The Clarke County School District (CCSD) has received the 2025 Leadership Development Award from the Georgia Charter System Foundation. The announcement was made during the foundation’s annual Fall Conference and Awards Breakfast on November 5 in Athens.
The award honors a charter system that demonstrates leadership through innovative instruction and initiatives that influence academic and community environments. CCSD was recognized for implementing the “Leader in Me” instructional model and the TED-Ed Student Talks initiative, both of which focus on developing leadership skills among students.
“This recognition affirms our shared belief that leadership is not limited to titles or positions; it’s a quality we nurture in every student,” said CCSD Interim Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Scott. “This award is a celebration of our students, our staff, and our community, who together remind us that leadership is not a destination, but a continuous journey of growth, purpose, and excellence.”
“Leader in Me” is an educational framework used nationally for grades PK-12. It aims to prepare students with skills needed for college, careers, and life. The program is based on Stephen Covey’s “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” CCSD first introduced it at Barnett Shoals Elementary School during the 2020-21 school year and expanded districtwide this year. As part of this process, school leaders and teachers receive training focused on the seven habits before applying them with their students.
TED-Ed Student Talks are part of TED’s youth education efforts designed to help students develop public speaking skills by sharing their ideas with peers and communities. CCSD schools use customized lesson plans to guide students in identifying topics, conducting research, and improving presentation skills.
“As a district, we are committed to raising the bar in the pursuit of excellence,” said Dr. Scott. “This award reflects just that. Through programs like TED-Ed and Leader in Me, our students are not just learning to speak up; they’re learning to stand tall. They are discovering their voices, setting goals, and leading with purpose and integrity.”
CCSD is one of 48 public charter school systems in Georgia. This status allows districts flexibility from many state laws so they can adopt new strategies tailored to student needs while remaining accountable for improved student achievement.
Additionally, each CCSD school operates local school governance teams (LSGTs) consisting of administrators, teachers, parents or guardians, community members, and—at middle and high schools—students as well.
The Department of Innovation, Strategy, and Governance within CCSD’s Academic and Student Support Division oversees these charter system activities.
