(Carrollton, Ga. – July 27, 2020) The Carroll County Board of Education voted at the board meeting on Monday, July 27 to change the official start date for the 2020-2021 school year to August 24. The new start date will apply to both traditional in-person instruction as well as the Virtual Learning Model.

“After reviewing stakeholder feedback, current health data, and hearing from our district and school leaders, we felt that it was necessary to postpone the first day of school,” said Bryant Turner, Chairman of the Carroll County Board of Education. “While we are all eager to have our students back in the classroom, we recognize that we must protect the health and well-being of the families we serve and our 24STRONG Team.”

The change in the start date also means that the instructional calendar for the 2020-2021 school year will be adjusted slightly. The Teacher Work Days scheduled for October 9, 2020 and March 12, 2021 will be eliminated, since our teachers will have an extended preplanning time beginning on July 29. Thanksgiving Break, Christmas Break, Winter Break, and Spring Break will stay as previously scheduled. The last day of school will remain on May 28. To view the updated instructional calendar, please visit carrollcountyschools.com.

Superintendent Scott Cowart stated, “We appreciate the Board’s support as we continue to plan for the upcoming year. This adjustment allows for a phased approach for our schools to schedule specific in-person premier events and activities for students of all ages in preparation for the August 24th start date.” 

Carroll County School System will offer a variety of Premier Live Experiences from August 10 through August 21 including open houses, acceleration and enrichment opportunities, as well as grade level orientation programs to transition students back to their school campuses.

Cowart added, “Our teachers and staff are working hard to prepare for the coming year and look forward to the return of our students. We know the year will look differently, but through the use of enhanced safety and preventative practices, we believe we can create exciting experiences in academics, arts, athletics, and activities to build momentum for the first day of school.” 

If the district is unable to begin traditional in-person learning on August 24th, Carroll County Schools will offer a period of Distance Learning until conditions allow for the safe return to traditional in-person instruction.

As an added measure to prepare for the upcoming school year, the Board of Education also approved the hiring of 10 certified nursing assistants to support school nurses who serve the needs of students across all school and program sites. The district reiterated that there is an expectation that face coverings should be worn when physical distancing is not feasible indoors.
 
“Having additional healthcare professionals on our campuses will help ensure that our extensive safety and preventative guidance is being followed, and that we are doing everything possible to keep our students and staff healthy throughout the year,” concluded Cowart.