JAMES BUSH: Dougherty County School System flourishing in the face of challenges

Students, families and citizens of Albany-Dougherty County don’t have to go far to find proof that we are experiencing exciting and historic times for the Dougherty County School System.

Even before the remarkable rebound students have shown since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic emergency, the district and its schools showed significant gains in several key indicators, including the three high schools’ graduation rates and student academic growth on the Georgia Milestones Assessment System.

Currently, the district’s graduation rate sits at 88%. above the state’s average of 84.4%. That’s the fourth time in the last five years that the district’s graduation rate has outperformed the state’s average, with the only year coming up short being the abbreviated year students had at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking of COVID-19, during the challenging times of the pandemic, our district was recognized by state officials for our exemplary approach. We balanced unprecedented safety measures to protect our students and employees, including advanced air purification systems, extensive cleaning measures, and a commitment to maintaining instructional continuity, whether virtually or in person.

In addition, we were proactive in accelerating instruction after the pandemic to offset the learning loss suffered by students as a result of disrupted learning caused by COVID-19. Perhaps that’s why the rate of recovery for students in the Dougherty County School System is outpacing the state average in many key areas. For example, DCSS students showed improvement in 16 of 20 Georgia Milestones tested subjects last school year. We undoubtedly have more work to do, but we are definitely heading in the right direction.

Student safety has long been top-of-mind for district leaders. In addition to millions of dollars in funding aimed at improving the mental and behavioral health of students through steps like hiring additional social workers and partnering with Albany Area Primary Health Care for the creation of a mental health clinic for students, the district also has invested funds in school security through the installation of security vestibules, buzz-to-enter door systems and the use of the Crisis Alert System — which allows employees to initiate a security response with the touch of a button on their employee badges.

During this same period, the district has worked tirelessly to address what school districts across the country are grappling with: a teacher shortage. The district has increased teacher pay to record levels, created new teacher mentor programs aimed at retaining teachers, initiated the teacher internship program in partnership with Albany State and Georgia Southwestern state universities, and created new pathways for professional development through partnerships with Mercer University that allow teachers to earn a master’s degree for free.

In the classroom, the district has made record investments in classroom technology, including a unique partnership inked with Apple and Ed Farm to make the district an all-Apple learning district, and helping to position the DCSS on the forefront of innovation in education.

But even as the district is making record investments in its teachers, student safety, classroom technology, wraparound services for mental and behavioral health, and more, it’s doing so in a methodical, systemic way by leveraging external funding sources. For instance, the district was able to hire 17 social workers and support staff and provide new support for mental health programs for students after obtaining $19 million in grant funding from the U.S. Department of Education.

In all, the district has managed to fund its schools and operations at historic levels while continuing its tradition of rolling back the property tax rate for property owners in Dougherty County. Currently sitting at 17.99 mils, it’s the first time since 2002 the millage rate has been below 18 mils for school taxes. Over the last seven years, the district has lowered the property tax rate six times.

It’s a commitment to financial stewardship that has led the district to be able to reduce property taxes, while making historic investments in instruction, instructional technology, student support and employee compensation, while building a record $41 million general fund reserve, which will help buoy the district if faced with difficult economic times.

Even with these historic achievements, district leaders and elected officials aren’t keen on resting on their hard-fought laurels. Instead, they intend to carry their momentum forward, supporting students to continue their accomplishments both in and out of the classroom.

That momentum is kindled by leadership — both inside the school district and beyond. Led by superintendent Kenneth Dyer, who not only provides stellar leadership for the DCSS, but also serves in leadership roles throughout our community, state and nation, leveraging strategic partnerships to further the cause of public education in general, and the DCSS in particular. Dyer currently serves the chair of the Albany Technical College Board of Directors, and serves on the Boys and Girls Club of Albany Board of Directors, the Governor’s Superintendents Advisory Roundtable, the Georgia School Boards Association Risk Management Fund Board of Trustees, the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia Board of Trustees, the Georgia School Superintendents Association Board of Directors and the American Association of School Administrators. He also has served on the boards of directors of the Charter System Foundation and the Georgia Appleseed Center for Law and Justice.

In addition to Dyer, Associate Superintendent Vinson Davis serves on the Champions Community in Schools Board, the Albany State University Foundation Board of Trustees, and the Albany Downtown Development Authority Board; 4C Academy CEO Chris Hatcher serves as chair of the Albany Dougherty Economic Development Commission, co-chair of Albany-Dougherty Works, the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the Albany Rotary Club Board, and is chair of the Georgia College and Career Academy Network; District Chief Strategy Officer LaShonda Flanders is currently the president of the Georgia Association of Curricula and Instructional Supervisors, and serves on the Cognia Georgia Advisory Committee.

These are just some of the leadership positions or positions of service held by DCSS leaders outside of the DCSS. Their service reflects our dedication to the Dougherty County community and beyond.

We are proud of the progress we’ve made, and we are excited about the future. I am deeply honored to be part of this dynamic community and to continue serving as a member of the Dougherty County School Board. Together, we will keep working toward excellence in education for all.