Five Richmond County School System (RCSS) schools exited the Georgia Department of Education’s Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI) list this year for the subgroup of students with disabilities, according to data released today.  

The schools exiting the TSI list for students with disabilities are T. Harry Garrett Elementary School, Barton Chapel Elementary School, Monte Sano Elementary School, Richmond Hill Middle School, and John M. Tutt Middle School. Schools exit the TSI list by demonstrating sustained academic improvement and meeting state-established criteria within identified student subgroups.

“The Targeted Support and Improvement designation identifies schools where a specific subgroup of students needs additional academic support,” said Dr. Malinda Cobb, superintendent of schools. “Exiting the TSI list means these schools demonstrated meaningful academic improvement for students with disabilities, signaling that the strategies in place are working and making a real difference for students and families.”

Four RCSS schools were added to the TSI list this year: George P. Butler Comprehensive High School, Glenn Hills Elementary School, Pine Hill Middle School, and Wilkinson Gardens Elementary School. Glenn Hills Elementary School was also identified in the subgroup for Hispanic students.

Dr. Tommy Welch, deputy superintendent of strategic initiatives, said the system is working closely with schools newly identified for targeted support. “Identification allows us to be more intentional with the resources, coaching, and supports we provide,” Welch said. “Our focus is on partnering with school leaders to strengthen instruction, address specific student needs, and ensure sustained improvement across all student groups.”

The Georgia Department of Education updates TSI designations annually, allowing schools to exit federal identification by demonstrating improved performance over time. For more information, visit the Georgia Department of Education website.