Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle hosted the 3rd Annual Charter System Foundation Awards Luncheon, highlighting the numerous achievements of Georgia Charter Systems. Warren County Schools received the Charter System of the Year Award and was awarded a $10,000 grant by the Georgia Association of Realtors to further enhance their reforms.

“Charter Systems are among the most innovative schools in the nation and have changed how we think about public education,” said Lt. Governor Cagle. “Warren County Schools abandoned the “one size fits all” model, actively engaging their students in new and innovative policies with tremendous success. They are proof that no matter the size of a community, this educational model is extremely effective for students, parents, educators and the business community alike.” 

The Charter System of the Year Award recognizes a system that has demonstrated excellence in leadership, governance, partnerships and achievement. Warren County, Georgia’s first Charter System, has used their substantial flexibility to elevate their vision for their school system. Specifically, flexibility with required personnel, scheduling, the 65% rule, and expenditure controls have allowed them to eradicate the last of a $2 million inherited deficit and build a $1,295,000 general fund reserve.

“I’ve always been extremely proud of our students, parent and educators in Warren County but this award reaffirms our commitment to innovation in the classroom,” said Sen. Jesse Stone. “Day in and day out, they are better equipping our children for our modern workforce and I’m confident they will continue to revolutionize the way our students receive their education. I want to congratulate Carole Jean and everyone who has contributed to Warren County’s success.”

The same flexibility, coupled with a commitment to their charter and strategic plan goals, has resulted in 100% of Warren schools being designated by the state as schools that beat the odds, both middle and high schools recognized as High-Flying Schools and a graduation rate of 89.5%.

Of Georgia’s 180 school systems, 42 have been approved as Charter Systems by the State Board of Education. Georgia Charter Systems have proven effective in addressing the specific and unique needs of individual school systems, embarking on new relationships between each board of education and their communities. Lt. Gov. Cagle has been steadfast in his commitment to embracing new education models where the school becomes an epicenter for community involvement, leading to greater levels of student achievement by increasing pathways to career success.