is a joy, and this just makes it even better.”

Congratulations to Sgt. Burnett, the 2024-25 Columbia County School District Police Officer of the Year.

Pictured from left: Columbia County School District Police Captain Joe Thompson; Sgt. Chris Burnett, CCSD Police Officer of the Year; and Chief Gary Owens.

Pictured from left: School Resource officer Lonnie Payne; Evans High School Assistant Principal Russell James; Sgt. Chris Burnett, CCSD Police Officer of the Year; Assistant Principal Thomas Holtzner; and Principal Wade White.

Pictured from left: Columbia County School District Police Department Chief Gary Owens; Sgt. Chris Burnett, CCSD Police Officer of the Year; and Associate Superintendent Penny Jackson. 

Sgt. Chris Burnett (Middle), CCSD Police Officer of the Year, with his family, including his daughter who attends Evans High School, and his son, who attends Evans Middle School. 

Columbia County School District Police Officer Lonnie Payne; Sgt. Chris Burnett, CCSD Police Officer of the Year; and David McNeal, Parking lot attendant/security at Evans High School. 

Student-Athletes Compete at Winter Special Olympics Games Bowling Competition

January 31, 2025

Congratulations, to all of our incredible student-athletes from the Columbia County School District who competed in the 2025 Winter State Special Olympics Bowling Competition.

Team Panther Pride Gold Medal Winners: Jevon Dunn, Cooper Claus, Nicholas Holsten, and Kaleb Steele

Team Strike Force Brown Medal Winners: Joseph Zuniga, Kymani Sessions, and Khoal Fountain

Team Strike Zone Bronze Medal Winners: Sky Rittenhouse, Abdias Colon, Bryan Belton Jr., and Michael Barker

Team Pin Crushers Gold Medal Winners: Kate Daly, Parris Blakely, Dawn Rittenhouse, and Sarah Wahman.

Lakeside High student-athlete Kaleb Steele was chosen by the Special Olympics Games of Georgia as the Athlete of the Month for March 2025.

Kaleb is a Senior this year, and he enjoys playing and practicing his skills for many sports including basketball, bocce, and golf, however, Kaleb's skills truly shine whenever he is bowling. He loves telling jokes and making people laugh. With his infectious smile and laugh, he brings positivity and joy to others. Kaleb competed in his very first State Winter Games this year in Team Bowling.  He and his teammates had the best time competing together and were able to bring home the GOLD!!  When asked what his favorite part about State Games, Kaleb said, “Bowling with my friends and having my family cheer for me!”

Congratulations, Kaleb! 

During the event, eighth graders had the opportunity to engage with high school students enrolled in each pathway along with industry representatives who work directly with those pathways.

A total of 24 CTAE and Fine Arts pathways were on display for eighth graders to explore. Students used an interest form to select their top three pathway interests they might like to participate in as a high school student. The pathway fair is followed by the annual Rising Freshmen Night for eighth graders and their parents on Thursday night, taking place at their zoned high school.

The Pathway Fair is an event unique to the CCSD and is designed to help students make an informed decision about the pathway(s) they would like to participate in as part of their overall high school experience.

Grovetown High School students share information about their respective pathways on display to eighth graders at the CCSD Support Department Complex, on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, for the inaugural Pathway Fair for eighth graders. 

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. 

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.