New Georgia Milestones results are providing a look at how Chattooga County students performed in mathematics, science and social studies during the 2025-2026 school year, with the results showing both areas of strength and opportunities for improvement.
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.
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.
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.
The Trion City School System is asking the Trion Town Council to support placing a renewal of the Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, or ESPLOST, on the November ballot to continue funding major capital improvements without increasing property taxes.
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.
The Chattooga County Board of Education is accepting applications for a Maintenance Technician position to help ensure school facilities throughout the district remain safe and operating efficiently.
The full-time position is benefits eligible and follows a 208-day work schedule each school year. Employees work a four-day schedule with most Mondays off and participate in a rotating on-call schedule to respond to after-hours emergencies. Pay is based on certifications and experience, with wages up to $27.21 per hour.
Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED along with HVAC certification and/or electrical technician experience. Candidates should also have working knowledge of building maintenance trades, be able to work independently or as part of a team, climb ladders or scaffolding, lift heavy objects, possess a valid driver’s license, and successfully complete fingerprinting and a criminal background check.
Applications are available through the Superintendent’s Office or online at www.chattooga.k12.ga.us by selecting Menu, District Services, then Human Resources.
Completed applications should be submitted to Dawn Campbell, Human Resources Director, at the Chattooga County Board of Education, 33 Middle School Road, Summerville, Georgia 30747.
Leroy Massey Elementary School is celebrating one of its own after Mrs. Carrie Rowe was named Chattooga County School District Teacher of the Year.
School officials shared the announcement on social media, congratulating Rowe and thanking her for her dedication to students and the school community. Leroy Massey Elementary said they are grateful for her continued commitment to supporting students, fellow educators, and the community.
District Teacher of the Year honors are awarded to educators who demonstrate excellence in the classroom, leadership within their schools, and a strong commitment to student success.
The Georgia Association of Educators says a House subcommittee has passed HB 1244, legislation aimed at protecting educators’ right to a duty-free lunch and a planning period during the school day.
According to the GAE, the bill would prohibit school districts from waiving duty-free lunch and planning periods except in “extreme emergencies” or when a teacher voluntarily agrees to give up that time in exchange for additional compensation.
Supporters say the measure is intended to reinforce professional working conditions and ensure educators have dedicated time to prepare lessons and recharge during the school day. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Akbar Ali.
GAE President Lisa Morgan, a kindergarten teacher, addressed the subcommittee in support of the proposal prior to the vote. The association noted that another educators’ organization urged the committee to send the bill to a study committee shortly before the measure was approved.
HB 1244 now moves forward in the legislative process as lawmakers continue debate under the Gold Dome.
The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) is now accepting applications for the 2026–2027 Georgia Pre-K Teachers of the Year program.
