The Cherokee County School District continues to earn high marks from the State for its financial efficiency, tying for the best rating among metro Atlanta counties.   

The State’s Financial Efficiency Star Ratings measure school districts’ spending per student in relation to those students’ academic performance according to the College and Career Ready Performance Index.  Ratings range from a half-star to the highest rating of five stars.

The Cherokee County School District for the third consecutive year has earned 4.5 stars, which is among the best ratings in the State.  Only 10 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.  

“Our School Board and our School District have a well-respected reputation for strong financial stewardship, as well as outstanding student achievement,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower said.  “This overall rating of excellence recognizes our focus on directing funding to the classroom in order to prepare our community’s emerging generation for future success.”
   
The State’s new rankings also show CCSD’s average per-pupil spending of $8,653, measured over a three-year period, places the district in the top quartile for conservative spending.  Out of 180 school districts, 150 are spending more per student than Cherokee County.

In addition to district scores, ratings are calculated for individual schools.  Those schools with higher rates of poverty and which 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: ensuring our schools with the most challenges have the resources needed to help every student,” Dr. Hightower said.