#EducationNews | AM 1180 Radio

August 15, 2026

Chattooga County Schools To Release Students Early August 27-28 For Fair Traffic

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All Chattooga County Schools will dismiss students early on Thursday, August 27, and Friday, August 28, as preparations get underway for events surrounding the Chattooga County Fair.

Students across the school system will be released at 1:30 p.m. on both days. The adjusted schedule is intended to help clear traffic from the area around Summerville Middle School ahead of fair activities.

School officials say lunch will be served as usual before students are dismissed.

All scheduled after-school activities and programs will continue as planned, despite the early dismissal.

Parents and guardians who have questions about the schedule or need additional information should contact their child’s school.

The early release schedule applies to all Chattooga County Schools on Thursday, August 27, and Friday, August 28.

August 12, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Nearly $11 Billion In Georgia Student Loans Now In Default

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Hundreds of thousands of Georgians are in default on their federal student loans, with the amount of defaulted debt across the state now approaching $11 billion.

August 9, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga Mountain Education Going Phone-Free With Yondr Pouches Beginning Monday

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Students at Chattooga Mountain Education will enter a new phone-free learning environment beginning Monday, August 10, as the school implements the Yondr phone pouch system.

August 9, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Walker County Board Of Education Plans Full Millage Rollback For 2026

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The Walker County Board of Education plans to adopt a full rollback millage rate of 14.013 mills during its meeting on Monday, August 17.

According to information released by Walker County Schools, the rollback rate is calculated using the previous year’s millage rate minus the millage equivalent of the total net assessed value added through property reassessments.

A public hearing on the proposed 2026 millage rate will be held at 6 p.m. on August 17 in the boardroom of the Walker County Department of Education, located at 301 N. Cherokee Street in LaFayette.

School district officials say they continue to work to balance the growing needs of students with efforts to keep local taxes as low as possible while also maximizing state funding.

Walker County Schools noted that over the past six years, the district has either lowered or maintained its millage rate. In 2019, the rate stood at 17.404 mills. For 2026, the district plans to adopt the full rollback rate of 14.013 mills.

All concerned citizens are invited to attend the public hearing.

August 8, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Students Near Pre-Pandemic Levels On Milestones Testing

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Georgia students are continuing to make academic gains, with the latest Georgia Milestones results showing performance in several subjects now near or at levels seen before the COVID-19 pandemic.

August 7, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Highlands College Celebrates Milestone of Serving More Than 250,000 Community Members

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Georgia Highlands College is celebrating a major milestone, announcing it has served more than 250,000 community members since the institution was founded more than 50 years ago. The achievement reflects the college’s longstanding commitment to providing higher education opportunities across Northwest Georgia while continuing to expand its academic programs, enrollment and community partnerships.

July 2, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Highlands College Announces Spring 2026 President’s and Dean’s List Honorees

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Georgia Highlands College has announced its Spring 2026 President’s List and Dean’s List, recognizing students who achieved outstanding academic success during the spring semester.

June 27, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

According To Georgia Recorder, More Than Half Of Georgia Teachers Now Use AI To Prepare For Class

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More than half of Georgia’s public school teachers are now using artificial intelligence to help prepare lessons and complete other classroom tasks, according to a new report highlighted this week by the Georgia Recorder.

The report, based on findings from the Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts, found that 54 percent of teachers surveyed said they use generative AI tools for lesson planning, classroom activities, grading, or other instructional purposes. At the same time, many educators expressed concern that students’ growing use of AI could negatively affect learning, critical thinking, and academic integrity.

The findings come as school systems across Georgia continue developing policies for the responsible use of artificial intelligence in classrooms. State education leaders have also released guidance encouraging schools to use AI in ways that support teaching while protecting student privacy and promoting ethical use.

June 26, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

GNTC Offering Night Classes For Diesel Technician Program

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Georgia Northwestern Technical College is making it easier for working adults and others with busy schedules to prepare for a career in the diesel industry by offering night classes in its Diesel Equipment Technology program.

According to GNTC, diesel technicians are in high demand as freight transportation continues to grow, creating an ongoing need for skilled professionals to maintain and repair diesel-powered vehicles and equipment.

Graduates of the program can pursue careers in a variety of settings, including independent maintenance and repair shops, corporate fleet maintenance, truck leasing and rental operations, and trucking logistics facilities.

Early registration for fall classes is underway, with the registration deadline set for August 4.

For more information about the Diesel Equipment Technology program or to apply, visit gntc.edu or call 866-983-4682.

June 16, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Trion City Schools Announces Destruction of Certain Student Records

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Trion City Schools has announced plans to destroy certain student records that are no longer needed for educational purposes, in accordance with Georgia Department of Education policies and procedures.

According to notices published by the school system, records associated with former students born in 2001 or who were part of the Class of 2019 are scheduled for destruction on July 1, 2026.

The records include those maintained by the school system’s Special Education Department, Student Support Services Department, and Gifted Program.

Former students or their guardians who wish to obtain copies of eligible records before they are destroyed must contact the appropriate department prior to July 1. Proper identification will be required before records are released.

For Special Education or Student Support Services records, individuals may contact the Student Services Department at (706) 734-0711. For Gifted Program records, inquiries may be directed to (706) 734-0724.

School officials said the records are being removed because they are no longer required for educational purposes and are eligible for destruction under state record-retention guidelines.