Baldwin County Superintendent Dr. Kristina Brooks presented an overview of the Baldwin County School District and its future goals during Eggs and Issues Sept. 17 at Central Georgia Technical College.
BCSD is made up of six schools, including two primary schools, two elementary schools, and the middle and high schools. In addition, the district offers the Georgia College Early College, Early learning Center, Montessori Academy, the College and Career Academy, and the Baldwin Online Success Academy. The district also offers dual enrollment through Georgia College & State University, Central Georgia Technical College, and Georgia Military College.
With 4,6000 students and 755 employees, the district is operating on a budget of $58,427,137 this year. Eighty-eight percent of the student demographic lives in poverty and are offered support for external barriers like food, transportation, and more by the school district to ensure their education. Despite these factors, the district has an 89% graduation rate.
“Eighty percent of our budget is personnel including state required costs for retirement and other factors,” said Brooks. “As far as our demographics, the Hispanic population and students with English as their second language is growing and we are already working to accommodate these students as they transition into our district.”
According to Brooks, the district’s biggest goal is to improve literacy as it is “the cornerstone of learning.” Brooks highlighted several statistics to show the district’s current growth in literacy.
Currently 69% of fourth-graders scored level 2-4 on Georgia Milestones in English and Language Arts and reached the state average. Fifty-six percent of fourth graders met Lexile levels at or above level reading, one percent below the state average. Sixth graders also reportedly demonstrated a 14-point increase in levels three and four, which show proficiency and exceeding in ELA.
Brooks also noted that the district has a Benchmark Literacy Curriculum: Science of Reading program ensuring students have 120 minutes of reading time. In addition, the district debuted the new Baldwin Reads program at Lakeview Academy Sept. 23 that will include interactive guided classroom reading, software-based progress tracking, personalized reading support, a monthly book distribution, and will utilize community support to enhance literacy proficiency. The director of this program is Kaycie Jacobs.
“This is not just a Baldwin County problem. The state needs to improve literacy,” said Brooks. “We are aiming for levels 3 and 4 that will show proficiency or excellence in literacy, which includes not only reading but understanding the content. Every child should be reading on or above grade level.
“Since July, we have already expanded reading resources in the classroom and offer one-on-one coaching and development for teachers in Science of Reading,” Brooks added.
The second largest area of focus is increasing the percent of Baldwin High School students with at least one completed workforce development pathway. Currently, 41% of seniors complete a pathway, though there are nearly 100 eleventh and twelfth graders available for work-based learning employment opportunities.
“This year, we will be collaborating with Georgia Tech to strengthen computer science pathways. We have also recognized a need in our community for roofing services and will be adding that specialization to our construction pathway,” said Brooks. “To be a difference maker, you need some specializations.”
The district has already worked to strengthen the Navy Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps pathway and offer new CNA internship and dual enrollment opportunities through CGTC. Baldwin High School has a 100% graduation rate for the healthcare science pathway, and it is completed with CNA certification.
“Other areas of focus for our workforce development will include the firefighter, welding, computer networking, early childhood care and education programs, and marketing pathways,” said Brooks.
Brooks concluded the presentation with a video highlighting some of the work already being done in the district and emphasizing the title of her presentation “We Believe in Baldwin.” She stressed that the community’s support and pride for the district contributes as much as the work being completed inside each school.