Welcome to Community One

• RCSS 2027 Teacher of the Year recap video

• RCSS reaches record-high 84.2% graduation rate

• Three RCSS Students named to State Superintendent’s Advisory Council

• Three Richmond County schools named Georgia Title I Distinguished Schools

• RCSS schools reach five-year SAT highs, expand access to college readiness

• Board of Education celebrates academic gains and advances facility improvements

  
  

Celebrate Tameika Stokeling of Freedom Park K-8 School, the Richmond County School System’s 2027 Teacher of the Year! Watch our banquet recap video to relive the announcement and special moments honoring the heart, dedication, and excellence of our educators. Congratulations, Ms. Stokeling!

The Richmond County School System (RCSS) has achieved a record-high graduation rate for the third consecutive year. According to data released by the Georgia Department of Education, 84.2% of the Class of 2026 graduated within four years. Magnet schools a 100% graduation rate, while several other high schools made gains. T.W. Josey Comprehensive High School recorded the largest single-year gain of 9.82 percentage points, bringing their rate to 75.88%, while Hephzibah Comprehensive High School reached a record 87.55% on its fourth consecutive year of improvement.

What They're Saying: “We talk often about getting 1% better every day and making steady, measurable progress for our students. 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.” - Dr. Malinda Cobb, Superintendent of Schools

Three Richmond County School System students were selected to serve on State School Superintendent Richard Woods’ 2026–2027 Student Advisory Council, where student perspectives will be represented in conversations about education across Georgia.

Justin Jones of Academy of Richmond County, Makayla Harris of A.R. Johnson Health Science and Engineering Magnet School and Donovan Stratford of Hephzibah Comprehensive High School were chosen from 1,427 applicants statewide. A total of 84 students were selected to serve on the council this school year.

What They're Saying: “We are incredibly proud of Justin, Makayla and Donovan for earning the opportunity to represent their schools and the Richmond County School System at the state level. Our students bring valuable perspectives to conversations about the future of education, and I am excited to see them use their voices, share their experiences and grow as leaders through this opportunity.” - Dr. Malinda Cobb, Superintendent of Schools

A.R. Johnson Health Science and Engineering Magnet School, C.T. Walker Traditional Magnet School, and John S. Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School were named 2026 Georgia Title I Distinguished Schools, ranking them among the top 5% of Georgia’s Title I schools for academic performance.

The statewide designation was based on their combined English language arts and math performance during the 2024–2025 school year.

All three schools have been deemed eligible to apply for the 2026 National ESEA Distinguished School Award. Each year, two schools from each state are selected for the national honor by the National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators.

What They're Saying: “Having three schools recognized among the top-performing Title I schools in Georgia speaks to the high expectations our students and educators set for themselves every day. We are proud to see A.R. Johnson, C.T. Walker and Davidson continue their record of excellence.” - Dr. Malinda Cobb, Superintendent of Schools

The highest SAT scores in five years were achieved by several high schools, with notable gains recorded in math and reading and writing, according to 2026 results released by the College Board. Our school system also increased SAT participation by more than 8% as access to test preparation and academic support expanded across schools.

What They're Saying: “Improving student achievement takes intentional planning, targeted support and a commitment to doing the work every day. We are working closely with our schools to identify areas of need, strengthen instruction and give students more opportunities to prepare for success.”- Dr. Malinda Cobb, Superintendent of Schools

Longtime educators and community leaders were recognized, academic progress was celebrated, and facility improvements were approved by the Richmond County Board of Education during its regular meeting Tuesday, Oct. 20.

The Board celebrated gains in student achievement, including increased SAT, Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment participation, and recognized progress in reducing chronic absenteeism. The Board also approved facility namings honoring longtime educators and community leaders, reviewed construction projects, and placed a proposed policy establishing emergency pay procedures for essential personnel working during severe weather on a 30-day public review period.

Find your fit with RCSS!

The Richmond County School System’s school choice application window opens Sunday, Nov. 1.

Explore educational opportunities that match your child’s interests, talents and learning needs. Families may request transfers to eligible schools with available space through House Bill 251. Zone exemptions are considered for documented extreme medical, financial or bullying hardships, subject to space availability.

To learn more about School Choice, visit here.

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