Catoosa County superintendent reports record graduation rate, facility expansions and new programs
March 16, 2025 | Catoosa County, School Districts, Georgia
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The superintendent of Catoosa County Public Schools told the board that the district recorded a 2024 four‑year graduation rate of 90.81 percent and outlined facility expansions, new academic programs and investments in safety, technology and student supports.
The superintendent said the district’s graduation rate “significantly eclipses the state average of 85.4%,” and noted that all three high schools earned AP honor status after more than 25% growth in Advanced Placement participation. “Every child, every day without exception,” the superintendent said, repeating the district’s mission.
The superintendent framed the presentation around the district’s strategic plan, saying it guides investments and priorities. He named four schools — Heritage Middle, Ringgold Middle, Heritage High and Lakeview‑Fort Oglethorpe High School (LFO High School) — as math leader schools recognized by the Georgia Department of Education. Wood Station Elementary was identified as a Title I Reward School.
On college and career pathways, the presentation listed partnerships with Georgia Northwestern Technical College and Dalton State College that will allow more than 400 high school students to earn college credit. The Dena D. Reese College and Career Academy (CCA) earned 107 industry‑recognized credentials and 81 technical college certificates last year and accumulated nearly 1,700 hours of college credit, the superintendent reported. He said 56% of those students planned to continue postsecondary education and 31% intended to enter the workforce in their field of study.
The district also launched the LEAP Academy (Language Education and Acquisition Program) for newcomers and developing English learners, designed to let students learn English while earning high‑school credits. The superintendent described expansion of transition services for special education students, including a new transition lab at LFO High School, and said preschool staff are working with local day cares to better serve children with developmental delays.
Facilities and capital projects received detailed attention. Phase 1 of the Boynton Elementary expansion opened this year, adding about 20,000 square feet, 16 classrooms, a new playground, an expanded car rider loop, a 50‑space parking lot and a retention pond. Planning is underway for a Phase 2 that the superintendent said would add “over 20,000 square feet” including more than 20 new and refurbished classrooms, a media center, refurbished gym and cafeteria, a bus loop and expanded parking. He credited E‑SPLOST funding with supporting the Boynton project and a list of other improvements across the district, including roofing projects, tennis court renovations and new fine‑arts spaces.
On personnel and workforce issues, the superintendent said human resources trained nearly 70 new substitute teachers in fiscal 2025 and about 200 substitutes since the in‑house program began. He reported a 94% teacher retention rate and said 22 of the district’s 37 current leaders have indicated plans to retire within ten years, prompting leadership development efforts.
Safety, technology and student supports were also highlighted. The superintendent said the district is improving emergency preparedness with run/hide/survive drills, enhanced school communication with response centers, and continued collaboration with law enforcement and emergency management. Technology staff are developing school‑level continuity plans for cybersecurity incidents and working on a districtwide artificial intelligence policy; the superintendent emphasized training and student data privacy. Mental‑health supports include small groups with a Bridge Health counselor, a mentor pilot at Battlefield Elementary and LFO High School, and five active groups with Kate’s Club for grief counseling. The superintendent also reported that nurses recorded more than 42,000 visits in the first semester.
On transportation, the district transports about 6,000 students daily across roughly 350 routes with a fleet of 50 buses and said it is 70% staffed. The superintendent noted the two‑tier pickup system implemented this year reduced the need for eight additional routes.
The superintendent closed by urging continued focus on the strategic plan and on maintaining the district’s academic and operational gains.
The superintendent said the district’s graduation rate “significantly eclipses the state average of 85.4%,” and noted that all three high schools earned AP honor status after more than 25% growth in Advanced Placement participation. “Every child, every day without exception,” the superintendent said, repeating the district’s mission.
The superintendent framed the presentation around the district’s strategic plan, saying it guides investments and priorities. He named four schools — Heritage Middle, Ringgold Middle, Heritage High and Lakeview‑Fort Oglethorpe High School (LFO High School) — as math leader schools recognized by the Georgia Department of Education. Wood Station Elementary was identified as a Title I Reward School.
On college and career pathways, the presentation listed partnerships with Georgia Northwestern Technical College and Dalton State College that will allow more than 400 high school students to earn college credit. The Dena D. Reese College and Career Academy (CCA) earned 107 industry‑recognized credentials and 81 technical college certificates last year and accumulated nearly 1,700 hours of college credit, the superintendent reported. He said 56% of those students planned to continue postsecondary education and 31% intended to enter the workforce in their field of study.
The district also launched the LEAP Academy (Language Education and Acquisition Program) for newcomers and developing English learners, designed to let students learn English while earning high‑school credits. The superintendent described expansion of transition services for special education students, including a new transition lab at LFO High School, and said preschool staff are working with local day cares to better serve children with developmental delays.
Facilities and capital projects received detailed attention. Phase 1 of the Boynton Elementary expansion opened this year, adding about 20,000 square feet, 16 classrooms, a new playground, an expanded car rider loop, a 50‑space parking lot and a retention pond. Planning is underway for a Phase 2 that the superintendent said would add “over 20,000 square feet” including more than 20 new and refurbished classrooms, a media center, refurbished gym and cafeteria, a bus loop and expanded parking. He credited E‑SPLOST funding with supporting the Boynton project and a list of other improvements across the district, including roofing projects, tennis court renovations and new fine‑arts spaces.
On personnel and workforce issues, the superintendent said human resources trained nearly 70 new substitute teachers in fiscal 2025 and about 200 substitutes since the in‑house program began. He reported a 94% teacher retention rate and said 22 of the district’s 37 current leaders have indicated plans to retire within ten years, prompting leadership development efforts.
Safety, technology and student supports were also highlighted. The superintendent said the district is improving emergency preparedness with run/hide/survive drills, enhanced school communication with response centers, and continued collaboration with law enforcement and emergency management. Technology staff are developing school‑level continuity plans for cybersecurity incidents and working on a districtwide artificial intelligence policy; the superintendent emphasized training and student data privacy. Mental‑health supports include small groups with a Bridge Health counselor, a mentor pilot at Battlefield Elementary and LFO High School, and five active groups with Kate’s Club for grief counseling. The superintendent also reported that nurses recorded more than 42,000 visits in the first semester.
On transportation, the district transports about 6,000 students daily across roughly 350 routes with a fleet of 50 buses and said it is 70% staffed. The superintendent noted the two‑tier pickup system implemented this year reduced the need for eight additional routes.
The superintendent closed by urging continued focus on the strategic plan and on maintaining the district’s academic and operational gains.
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