Ben Hill County School District

Ben Hill County School District is Fostering Academic Excellence and Student Safety

Business View Magazine talks with Dawn Clement, Superintendent of Ben Hill County Schools, about education initiatives, safety, and future plans.

Ben Hill County is a small but vibrant community, situated in southern Georgia. At its heart is the Ben Hill County School District, committed to providing quality education, and prioritizing safety. With a district vision that states, “One Family, Committed to Student Success Everyday”, Ben Hill County Schools (BHCS) is a shining example of how a close-knit community can come together to support its children and create an environment that fosters both academic and future success.

“We strive to have a family atmosphere and we take on those values,” portrays Superintendent Dawn Clement. “Being in a small community, family is really important here. We have a lot of support from our community and from our parents.”

Diverse Student Population

Serving approximately 2,980 students from pre-K through 12th grade, the district represents a diverse population of students, “We are a rural district, and we have a high level of student poverty,” acknowledges Superintendent Clements. To address this, BHCS places a strong focus on fostering a sense of community and inclusivity at each of its six schools. From the foundational Pre-K school to the career-focused High School and Career Academy, the district strives to provide a comprehensive and supportive learning environment for students at every stage of their educational journey. Additionally, the Hurricane Transition Academy offers specialized support, designed to assist students who require a different classroom environment to overcome challenges.

Community Partnerships and Engagement

BHCS places a strong emphasis on community collaboration, as Clements notes, “In our beliefs, we say that family encompasses all of Ben Hill County, its school, citizens and resources. We have to work together in the community to support one another because we are small. Our city, county and our school system all try to work together to benefit our stakeholders.”

With this in mind, Ben Hill County Schools has established partnerships with local organizations to provide valuable resources and support to their students. This includes a collaboration between the county, and the local 4H club. “They needed a new facility, and we have an old media center on our elementary school campus,” Clements recounts. “We leased our building to the county, and they are investing a significant amount of money, about $300,000, into renovating that building.” This not only creates a useful purpose for an otherwise empty building, but it also offers a space for the county to have office space and hold commission meetings. “It’s right on our elementary campus where we do most of our 4H work with fourth and fifth grade, so they’ll be able to transition to that building and have 4H activities,” she adds.

In another example, a partnership with Dorminy Medical Center has led to an investment of $200,000 into the state-of-the-art nursing lab at the high school. This lab mirrors a real-life doctor’s office, providing students with a hands-on learning experience where they gain access to essential equipment. Students also have the unique opportunity to tour surgical settings, offering them a glimpse into the dedication required for a career in healthcare. “They’ve supported us 100% since we got into our new school, and our Career Academy actually named its nursing lab Dorminy Medical Center Health Lab,” reports Clements. In addition, the district has fostered valuable partnerships with local nursing homes, creating a platform for CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) students to complete their clinical training. This practical exposure equips students with a valuable skill set, allowing them to become certified nursing assistants, some as early as age 16, empowering them with employable skills right out of high school.

BHCS has also partnered with Millex, a hotel furniture manufacturer, who have invested $60,000 into the district’s robotics program. “Our robotics and engineering students have actually made a part that they use at Millex Corporation,” boasts Clements. “It’s been very interesting to see how our students can use 3D printing and things of that nature to help with the robotics at a corporation. Our teacher and the Millex president have made a commitment to help one another. And we named our engineering lab the Millex Robotics Lab.”

A strong relationship with Wiregrass Technical College is another a component for the success of many students in Ben Hill County. “They have a really good nursing program, it’s one of the best in the state, and they have a bridge program now that if our kids get certified in CNA they can actually go into a program to become an LPN,” Clements elaborates. “We have a great commitment from Wiregrass. They teach welding for our students, automotive, all kinds of stuff. We’re doing industrial systems now, which is a big need, and telecommunications have started this year. They support us, they support our community, and we have a great relationship with them through our College and Career Academy as well.”

Infrastructure Investment with an Emphasis on Early Learning

Ben Hill County Schools has made substantial investments in its infrastructure and educational facilities in collaboration with architectural firm James W. Buckley and Associates. “They’ve been a partner for a long time, and they’ve done a great job,” Clements maintains. Most recently, the district undertook a $5 million renovation project which transformed the pre-K building, expanding it to accommodate 300 students. These classrooms are not only creating a strong foundation for academic success but also serving students with disabilities, fostering an inclusive educational environment. BHCS has also directed CARES funds towards additional early learning classes. “We’ve made a big investment in our early learning because the sooner that we can get students on our campus and start them off with reading and speaking and all those fundamental things, we feel like it’s going to make a big impact on their lifelong learning,” Clement emphasizes.

The FLEX Program: Empowering Student Entrepreneurs

The Fitzgerald Leadership & Entrepreneur X-perience (FLEX) program, initiated by the Ben Hill County Chamber of Commerce and designed by chamber president Melissa Dark, is an exceptional initiative that nurtures the entrepreneurial spirit in students. FLEX empowers students by giving them the opportunity to create and manage their own businesses. As part of this program, participants receive essential training in business planning, along with $100 in startup funds. Clement shares, “They have a panel that comes in and judges those students on the criteria that they set, and whoever wins that wins $5,000 at the local level, and then they go on to the state competition, which this year, the prize is $10,000.” The FLEX program has enjoyed substantial success, and it is now entering its fourth year, with the inaugural state-level competition taking place last year.

Technology Integration and Safety Measures

Ben Hill County Schools is proud to be a one-to-one district, ensuring that students from pre-K through 12th grade have access to technology. Google Chromebooks and iPads are provided to students, and teachers are equipped with the tools to record lessons, enhancing the learning experience and enabling parents to engage with their children’s education. “We received a Google education grant to buy all those devices last year, and we converted to a Google district last year as well,” says Clements.

The Safety and security of its students and staff is another high priority for BHCS and is an ongoing area of focus. They have implemented strict protocols for access control, video monitoring, and anonymous reporting systems. Additionally, they have invested in safety equipment such as metal detectors and communication devices to ensure a secure learning environment. Clement relays, “We got a grant last year for $50,000 through the state that let us change our door locks at our middle school and primary school, to be a lock where doors could lock from the inside as well. We just invested $52,000 along with a USDA grant into metal detectors for all of our schools and our sporting events. We put up fencing, we bought new radios, we’ve invested in new cameras.” With three SROs on campus currently, the district has applied for a grant through the Georgia Department of Education, to bring in two more officers. “We have made a concerted effort here in the last year to really ramp up our security. We have safety plans for all schools in our district, we made sure that we’re in compliance with any laws. We’ve invested a good amount of money in making our students and our staff safer,” she continues.

Academic Excellence and Future Plans

Clement highlights that Ben Hill County Schools’ top priorities moving forward include improving K-5 reading comprehension and math proficiency, as well as promoting writing across the curriculum. “Our number one priority is always the safety and security of our students and staff,” she asserts. “Our other important goal is getting our K through 5 readers to be able to comprehend what they read, to be able to not just call words, but to understand the science of reading, and to make our teachers the most effective teachers they can be when it comes to teaching reading in K- 5. Our other big initiative is making sure that our students do math at the top level.” By focusing on these key areas, BHCS will continue to elevate the academic performance of its students and provide them with a well-rounded education.

Ben Hill County is a small but vibrant community, situated in southern Georgia. At its heart is the Ben Hill County School District, committed to providing quality education, and prioritizing safety. With a district vision that states, “One Family, Committed to Student Success Everyday”, Ben Hill County Schools (BHCS) is a shining example of how a close-knit community can come together to support its children and create an environment that fosters both academic and future success.

“We strive to have a family atmosphere and we take on those values,” portrays Superintendent Dawn Clement. “Being in a small community, family is really important here. We have a lot of support from our community and from our parents.”

Diverse Student Population

Serving approximately 2,980 students from pre-K through 12th grade, the district represents a diverse population of students, “We are a rural district, and we have a high level of student poverty,” acknowledges Superintendent Clements. To address this, BHCS places a strong focus on fostering a sense of community and inclusivity at each of its six schools. From the foundational Pre-K school to the career-focused High School and Career Academy, the district strives to provide a comprehensive and supportive learning environment for students at every stage of their educational journey. Additionally, the Hurricane Transition Academy offers specialized support, designed to assist students who require a different classroom environment to overcome challenges.

Community Partnerships and Engagement

BHCS places a strong emphasis on community collaboration, as Clements notes, “In our beliefs, we say that family encompasses all of Ben Hill County, its school, citizens and resources. We have to work together in the community to support one another because we are small. Our city, county and our school system all try to work together to benefit our stakeholders.”

With this in mind, Ben Hill County Schools has established partnerships with local organizations to provide valuable resources and support to their students. This includes a collaboration between the county, and the local 4H club. “They needed a new facility, and we have an old media center on our elementary school campus,” Clements recounts. “We leased our building to the county, and they are investing a significant amount of money, about $300,000, into renovating that building.” This not only creates a useful purpose for an otherwise empty building, but it also offers a space for the county to have office space and hold commission meetings. “It’s right on our elementary campus where we do most of our 4H work with fourth and fifth grade, so they’ll be able to transition to that building and have 4H activities,” she adds.

In another example, a partnership with Dorminy Medical Center has led to an investment of $200,000 into the state-of-the-art nursing lab at the high school. This lab mirrors a real-life doctor’s office, providing students with a hands-on learning experience where they gain access to essential equipment. Students also have the unique opportunity to tour surgical settings, offering them a glimpse into the dedication required for a career in healthcare. “They’ve supported us 100% since we got into our new school, and our Career Academy actually named its nursing lab Dorminy Medical Center Health Lab,” reports Clements. In addition, the district has fostered valuable partnerships with local nursing homes, creating a platform for CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) students to complete their clinical training. This practical exposure equips students with a valuable skill set, allowing them to become certified nursing assistants, some as early as age 16, empowering them with employable skills right out of high school.

BHCS has also partnered with Millex, a hotel furniture manufacturer, who have invested $60,000 into the district’s robotics program. “Our robotics and engineering students have actually made a part that they use at Millex Corporation,” boasts Clements. “It’s been very interesting to see how our students can use 3D printing and things of that nature to help with the robotics at a corporation. Our teacher and the Millex president have made a commitment to help one another. And we named our engineering lab the Millex Robotics Lab.”

A strong relationship with Wiregrass Technical College is another a component for the success of many students in Ben Hill County. “They have a really good nursing program, it’s one of the best in the state, and they have a bridge program now that if our kids get certified in CNA they can actually go into a program to become an LPN,” Clements elaborates. “We have a great commitment from Wiregrass. They teach welding for our students, automotive, all kinds of stuff. We’re doing industrial systems now, which is a big need, and telecommunications have started this year. They support us, they support our community, and we have a great relationship with them through our College and Career Academy as well.”

Infrastructure Investment with an Emphasis on Early Learning

Ben Hill County Schools has made substantial investments in its infrastructure and educational facilities in collaboration with architectural firm James W. Buckley and Associates. “They’ve been a partner for a long time, and they’ve done a great job,” Clements maintains. Most recently, the district undertook a $5 million renovation project which transformed the pre-K building, expanding it to accommodate 300 students. These classrooms are not only creating a strong foundation for academic success but also serving students with disabilities, fostering an inclusive educational environment. BHCS has also directed CARES funds towards additional early learning classes. “We’ve made a big investment in our early learning because the sooner that we can get students on our campus and start them off with reading and speaking and all those fundamental things, we feel like it’s going to make a big impact on their lifelong learning,” Clement emphasizes.

The FLEX Program: Empowering Student Entrepreneurs

The Fitzgerald Leadership & Entrepreneur X-perience (FLEX) program, initiated by the Ben Hill County Chamber of Commerce and designed by chamber president Melissa Dark, is an exceptional initiative that nurtures the entrepreneurial spirit in students. FLEX empowers students by giving them the opportunity to create and manage their own businesses. As part of this program, participants receive essential training in business planning, along with $100 in startup funds. Clement shares, “They have a panel that comes in and judges those students on the criteria that they set, and whoever wins that wins $5,000 at the local level, and then they go on to the state competition, which this year, the prize is $10,000.” The FLEX program has enjoyed substantial success, and it is now entering its fourth year, with the inaugural state-level competition taking place last year.

Technology Integration and Safety Measures

Ben Hill County Schools is proud to be a one-to-one district, ensuring that students from pre-K through 12th grade have access to technology. Google Chromebooks and iPads are provided to students, and teachers are equipped with the tools to record lessons, enhancing the learning experience and enabling parents to engage with their children’s education. “We received a Google education grant to buy all those devices last year, and we converted to a Google district last year as well,” says Clements.

The Safety and security of its students and staff is another high priority for BHCS and is an ongoing area of focus. They have implemented strict protocols for access control, video monitoring, and anonymous reporting systems. Additionally, they have invested in safety equipment such as metal detectors and communication devices to ensure a secure learning environment. Clement relays, “We got a grant last year for $50,000 through the state that let us change our door locks at our middle school and primary school, to be a lock where doors could lock from the inside as well. We just invested $52,000 along with a USDA grant into metal detectors for all of our schools and our sporting events. We put up fencing, we bought new radios, we’ve invested in new cameras.” With three SROs on campus currently, the district has applied for a grant through the Georgia Department of Education, to bring in two more officers. “We have made a concerted effort here in the last year to really ramp up our security. We have safety plans for all schools in our district, we made sure that we’re in compliance with any laws. We’ve invested a good amount of money in making our students and our staff safer,” she continues.

Academic Excellence and Future Plans

Clement highlights that Ben Hill County Schools’ top priorities moving forward include improving K-5 reading comprehension and math proficiency, as well as promoting writing across the curriculum. “Our number one priority is always the safety and security of our students and staff,” she asserts. “Our other important goal is getting our K through 5 readers to be able to comprehend what they read, to be able to not just call words, but to understand the science of reading, and to make our teachers the most effective teachers they can be when it comes to teaching reading in K- 5. Our other big initiative is making sure that our students do math at the top level.” By focusing on these key areas, BHCS will continue to elevate the academic performance of its students and provide them with a well-rounded education.

AT A GLANCE

Ben Hill County School District

What: A rural K-12 school district in southern Georgia, committed to student success.

Where: Fitzgerald, Georgia

Website: www.ben-hill.k12.ga.us