News and Events

The “One to Watch” series is a monthly recognition awarded to induction teachers who have demonstrated effective teaching and classroom management practices, established a sense of community in their classrooms, created dynamic learning experiences, and demonstrated high levels of professionalism.

 

This month's “One to Watch” recipients are:

 

Felicia Reed, A. Dorothy Hains Elementary School 

Felicia Reed is a pre-k teacher at A. Dorothy Hains Elementary School serving students in our school system for the past two years. Before joining RCSS, Reed spent eight years as a lead teacher at CSRA Economic Opportunity Authority Head Start.  

“I chose to transition to RCSS to pursue new opportunities for professional growth and development, to challenge myself, expand my skills, and continue strengthening my ability to support the children and families of Richmond County,” Reed said. 

For Reed, nothing compares to seeing her students blossom over time. Watching them grow emotionally and academically gives her the deepest sense of fulfillment. She says those small but powerful moments are what remind her that teachers help shape tomorrow’s leaders. 

 

Miranda Hudson, Pine Hill Middle School 

Seventh-grade science teacher Miranda Hudson has worked at Pine Hill Middle School for a little more than three months.  

“Pine Hill Middle felt like the right place to grow as an educator and make a meaningful difference in my community,” Hudson said. 

Before joining RCSS, Hudson worked in public service and administration, supporting community programs and helping families access essential resources. She joined RCSS to foster positive interactions with students and use her strengths in communication and relationship building to help guide students toward success.

One of Hudson’s most memorable experiences was a cell model project presentation in which several hesitant students delivered some of the class’s strongest and most creative projects. Seeing their excitement, pride, and understanding reaffirmed Hudson’s passion for teaching and continues to motivate her to challenge students to reach their potential. 

 

Trevin Tyndall, Academy of Richmond County 

Trevin Tyndall is a social studies teacher at the Academy of Richmond County and has been with our school system for five months. Before joining RCSS, Tyndall earned a Bachelor of Science in Education in Social Studies Education from the University of Georgia and is currently pursuing a Master of Education in the same field. 

“I’m a lifelong Augusta resident, and returning to RCSS was always a goal, as it allowed me to serve the school system that helped shape me and provided me with meaningful opportunities,” said Tyndall. 

Tyndall’s most rewarding moments as a teacher come when students show visible pride in themselves after working through and solving a challenging problem — moments Tyndall says are the most rewarding part of teaching. 

 

Raven Cunningham, Monte Sano Elementary School

Raven Cunningham is a second-year special education teacher at Monte Sano Elementary School. 

Cunningham spent a decade with Electrolux as a customer service specialist before discovering her true calling in education. With a long-standing passion for supporting children with special needs, she embraced the opportunity to teach special education with enthusiasm and purpose. Today, she says her only regret is not beginning her teaching journey sooner. 

For Cunningham, progress goes beyond academics and includes fostering independence and cultivating a genuine joy for learning. Whether the growth is big or small, each milestone reflects how far her students have come since the beginning of the year. Knowing she played a role in their development is deeply rewarding and reinforces her commitment to the profession. 

(AUGUSTA, GEORGIA) – The Richmond County School System (RCSS) Class of 2025 recorded strong graduation outcomes across Georgia’s four academic pathway types, surpassing state graduation rates in the Advanced Academic and World Language pathways and posting high graduation rates in Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) and Fine Arts, according to data released Jan. 8 by the Georgia Department of Education.  

“A pathway is a series of focused courses that allow students to specialize in an area of interest,” said Dr. Malinda Cobb, superintendent of schools. “It helps students build expertise and prepare for success after high school.”  

Students completing a CTAE pathway posted a 98.18% graduation rate. CTAE pathways offer sequenced, career-focused coursework with opportunities for work-based learning, internships, and industry exposure. George P. Butler Comprehensive High School recorded the largest year-over-year gain, increasing by 2.87 percentage points, while multiple schools sustained multi-year 100% graduation rates.  

“Research shows that students who complete a CTAE pathway are more likely to graduate college and career-ready,” said Dr. Tommy Welch, deputy superintendent of school improvement and strategic initiatives. “These results reflect the hard work of our students and the dedication of the educators who guide them every day.”  

Students completing the Advanced Academic Pathway earned a 100% graduation rate, surpassing the statewide rate of 99.7%, while World Language pathway completers posted a 99.64% graduation rate, exceeding the state average of 99.39%. Westside Comprehensive High School recorded the largest year-over-year gain in the Advanced Academic Pathway, increasing by 3.28 percentage points.  

Students completing the Fine Arts Pathway graduated at a rate of 97.76% in 2025. T.W. Josey Comprehensive High School recorded the largest year-over-year gain in the category, improving 4.35 percentage points.  

For a complete list of pathway graduation rates, visit the Georgia Department of Education website. 

(AUGUSTA, GEORGIA) – Seven Richmond County School System (RCSS) schools were named to the Georgia Department of Education’s FY25 Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) Progress List yesterday for meeting state-defined benchmarks for academic growth.  

“Being named to the CSI Progress List shows that focused strategies, strong instruction and intentional support are making a difference for students,” said Dr. Malinda Cobb, superintendent of schools. “We are proud of the work happening in these schools and remain committed to sustained improvement that ensures every student has access to a high-quality education.”  

A total of 47 schools statewide received this recognition, which highlights CSI schools demonstrating documented improvement during the most recent year. The RCSS 2025-2026 CSI Progress schools are: 

• Glenn Hills Middle School  

• Jamestown Elementary School  

• Jenkins-White Elementary School  

• Meadowbrook Elementary School  

• T.W. Josey Comprehensive High School   

• W.S. Hornsby Elementary School  

• W.S. Hornsby Middle School 

CSI schools earn this recognition by showing at least a five percent increase in their College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI) Content Mastery component score and by earning a score of 80 or higher in at least one additional CCRPI component: Progress, Closing Gaps, or Readiness. These benchmarks are used by the state to measure improvement during a school’s multi-year CSI identification period.  

For a full list of CSI Progress schools, visit the Georgia Department of Education website. 

(AUGUSTA, GEORGIA) – Five Richmond County School System (RCSS) schools exited the Georgia Department of Education’s Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI) list this year for the subgroup of students with disabilities, according to data released today.  

The schools exiting the TSI list for students with disabilities are T. Harry Garrett Elementary School, Barton Chapel Elementary School, Monte Sano Elementary School, Richmond Hill Middle School, and John M. Tutt Middle School. Schools exit the TSI list by demonstrating sustained academic improvement and meeting state-established criteria within identified student subgroups.

“The Targeted Support and Improvement designation identifies schools where a specific subgroup of students needs additional academic support,” said Dr. Malinda Cobb, superintendent of schools. “Exiting the TSI list means these schools demonstrated meaningful academic improvement for students with disabilities, signaling that the strategies in place are working and making a real difference for students and families.”

Four RCSS schools were added to the TSI list this year: George P. Butler Comprehensive High School, Glenn Hills Elementary School, Pine Hill Middle School, and Wilkinson Gardens Elementary School. Glenn Hills Elementary School was also identified in the subgroup for Hispanic students.

Dr. Tommy Welch, deputy superintendent of strategic initiatives, said the system is working closely with schools newly identified for targeted support. “Identification allows us to be more intentional with the resources, coaching, and supports we provide,” Welch said. “Our focus is on partnering with school leaders to strengthen instruction, address specific student needs, and ensure sustained improvement across all student groups.”

The Georgia Department of Education updates TSI designations annually, allowing schools to exit federal identification by demonstrating improved performance over time. For more information, visit the Georgia Department of Education website.