Dr. Hooker, who previously was principal of Burney-Harris-Lyons Middle and Clarke Central high schools and was a classroom teacher in CCSD prior to his administrative roles, is currently Superintendent of Social Circle City Schools. He will begin work at CCSD on Oct. 10.

On Sunday, Aug. 28, the BOE hosted a meet-and-greet session in the Vernon Payne Meeting Hall at the CCSD administrative offices building. More than 100 community members turned out to meet Dr. Hooker and his family and hear from the new Superintendent as he laid out his vision for the future of the district and highlighted the main elements of his "100-day plan" as he prepares to step into the position.

More than a dozen high school and college pathways are currently offered at the Athens Community Career Academy. Located on the historic H.T. Edwards Campus, ACCA was founded in 2011 and provides CCSD high school students grades 10-12 with career-focused, college-level courses at no cost to students through an established partnership between CCSD and Athens Technical College. ACCA offers state-of-the-art labs, a student-managed cafe, and a student center for students to study, work on group projects, and interact with their peers.

Since the 2015-16 school year, ACCA has saved families over $1 million in tuition dollars and awarded over 40 Technical Certificates of Credit (TCC). During the 2021-22 school year alone, more than 50 students completed high school level pathways, and more than 30 students earned technical certificates of credit. Additionally, last school year, students earned 1,485 hours of college credit and saved their families over $140,000 in college tuition.

Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) offer students a broad array of services, programs, and activities designed to complement the regular academic program. Activities include youth development activities, counseling programs, arts, music, physical fitness, wellness, financial literacy, environmental literacy, career, and technical programs. 21st CCLC programs also offer families opportunities for active and meaningful engagement in their child’s education, including literacy and related educational development opportunities.

The program for the 2022-23 school year begins Monday, Sept. 12, and will run Monday through Friday throughout the year. Elementary school students are served at the east side and west side Boys & Girls Clubs locations:

• East Side — Smilow Boys & Girls Club, 705 4th St., Athens
• West Side — H.T. Edwards Boys & Girls Club, 440 Dearing Ext., Athens.

Click here for the elementary school student application.

For more information on the programs, click here, or contact:

• Derrick Floyd, 706-546-5910, floydde@clarke.k12.ga.us
• Dedra Evans (Smilow site coordinator), 706-546-5910, evansd2@clarke.k12.ga.us
• Cherene Williams (H.T. Edwards site coordinator), 706-357-5368, williamsc4@clarke.k12.ga.us

The Clarke County Board of Education welcomes community feedback. Here are ways you can share your voice:

• Contact BOE Members: Click here to view a list of the BOE members and their contact information.
• Attend a Meeting: Next regular meeting is Thursday, Sept. 8, at 6 p.m. (in-person and broadcast on the CCSD YouTube channel).
• Board Briefs: Click to read the "Board Briefs" overview from meetings.
  
• Public Comments: Click here for information on how to sign-up to speak at a regular BOE meeting.
• Review Policies for Review: View and comment on district policies pending public review.

CCSD is providing free COVID-19 testing clinics for students and staff. Clinics will be held in schools across the district. Rapid antigen tests (results in 15 minutes) and PCR tests (results in 24-48 hours) will be available. No appointment is necessary, but registration is required.

Testing Clinic Information

• Sept. 6-16 (rotating schools)
• View dates/locations and registration link

The program helps CCSD students set career goals, choose an appropriate educational program, improve reading and math skills, and prepare for admissions and financial aid applications. The 13-week program will be held after school Cedar Shoals, Clarke Central, and Classic City high schools starting in September.

For more information on the program and a link to register, click here.