BCSS Board Briefs - October 2025

Posted Date: 10/15/25 (07:13 PM)

Academics & Student Success

2025 BCSS Graduation Rate Reaches Record High 92.7%

Congratulations to the Barrow County School System Class of 2025 for achieving the highest graduation rate in BCSS history since 2000, when the Georgia Department of Education began measuring rates statewide. Together, the 1,076 graduates from Apalachee High School, Barrow Arts and Sciences Academy, and Winder-Barrow High School made up a 92.68% record grad rate.

More about Record Grad Rate

Strategic Plan Community Meeting

Superintendent Dr. Dallas LeDuff shared about the first Strategic Plan community meeting. BCSS is now crafting the next Strategic Plan for the 2026-2031 school years. Strategic planning is a thoughtful process that aligns our school system’s values, mission, and goals with a set of clear strategies and opportunities to achieve student success. Please help write our story!

Oct. 27 from 6pm until 8pm

Bethlehem Church 316 Campus

985 Hog Mountain Road, Winder

BOLD SPOTLIGHT: Horizon Program

The BOLD Spotlight featured the Horizon Program and its successes with its specialized one-on-one advisement for all students. Program Administrator Kelley Scredon shared how Horizon is helping students to strengthen academic connection, decrease recidivism, and increase chances for graduating on time. Hear about the successes.

Other Academics & Student Success Items:

40th Day of School Enrollment: 15,211
CTAE+ Program Introduction
Approval of completed Carpentry Pathway to meet required Geometry unit of credit
Approval for public review and comment of revisions to Policies: JBC-School Admissions; IBB-Charter Schools; IHF(6)-Graduation Requirements

Finances & Infrastructure

Job Fair Oct. 20 from 11-1 at 179 W. Athens Street

Barrow BOLD Hiring Update

Human Resources Director Meggan McNally shared that since hiring for the year began, 142 classified positions and 210 certified positions have been filled for a total of 352 new hires for the 2025-26 school year. We still have a few great career opportunities available!

Join us for our Career Fair on Oct. 20 from 11am-1pm at 179 W. Athens Street, Winder.

AHS Student & Staff Supports Update

Board members were updated on the current supports offered at Apalachee High School for staff and students. Those supports include:

Full-time staff clinician for staff
Full-time recovery coordinator
Full-time substitute teacher
2 full-time clinicians for students (pictured)
Recharge & Recovery Rooms (Wildcat Wellness Den)
Impacted Student Group monthly activity
Wellness Wednesday for advisement groups together on 9-4-24
Paint Love Mural
Project Aware support

Other Finance & Infrastructure Items:

Approval to consider the request to lease BCSS property to the Branch Recovery Center (a program that offers emotional and mental health support related to Sept. 4, 2024)
Approval to close out the Barrow Arts & Sciences Academy Phase II Project to release State Capital Outlay funds to BCSS
Dell Desktop Computer Purchase Approval

Superintendent's Recognitions

Appreciation & Praise for Life-saving Response

Dr. LeDuff and Health Services Manager Lance McNamara were honored to recognize those who helped provide life-saving support when Mr. James Sheppard suffered a cardiac arrest during a softball game at Apalachee High School in August. Watch as Mr. McNamara shared how Erica Rudell, Matt Rudell, Daniel Martin, Valerie Lancaster, Brooke Houlihan, Haille Gilleland, Andrew Dean, Charles Greeson, and Courtney Sosebee responded.

PBIS School representatives with Dr. LeDuff

PBIS Distinguished Schools

Congratulations to six of our schools recognized as Georgia Department of Education Distinguished PBIS Schools. PBIS stands for Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports and is a system designed to foster positive, supportive, and effective learning environments. This honor is the highest level of recognition awarded to schools practicing PBIS and reflects the commitment of our students, staff, and school communities.

BCSS Distinguished PBIS Schools

Auburn Elementary
County Line Elementary
Kennedy Elementary
Yargo Elementary
Bear Creek Middle
Russell Middle

More about PBIS Recognition

Customer Service Appreciation for Transportation

According to our schools, these bus drivers are shining stars when it comes to customer service. Not only do they ensure every child gets to and from school safely, but they also go above and beyond to show compassion and care each day.

Joe Taylor
Laura Warwick
Keith Warwick
Ashlee Dhanpath

Custodian of the Month

Congratulations to our Custodian of the Month, Rita Puga Cangas with Apalachee High School. Principal Jessica Rehberg says she always goes above and beyond and her strong work ethic and positive attitude make a real difference each day.

Presentation of Colors

Cadets from Apalachee High School JROTC presented the colors and led the Pledge of Allegiance at the meeting.

Cadet Command Sergeant Major Amara Harpis
Cadet Captain Kendall Lee
Cadet Corporal Angela Herrera
Cadet Private Kaylee Paniccia

2025 GSBA Exemplary School Board Status

Dr. LeDuff thanked the Board of Education members for their dedicated service and congratulated them for achieving Exemplary School Board status for 2025 from the Georgia School Boards Association (GSBA). This recognition showcases best practices in school governance and leadership. BCSS met and/or exceeded the criteria to earn the honor.

The Barrow County Board of Education (BOE) has nine members. Board members serve a four-year term, with three districts elected at-large and six elected by district. The Board is the official governing body of the Barrow County School System. The regular business BOE meetings take place on the first Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the Professional Development Center (PDC) at 179 W. Athens St., Winder, GA 30680. BCSS uses eBoard to be transparent in governance and operations. You can find the most recent information concerning the BOE meetings on eBoard.

Visit eBoard Transparency Portal

Board of Education meetings are live-streamed on our YouTube Channel.

Quick Links:

Upcoming BOE Meetings:

Work Session: Nov. 4

Meeting: Nov. 18

2025 BOE Calendar