CALHOUN, GA – The Georgia Department of Education, in collaboration with the Georgia Economic Developers Association (GEDA) and Georgia Power, recently announced that Gordon County Schools as one of four school systems selected to receive the Economic Development Partnership (EDP) designation at their annual fall conference in Savannah, GA. There to receive the award on behalf of Gordon County Schools was GCS CTAE Director Leah Newsom and Kathy Johnson, President and CEO of the Gordon County Chamber of Commerce and Development Authority of Gordon County.
The primary objective of the Economic Development Partnership program is to acknowledge school districts that grasp the critical role Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) plays in economic development through robust partnerships with business and industry. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of aligning educational pathways with the specific needs of the local and regional workforce.
Achieving EDP (Economic Development Partnership) status underscores Gordon County Schools' dedication to enhancing the region's economic vitality and nurturing a prosperous future for its students. The school district continues to prioritize its extensive programs and collaborative efforts within the community, aimed at fostering Work-Based Learning and Youth Apprenticeship opportunities. The overarching objective for Gordon County Schools is to expose students to local businesses and industries while delivering curriculum content that aligns seamlessly with their career aspirations
CTAE Director of Gordon County Schools, Leah Newsom, expressed her enthusiasm for this prestigious recognition. "We are honored to be designated as an Economic Development Partner, further cementing our commitment to our students' success and our community's economic vitality. This designation underscores our dedication to preparing our students with the skills and knowledge needed for meaningful careers in our region."
The esteemed EDP designation solidifies Gordon County Schools' dedication to fostering educational excellence, supporting economic growth, and nurturing a skilled workforce prepared to tackle the challenges and opportunities of the future.
Gordon County Schools also extends their heartfelt gratitude to our numerous community partners, with special recognition to Garret Nudd of AdventHealth Gordon, Laura Wood from Mohawk Industries, and Kathy Johnson of the Gordon County Chamber of Commerce, for their invaluable support throughout the selection process. Additionally, we want to express our appreciation to the dedicated Work-Based Learning coordinators at both of our Gordon County Schools. The collective efforts of our educators and community partners and their commitment to Gordon County Schools have played a pivotal role in shaping opportunities for our students and strengthening the connection between education and the workforce.
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About Gordon County Schools
Gordon County Schools system serves approximately 6,500 students in schools across the county including six elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools. The mission of the Gordon County School system is to build a collaborative culture that engages all students and staff in learning experiences leading to growth, empowerment, and transformation.
Contact at Gordon County Schools:
Kendra Pannell
Communications Coordinator
Email: kpannell@gcbe.org
Phone: (706) 629-7366 ext. 8151
Website: www.gcbe.org