Cherokee School Board Issues Letter to Employees
The letter congratulates employees on a job well done in 2012 but cautions against resting on their laurels. Read the letter below.
November 1, 2012
Dear Cherokee County School District Teachers and Staff,
Recently, Cherokee County Schools received the distinction of being first in the State in SAT scores. As the local Board of Education, we are extremely proud of this achievement by our students. We recognize that this accomplishment is a credit to all the stakeholders in Cherokee; however, we want to specifically recognize our classroom teachers, school administrators and staff for their service to the students of Cherokee County.
We also recognize that the past few years have brought changes to our system that make the job of teachers and staff ever more demanding. We have asked you to do "more with less"-fewer instructional days, longer instructional days, less time for each student individually because of larger class sizes, unpaid furloughs, new performance evaluations and implementing new standards. But your dedication to our students has shown through. You have surpassed our request that our children succeed at a high rate with fewer resources and have instead accomplished even greater renown for our students and our County. The Board thanks you for your professionalism, dedication and caring attitude toward the students.
For all that you have done and will do in the future for our kids, you have our sincere gratitude as a Board and as members of the community that benefits from your passion for educating. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Mike Chapman, School Board Chair
Janet Read, School Board Vice-Chair
Kim Cochran, School Board Member
Michael Geist, School Board Member
Robert Rechsteiner, School Board Member
Rob Usher, School Board Member
Robert Wofford, School Board Member
Click here to see the district's 2013 legislative priorities.
Thomas Laney
12:05 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2012
Thank each and every one of you!!!!!
K
12:05 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2012
"but cautions against resting on their laurels."
I did not read a caution, did any one else?
Jennifer Pefferly
12:05 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2012
To what "proposals" are you referring??? Where does this letter "warn against resting on their laurels"??? All I see is a complimentary thank-you for a job well done while acknowledging the adverse conditions the board has been forced to place on these hard-working teachers. Perhaps you need to read more carefully before trying to stir up controversy where none exists.
Get it right
4:36 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2012
I agree with Jennifer and Kathy on this one...did not see anything in the letter but kudos for our teachers, school administrators and staff. I thought it was an excellent letter and very well written. What are you trying to do?
Ronnie
12:05 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2012
I find myself getting into discussions regarding education, all over Georgia. As this seems to continue to be a common topic of conversation, I am always mindful of our outstanding teachers and staff here in Cherokee County.
Thank you Cherokee County Teachers for your dedication to our children and your quest for excellence in education.
Get it right
4:36 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2012
Would like to hear from others....
Five
8:40 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2012
My child's high SAT and ACT was purely because of him and what he had to do on his own not his teachers or school. Most of the parents and students are the ones who have made sure they score high.
Stevie Nicks
9:05 am on Monday, November 5, 2012
Great letter! I agree the teachers and staff at Cherokee County schools should be applauded for continuing to care about the kids.
I am sure CCSD has great teachers and staff also...we just dont know who or what goes on there so it is hard to say.
Jennifer
1:05 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012
Where is the board getting in information regarding Cherokee County being first in the state for SAT scores? http://www.ajc.com/news/news/local-education/georgias-sat-scores-up-but-still-below-national-av/nSKtF/
No More Bullies
3:59 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012
First in the state for districtwide average. All the schools in Cherokee County did well and within 75 points of each other. While Fulton and Cobb had several schools in the top 10 or 20 in the state (the link you posted), they also have schools that lag way behind and are several hundred points below their top schools. Even with most of the top schools, Fulton's district average for all its schools is below Cherokee County's (same for Cobb, Gwinnett, Forsyth, etc.).