The Turner County Schools is making strides toward securing a $3.1 million grant under the Georgia College & Career Academy Project (GCCAP) 18, which would significantly enhance career and technical education (CTE) opportunities for students in Turner County.
If awarded, this transformational grant would provide new avenues for work-based learning, apprenticeships, and hands-on career training, ensuring that local students graduate with the skills and experience needed to succeed in the workforce or further education.
However, as Turner County Schools push forward with this exciting opportunity, questions remain about administrative staff contract renewals, teacher contracts, and title adjustments, leaving some uncertainty about leadership roles for the upcoming school year.
The $3.1M Georgia College & Career Academy Grant: What It Means for Turner County
The GCCAP 18 Grant aims to expand career pathways and vocational education for Georgia students, making it a perfect fit for Turner County Schools as they look to build a College & Career Academy.
On a mission to secure this funding, Turner County Schools’ College & Career Academy Steering Committee recently met to discuss next steps under the leadership of Superintendent Wray. During this planning session, the team outlined key priorities for the grant application, including:
Recruiting Additional Business Partners – Strengthening ties with local industries and businesses to create more internship and apprenticeship opportunities for students.
Distributing Needs Assessment Surveys – Gathering updated stakeholder feedback from parents, students, and educators to ensure the new academy aligns with real-world workforce needs.
Strategic Planning for Long-Term Impact – Mapping out a sustainable blueprint for career-focused education that will benefit future generations of students.
Finalist Presentations – Preparing to showcase Turner County’s vision for the College & Career Academy in upcoming grant selection rounds.
Engaging Students & Staff – Involving students and educators in designing a logo and name for the proposed Turner County College & Career Academy, fostering a sense of ownership and pride in the program.
This grant would help Turner County expand CTE programs in high-demand industries, giving students hands-on experience in agriculture, healthcare, skilled trades, business, and technology. If awarded, the funding could help transform career education in Ashburn, GA, ensuring that students graduate ready for success.
Uncertainty Over Staff Contracts & Leadership Roles
While the BOE is focused on expanding career and technical education, discussions are still ongoing regarding staff contract renewals, administrative title changes, and teacher contracts for the upcoming school year.
Key issues still being worked through include:
Administrative Contract Renewals – Some leadership roles remain in flux, as the BOE reviews staff positions and potential restructuring.
Teacher Contract Renewals – With budget planning in progress, some teaching positions remain undecided, leaving educators awaiting confirmation on their roles.
Title Adjustments & Leadership Changes – Job titles and responsibilities for administrative staff and district leadership are under discussion, but final decisions have not been announced.
The BOE aims to finalize these decisions soon, ensuring that students and staff have a strong, stable foundation heading into the next academic year.
What’s Next for Turner County Schools?
The BOE will continue working on two major priorities—securing the $3.1M grant and finalizing staff contracts—in the coming months.
As discussions continue, parents, teachers, and community members are encouraged to stay engaged, attend BOE meetings, and provide input as Turner County Schools work toward a brighter future.
This is an exciting time for Titan Nation, and if the grant is awarded, Turner County students will have more opportunities than ever to gain real-world career experience before graduation. Stay tuned for updates as the BOE works to turn this vision into reality!
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