Skip to main content

Board Briefs - August 2026

Posted Date: 08/05/26 (06:47 PM)
View Original Post


Board Briefs email header with logo

Student Growth & Success

2025-2026 AP Test Results
Not only did the number of Advanced Placement (AP) exams taken in the district increase, but the pass rate did as well. Seventy-three percent of BCSS students earned a passing score on their AP exams, up from 64% in 2025. See the detailed results.
Preparing for the 2026-2027 School Year
During the summer months, our Teaching and Learning team was preparing for a successful 2026–2027 school year. Together, they planned meaningful learning experiences, updated curriculum, refined assessments, and aligned instructional expectations to ensure every student has what is needed to grow and succeed.
BOLD Spotlight: Sims Academy
This month's BOLD Spotlight featured Sims Academy. Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) Director and Sims Administrator Dr. Jennifer Wood presented on highlights of the program, including Dual Enrollment courses and student experiences. Learn more.

Positive Culture & Safety

Safety Update
The Board was updated on the district's comprehensive school safety initiatives, including safety drills, collaboration with School Resource Officers (SROs), and Behavioral Threat Assessment procedures. Watch the presentation.

Student Mental Health/ Behavioral Services Grant
The Board approved using state grant funds to contract with selected mental health agencies to provide support services for middle and high school students. Learn more.

Organizational Effectiveness

Renovation/Maintenance Projects Update
The Board received an update on several renovation and maintenance projects happening across the district. See photos through the links below.

track topping

Superintendent's Recognitions

Barrow's BEST winners posing with their awards

2026 Barrow's BEST

We love celebrating our Barrow's BEST Award winners! BEST stands for Barrow's Exceptional Support Team. A winner is selected in each of these five service categories: Service Employee, School Nutrition, Transportation, Support Personnel, and Contributing Professional. Congratulations to our 2026-2027 winners:


  • Contributing Professional – Jade Baker (Project Aware Clinician assigned to Apalachee High School)
  • School Nutrition – Betsy Sheffield (School Nutrition Manager at Bear Creek Middle School)
  • Service Employee – Abraham Villegas (Day Porter Custodian at Austin Road Elementary School)
  • Support Personnel – Natalie Hodge (Bookkeeper at Winder Elementary School)
  • Transportation – Collene Lee (BCSS Transportation Supervisor)
Students and teachers holding certificates with the Superintendent and CTAE Director

Recognizing CTAE Achievements

Congratulations to our Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) students and teachers for their achievements at the national and regional level. The accomplishments include Barrow Arts and Sciences Academy student Graham Mull being named the National President of FCCLA, awards for FCCLA and SkillsUSA members, and more! Check out their successes!
 
Escaping Vaping group recognition photo

Escaping Vaping Poster Contest Winners

Congratulations to the winners of the Escaping Vaping poster contest at the system and state levels.

System Winners:

  • 1st Place: Landon Mathis - County Line Elementary School
  • 2nd Place: Charley Stowe - Holsenbeck Elementary School
  • 3rd Place: Kailynn Zapata - Holsenbeck Elementary School

State Winners:

  • Charley Stowe placed 1st in the Statewide competition
  • Kailynn Zapata placed 2nd in the Statewide competition
 
WBHS JROTC Students

Presentation of Colors

Cadets from Winder-Barrow High School JROTC presented the colors and led the Pledge of Allegiance at the meeting. 

  • Cadet Cadet Elias Armstong
  • Cadet Tyler Patrick
  • Cadet Dariel Valentin
  • Cadet Ndadjo Kofie
 
grad logo
The Barrow County Board of Education (BOE) has nine members. Board members serve a four-year term, with three districts elected at-large and six elected by district. The Board is the official governing body of the Barrow County School System. The regular business BOE meetings take place on the first Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the Professional Development Center (PDC) at 179 W. Athens St., Winder, GA 30680. BCSS uses eBoard to be transparent in governance and operations. You can find the most recent information concerning the BOE meetings on eBoard.
Visit eBoard Transparency Portal
Board of Education meetings are live-streamed on our YouTube Channel.
 

Quick Links:

Upcoming BOE Meetings: