CARTERSVILLE, Ga., Dec. 17, 2020 – The Georgia School Boards Association (GSBA) recognized the Cartersville City School Board (CCSB) as a recipient of the Leading Edge Award earlier this month. The award highlights districts and school boards that are leading the way in ensuring students are competitive in an ever-changing global market. The CCSB was honored during the Georgia School Boards Association / Georgia School Superintendents Association Virtual Annual Conference held on Dec. 3 for its innovative practices at the Canes Navigation Center.
Superintendent Dr. Marc Feuerbach praised the school board for their consistent leadership.
He said, “It is an absolute pleasure to work with such an honorable, supportive school board that consistently places the needs of students and staff above politics and agendas. We knew we wanted to create a space where the idea of caring for our students and their families transforms into real action. We believe we were successful in doing that with the Canes Navigation Center (CNC), which now offers a wide range of support services. From day one, the school board was invested in creating the center.”
Partnering with local non-profits, the CNC provides services to bridge the gaps some of our students experience. Following a referral from a CCS school social worker, students have access to donated school supplies and clothes, emergency food stocked by the Red Door Food Pantry and non-EBT items provided by the BLESS Coalition. Thanks to a donation, the center is also equipped with a washer and dryer. While CNC offers assistance for immediate needs, the vision for the center is to reach far beyond today.
As the new home of Cartersville Schools Foundation, students in the GateKey Scholarship program, which provides two-year scholarships to selected free/reduced lunch students, and REACH Scholarship students receive support and tools to ensure academic, social and emotional success both in high school and afterward. Furthermore, many of tools and support are offered to all high school students who can benefit from attending relevant sessions with local business leaders who offer advice on school, work, resiliency and vision as well as access to support for their transition into the next phase of life by participating in workshops and seminars by CCS employees and local college representatives.
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Cartersville City School Board President Kelley Dial said, “We are thrilled GSBA chose to acknowledge our school board and are prouder still of the leadership of Dr. Feuerbach and his staff as the Canes Navigation Center grew from an idea to a reality. The CNC provides resources to students and families that promote an environment conducive to academic and personal success. This award helps highlight one of our most tangible examples of “keeping it personal.”