CCSD Among Top School Districts For Financial Efficiency

CANTON, GA — The Cherokee County School District has been recognized by the state for its financial efficiency. CCSD and Gwinnett County Public Schools share the first-place ranking among metro Atlanta counties for the state's Financial Efficiency Star Ratings.

These ratings measure school districts’ spending per student in relation to their academic performance according to the College and Career Ready Performance Index. Ratings range from a half-star to the highest rating of five stars.

This is the second consecutive year that Cherokee County has earned 4.5 stars which is among the best ranking in Georgia. Only eight other school districts of the 180 in Georgia earned a 4.5, with just one of those being a metro Atlanta county system; only three districts statewide earned a 5.

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“Strong financial stewardship is a hallmark for our School Board and our school district,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian Hightower said. “This overall rating of excellence recognizes our focus on directing funding to the classroom and preparing our community’s emerging generation for future success.”

The state's new rankings also show the Cherokee school district's average per-pupil spending of $8,627, ranking it in the top 16 percent for conservative spending.

In addition to district scores, ratings are calculated for individual schools. Those schools with higher rates of poverty and that qualify for additional funding through the federal Title I program earn lower ratings due to the ratings system’s formula.

“We will not allow state formulas, report cards or other labels to deter us from doing what is right: supporting every student and ensuring no one is left behind,” Dr. Hightower added.

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