On Tuesday, September 9, 2025, the Monroe County Board of Education recognized DK Designs, led by Drew and Kim Winters, as a true Friend of Education. Kim, a former Monroe County Schools teacher, and Drew have built a business that continues to give back generously to the schools and community they love.
From teacher appreciation gifts and educator discounts to fundraisers at all schools, their artwork has been more than just beautiful—it has been a gift that supports students and staff alike. DK Designs has also sponsored our band programs and gone above and beyond by donating 100% of their proceeds for band fundraisers, ensuring that every dollar raised goes directly to our students.
Drew and Kim’s commitment is a reminder that education is strengthened not only in classrooms, but also by the businesses and community members who choose to invest in our schools. Their generosity has touched teachers, students, and families across Monroe County. We are extremely grateful for their dedication and their heart for education, and are proud to recognize DK Designs as a Monroe County Schools Friend of Education. #LearnGrowSucceed #CommittedToExcellence #FriendofEducation
From teacher appreciation gifts and educator discounts to fundraisers at all schools, their artwork has been more than just beautiful—it has been a gift that supports students and staff alike. DK Designs has also sponsored our band programs and gone above and beyond by donating 100% of their proceeds for band fundraisers, ensuring that every dollar raised goes directly to our students.
Drew and Kim’s commitment is a reminder that education is strengthened not only in classrooms, but also by the businesses and community members who choose to invest in our schools. Their generosity has touched teachers, students, and families across Monroe County. We are extremely grateful for their dedication and their heart for education, and are proud to recognize DK Designs as a Monroe County Schools Friend of Education. #LearnGrowSucceed #CommittedToExcellence #FriendofEducation
The Monroe County Board of Education will meet in regular session on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. The meeting will take place in the boardroom at the Central Office. #LearnGrowSucceed #CommittedtoExcellence
Support literacy in our community! Proceeds from this car wash will help the Monroe County Literacy Council promote reading and learning across the county. Big Peach Car Wash will donate $2/car. Additional donations will be accepted. #LearnGrowSucceed #CommittedToExcellence
Monroe County Schools will be closed on Monday, September 1, 2025 in observance of Labor Day. Enjoy the long weekend! #LearnGrowSucceed #CommittedToExcellence
Our Monroe County Middle School Nutrition Team is back at it, serving culinary-prepared meals and providing students with access to Georgia-grown foods and seasonal menu options. Manager Rebecca Williams and her nutrition assistants take pride in ensuring the daily food options served in the cafeteria are both nutritious and delicious. She knows eating school meals boosts the brain and provides energy to help students stay focused and ready to learn. Check out this homemade pizza with corn, salad, carrots and celery, a fruit cup, and GA Grown watermelons from Cordele, "The Watermelon Capital of GA."
#GATrayoftheWeek #FuelingGA
Join us next week as we kick off the football season in style. The annual Gold Rush Community Pep Rally is next Thursday at 7 p.m. You and your kids can take part in meet and greets with our football players and cheerleaders, while enjoying performances by the Bulldog Parade and our mini Cheer Dogs. Wear your black and gold and be ready to cheer for your favorite bulldogs! We hope to see you there! #chaMP #CommittedToExcellence #LearnGrowSucceed
We want your feedback. Please join us for our annual Title I Meeting on August 14, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. The meeting will be held in the Board of Education Auditorium. We hope you can attend. #LearnGrowSucceed #CommittedToExcellence
July 31, 2025 - On behalf of the Monroe County Board of Education, we are thrilled to announce the opening of the Monroe County College & Career Academy and Mary Persons High School Freshman Campus. In front of a large crowd of teachers, parents, government officials, and business leaders, Superintendent Dr. Jim Finch praised the launch of the College and Career Academy and the opportunities it will bring to Monroe County Schools.
“It is with great pleasure that we open our brand new College and Career Academy,” said Dr. Finch. “This facility will build upon and amplify our vision of developing students with the knowledge and skills to be successful. Our mission is simple: that our students will learn, grow, and succeed every day at our brand new CCA.”
Mrs. Laura Rackley, Assistant Superintendent for CTAE Programs and College and Career Academy CEO, has worked tirelessly to expand partnerships and opportunities for our students in the Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education fields.
“This year we have occupational dual enrollment through Central Georgia Technical College. Dr. Allen and his team from CGTC do a phenomenal job coordinating and supporting dual enrollment,” said Mrs. Rackley. ”We are also excited to launch onsite academic dual enrollment through Middle Georgia State University, and we have students taking courses locally at Gordon State College and Southern Crescent Technical College. Postsecondary partnerships are a key factor in a successful college and career academy.”
These partnerships will provide new ways for our students to access needed programs to prepare them for college or careers after high school.
“Through the College and Career Academy, our district now offers 23 different CTAE pathways in addition to our Advanced Academic pathways, Fine Arts pathways, and World Language Pathways,” said Mrs. Rackley. “We are also offering students many dual enrollment courses here on campus for the first time, where they can earn both high school and college credit in both academic and occupational areas without ever having to leave the school campus, increasing accessibility for all students.“
The new College & Career Academy will also benefit our community. Monroe County Board of Education Chairman, and local business owner, Greg Head knows first hand how important it is to have an educated workforce.
“This Career Academy will be vital to providing specific skill sets to students. Parents may not know all the local companies that are looking for qualified people. We are providing Welding here, GPTC and TEN8 use welders, our local hospital and our local physical therapist can acquire qualified workers from here. This Academy is going to be a great asset to the citizens of Monroe County,” said Mr. Head.
Chairman Head believes the CCA will help our students build a strong future in Monroe County.
“We always talk about progress. Many parents have asked me about getting more work based skillsets in our schools, construction, automotive, welding, nursing, HVAC, etc, something when the students complete they have a certification to show for all their hard work. Now we have delivered by not only building this facility but also hiring quality instructors and capable individuals that will press our wishes forward. This board and admin have put plans into place for the future growth, both residential and economic. We are now getting to see some of the fruits of the work that our citizens have asked us to do. It feels great to be able to serve and actually deliver. Promises made, promises kept,” said Mr. Head.
The new building that houses both the MCCCA and the Freshman Campus cost $22,882,676.82 to build. In December 2022, Monroe County Schools received a $3.1 million grant from the state to help fund the College & Career Academy. Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, or ESPLOST, dollars were used to pay the rest. We’d like to thank the Monroe County community, as well as the visitors who stop and shop here, for helping provide this wonderful new opportunity for our students.
You can view the full gallery here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/BtStMWmQTne9AZbZ9
“It is with great pleasure that we open our brand new College and Career Academy,” said Dr. Finch. “This facility will build upon and amplify our vision of developing students with the knowledge and skills to be successful. Our mission is simple: that our students will learn, grow, and succeed every day at our brand new CCA.”
Mrs. Laura Rackley, Assistant Superintendent for CTAE Programs and College and Career Academy CEO, has worked tirelessly to expand partnerships and opportunities for our students in the Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education fields.
“This year we have occupational dual enrollment through Central Georgia Technical College. Dr. Allen and his team from CGTC do a phenomenal job coordinating and supporting dual enrollment,” said Mrs. Rackley. ”We are also excited to launch onsite academic dual enrollment through Middle Georgia State University, and we have students taking courses locally at Gordon State College and Southern Crescent Technical College. Postsecondary partnerships are a key factor in a successful college and career academy.”
These partnerships will provide new ways for our students to access needed programs to prepare them for college or careers after high school.
“Through the College and Career Academy, our district now offers 23 different CTAE pathways in addition to our Advanced Academic pathways, Fine Arts pathways, and World Language Pathways,” said Mrs. Rackley. “We are also offering students many dual enrollment courses here on campus for the first time, where they can earn both high school and college credit in both academic and occupational areas without ever having to leave the school campus, increasing accessibility for all students.“
The new College & Career Academy will also benefit our community. Monroe County Board of Education Chairman, and local business owner, Greg Head knows first hand how important it is to have an educated workforce.
“This Career Academy will be vital to providing specific skill sets to students. Parents may not know all the local companies that are looking for qualified people. We are providing Welding here, GPTC and TEN8 use welders, our local hospital and our local physical therapist can acquire qualified workers from here. This Academy is going to be a great asset to the citizens of Monroe County,” said Mr. Head.
Chairman Head believes the CCA will help our students build a strong future in Monroe County.
“We always talk about progress. Many parents have asked me about getting more work based skillsets in our schools, construction, automotive, welding, nursing, HVAC, etc, something when the students complete they have a certification to show for all their hard work. Now we have delivered by not only building this facility but also hiring quality instructors and capable individuals that will press our wishes forward. This board and admin have put plans into place for the future growth, both residential and economic. We are now getting to see some of the fruits of the work that our citizens have asked us to do. It feels great to be able to serve and actually deliver. Promises made, promises kept,” said Mr. Head.
The new building that houses both the MCCCA and the Freshman Campus cost $22,882,676.82 to build. In December 2022, Monroe County Schools received a $3.1 million grant from the state to help fund the College & Career Academy. Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, or ESPLOST, dollars were used to pay the rest. We’d like to thank the Monroe County community, as well as the visitors who stop and shop here, for helping provide this wonderful new opportunity for our students.
You can view the full gallery here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/BtStMWmQTne9AZbZ9
This is so exciting! GADOE Deputy Superintendent, Dr. Barbara Wall visited the new Monroe County College and Career Academy to offer remarks at the CTAE New Teacher Induction Session MCS is providing in partnership with Middle Georgia RESA.
Remember, if you want to see this beautiful new facility, you can join us tomorrow night at 5 p.m. for our official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony & Grand Opening. #CommittedToExcellence #LearnGrowSucceed #CTAE
Remember, if you want to see this beautiful new facility, you can join us tomorrow night at 5 p.m. for our official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony & Grand Opening. #CommittedToExcellence #LearnGrowSucceed #CTAE
Don't miss tomorrow's Back to School Rally at the Fine Arts Center. This is your chance to grab a free backpack and necessary supplies for your child. Plus, there will be snacks, games, music and much more for your family to enjoy! It all starts at 8:30 a.m. at the FAC. We hope to see you there! #BackToSchool #SchoolSupplies #LearnGrowSucceed #CommittedToExcellence
The Monroe County Board of Education will meet in called session on Thursday, July 24, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. in the boardroom at the Central Office. The purpose of this meeting is personnel. #LearnGrowSucceed #CommittedToExcellence
Get your students ready for the new school year with a morning full of music, fun, and free school supplies! Join us for our annual Back to School Rally and ensure your children are prepared for success in the upcoming academic year. It will take place Saturday, July 26, at the Monroe County Fine Arts Center. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. We hope to see you there! #CommittedToExcellence #LearnGrowSucceed
Monroe County Schools will host open house on all campuses on Tuesday, July 29, 2025. Please see the schedule below to know when to visit your school.
K.B. Sutton Elementary, Samuel E. Hubbard Elementary, and T.G. Scott Elementary will hold their open house events from 1:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Monroe County Middle School will host open house from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
The Monroe County Achievement Center will welcome its families from 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Mary Persons High School Freshmen Orientation will begin at the Monroe County Fine Arts Center at 3 p.m., then transition to the Freshman Campus. An additional presentation will be held at 5:30 p.m. for those unable to attend the 3 p.m. session.
The Mary Persons High School Sophomore Meet & Greet will take place on the main campus from 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Juniors and Seniors will receive their schedules through Infinite Campus, and do not need to attend open house.
Check out our school supply lists to see everything your student needs before the bell rings on August 1. https://www.monroe.k12.ga.us/page/school-supply-lists #CommittedToExcellence #LearnGrowSucceed
The Monroe County Board of Education will meet in regular session on Tuesday, July 8, at 5:30 p.m. in the boardroom of the Central Office. #CommittedToExcellence #LearnGrowSucceed
At its Tuesday night meeting, the Monroe County Board of Education honored a man whose name is synonymous with school spirit, service, and community leadership. He’s a true Friend of Education for Monroe County Schools, Mr. Keith Edge.
A 1978 graduate of Mary Persons High School and three-sport letterman, Mr. Edge’s roots in Monroe County Schools run deep. As a standout athlete in football, basketball, and tennis, he showed early on what it meant to lead with passion and integrity. Since then, Keith has poured that same energy into serving our schools, students, and families.
As Monroe County’s Recreation Director from 2013 to 2018, Keith oversaw a 46% increase in youth sports registration in his first year alone. He expanded programming, introduced pickleball at the Youth Center, and created the Monroe Champions baseball league—an inclusive program for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities that earned statewide recognition and touched countless lives.
He founded the MP Dog Pound student section, energized school spirit, and helped bring student-athlete stories to life through the MP Sportsmic Broadcast Network. A long-time member and past president of the MP Touchdown Club, and a charter member of the Forsyth-Monroe County Sports Hall of Fame Committee, Mr. Edge has worked tirelessly to celebrate our community’s athletic excellence.
But his impact goes beyond the field. From opening car doors at elementary schools to supporting Special Olympics, sponsoring sports teams, and serving on the Superintendent’s Advisory Council, he has shown up for students in every way that matters.
Mr. Edge, your unwavering support, joyful presence, and love for Monroe County Schools have made a lasting difference. It is an honor to recognize you as a Friend of Education. #CommittedToExcellence #LearnGrowSucceed
The Monroe County Board of Education will meet in regular session on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. This meeting will include a public hearing on the proposed FY26 budget. The meeting will take place in the boardroom at the Central Office. #LearnGrowSucceed #CommittedToExcellence
At the GAPT Fleet Conference this week, MCS mechanic Phillip Lassor was named 2025 Georgia Technician of the Year by GAPT and GaDOE! Last year, Michael Knight received the same award. It's a big deal for any technician to win this title, but to have two in the same district win back-to-back is an impressive feat. Congratulations!!! We are lucky to have both of you in our district! #LearnGrowSucceed #CommittedToExcellence
The Monroe County Board of Education will meet in called session on Thursday, May 29, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. in the boardroom at the Central Office. The purpose of this meeting is a public hearing on the FY26 budget, a tribunal appeal, and
personnel. #CommittedToExcellence #LearnGrowSucceed
Congratulations to our Class of 2025 Valedictorian, Lucas Cantrell, and our Salutatorian, Gabriella Hoover! You have had incredible high school careers and we couldn't be prouder. We can't wait to see what you do in the future! #ChaMP #CommittedToExcellence #LearnGrowSucceed
