The Richmond County Board of Education celebrated outstanding employees, welcomed a new instructional leader and advanced several school system priorities during its regular meeting Tuesday.

The Board recognized more than 140 employees, including the school system’s Top Five Teacher of the Year finalists, Distinguished GaLEADS Teachers, a Teach in the Peach educator, 87 teachers who earned professional certification and 55 Classified Employees of the Year. The Board also recognized the Human
Resources Department for its work supporting employees.

The Board also welcomed Tiffany Burney as the school system’s new director of teaching and learning.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Malinda Cobb highlighted efforts to strengthen family engagement, encouraging families with questions or concerns to begin with their child’s teacher and school administration before seeking additional school system support when needed. Cobb also updated the Board on implementation of visitor guidelines. Schools are preparing communications for families, and additional training in de-escalation and customer service is planned for front-office employees.

The Board received an update on the school system’s Continuous Improvement Cycle, which provides information about the strategies, systems and outcomes used to measure academic growth and student
achievement.

During its action agenda, the Board approved policies addressing employee leave and absences, bullying, student hearing procedures and public participation in Board meetings. A policy addressing employee tobacco use and vaping advanced for a 30-day public comment period.

The Board also approved its annual governance training report and plan and Form 179D related to energy- efficient improvements at the Academy of Richmond County. Dr. Caral Rountree and Clara Callaway were appointed to the Richmond County Board Advisory Committee.