News and Events

(AUGUSTA, GEORGIA) — The Richmond County School System (RCSS) reached a record-high graduation rate for the third consecutive year, with 84.2% of the Class of 2026 graduating within four years, according to data released Monday by the Georgia Department of Education.

“We talk often about getting 1% better every day and making steady, measurable progress for our students,” said Dr. Malinda Cobb, superintendent of schools. “These improvements come from students who stayed focused on their goals and the teachers, counselors, administrators, staff and families who supported them along the way. I am proud of what we have accomplished, and I know there is still more work ahead of us.”

The 2.5 percentage-point increase from 81.7% in 2025 reflects a school systemwide focus on identifying students’ needs early and providing targeted support. Through "cohort crews", school teams monitor attendance, behavior and course performance to identify students who may be off track for graduation. System-wide graduation audits and efforts led by high school Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) facilitators and graduation coaches help schools connect students with academic and social-emotional supports, credit recovery and additional instructional opportunities such as Summer Gap.

Seven RCSS high schools increased their graduation rates from the previous year. T.W. Josey Comprehensive High School recorded the largest gain, increasing 9.82 percentage points to 75.88%, followed by Lucy C. Laney Comprehensive High School, up 7.34 points to 81.32%, and George P. Butler Comprehensive High School, up 4.95 points to 83.25%. Hephzibah Comprehensive High School reached 87.55%, marking its fourth consecutive year of historic gains. Glenn Hills, the Academy of Richmond County and Westside comprehensive high schools also recorded increases.

A.R. Johnson Health Science and Engineering Magnet School, John S. Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School and Richmond County Technical Career Magnet School each maintained a 100% graduation rate, surpassing the state average of 88.5%.

(AUGUSTA, GA.) — The Richmond County Board of Education celebrated outstanding employees, welcomed a new instructional leader and advanced several school system priorities during its regular meeting Tuesday.

The Board recognized more than 140 employees, including the school system’s Top Five Teacher of the Year finalists, Distinguished GaLEADS Teachers, a Teach in the Peach educator, 87 teachers who earned professional certification and 55 Classified Employees of the Year. The Board also recognized the Human Resources Department for its work supporting employees.

The Board also welcomed Tiffany Burney as the school system’s new director of teaching and learning.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Malinda Cobb highlighted efforts to strengthen family engagement, encouraging families with questions or concerns to begin with their child’s teacher and school administration before seeking additional school system support when needed. Cobb also updated the Board on implementation of visitor guidelines. Schools are preparing communications for families, and additional training in de-escalation and customer service is planned for front-office employees.

The Board received an update on the school system’s Continuous Improvement Cycle, which provides information about the strategies, systems and outcomes used to measure academic growth and student achievement.

During its action agenda, the Board approved policies addressing employee leave and absences, bullying, student hearing procedures and public participation in Board meetings. A policy addressing employee tobacco use and vaping advanced for a 30-day public comment period.

The Board also approved its annual governance training report and plan and Form 179D related to energy-efficient improvements at the Academy of Richmond County. Dr. Caral Rountree and Clara Callaway were appointed to the Richmond County Board Advisory Committee.

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