Cherokee's Improving Test Scores Mean More than Bigger Brains

While the news that the Cherokee County School District (CCSD) has once again beaten the state average on the Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests (CRCT) administered to Georgia third-through-eighth graders is good news in and of itself, the impact of the county's school system reaches far beyond the classroom.

The county made gains across the district in the reading section of the tests, and every single school in the district saw an improvement in one or more grade levels and or subject areas.

A memo from Superintendent Dr. Frank Petruzielo to the School Board cites numerous examples of improvements made by the district. You may download the memo from this article.

Out of 3,009 third-graders taking the reading test, 97 percent passed on their first try. In 2012, the rate was 96 percent. Eighth-graders earned a 93 percent pass rate on their math test, compared to 89 percent last year.

Additionally, the percentage of CCSD who exceeded standards topped the state average by 13 points.

These achievements are even more remarkable considering the school district is still suffering from budget cuts and adapting to the changing demographics of the area.

"We are proud of how far we’ve come and are determined to retain this reputation for excellence," wrote Petruzielo.

Apart from improving the minds of our children, the county's schools are a big selling point to local real estate agents.

"I sell homes to people who specifically buy in Cherokee County because of the schools," said Realtor Becky Babcock, who is a former member of the Cherokee County School Board. 

"People who are coming to Georgia from other states will do research on the best schools in the state and often choose Cherokee County."

Babcock cites the county's schools as one of the top three reasons people decide to move to the area, along with home prices and the tax rate.

Canton Mayor Gene Hobgood also said that schools are an important factor when families choose where to live.

"Any time the system shows improvement, its always a plus to the community," he said.

He added that the county's recent feat of earning the state's best SAT scores shows that the educational system is, "improving on all levels."

State Rep. Calvin Hill (R-Canton) echoed Hobgood's praises, saying that the county's strong school district was essential to the growth of the county.

"For the last 15 or 20 years, we have had a strong school system," Hill said. "We as a country certainly have a long way to go as far as education is concerned, but Cherokee County's certainly a shining example of how it can be done."

Hill said that one of the reasons that Chattahooche Technical College brought two campuses to Cherokee County, an effort advocated by Hill, was because of the school district and it's willingness to work hand-in-hand with the technical college.

Hill called the news of the CRCT scores a "win-win" for the county's students, and for the county's economy, which is only bolstered by strong schools.

"We can continue to attract high quality jobs and employees to the county," Hill said.

Local business can only benefit from the county's school district, said a prominent county authority.

"Having a public school district with a strong record and the number one SAT scores in the state is a great selling point to companies considering our community," said Cherokee Office of Economic Development President Misti Martin. "It gives them confidence in our current and future workforce."

Cherokee residents are also glad to hear of the improving educational system.

"This is why we are so proud of our district and why, when faced with adversity from within or out, we will stand together for the students of Cherokee County," wrote Canton-Sixes Patch Facebook reader Judi Haggerty.

Canton-Sixes Patch Facebook reader Marla Finn added, "We have an EXCELLENT school system and fantastic teachers! Our children should be proud of their accomplishments!!"

The grade-by-grade breakdown of CRCT scores for Cherokee County may be found in the documents attached to this article.