Business View Civil Municipal - Sept 2023

I RWIN COUNT Y SCHOOLS “We’re very proud of our community, and our school system,” School Superintendent, Kerry Billingsley boasts. “We work well with our city and county officials, and we do everything that we possibly can to benefit the citizens and all stakeholders in our community. We recognize that a good school system helps drive the economy. So, that’s our charge, along with challenging our students not to look at their zip code but look way beyond that and dream big.” A mission to CARE With 1,649 students, the district has a mission statement which is to CARE, an acronym for College and Career Readiness, Academic Support, Relationships, and Excellence. “We’re doing everything we possibly can to challenge our students and provide them the education needed for them to be successful in whatever endeavor they deem to tackle in life,” Billingsley asserts. In such a tight-knit county, the community takes precedence above all else, as emphasized by Assistant Superintendent Jessica Sirmans. Every decision is made with thoughtful consideration of the community’s needs and benefits. “It’s the number one priority,” she maintains. “I was born and raised in Ocilla. I’ve got a lot invested in this community, and I always knew I was going to raise my kids here. We know how important it is for our community to be involved.” A Winning Combination of Athletics, Arts, and Academics As a Class A school district, Irwin County Schools provides an extensive array of athletic opportunities, spanning football, cross country, softball, cheerleading, tennis, soccer, wrestling, track and field, and baseball. At the high school level, students can participate in JROTC, and the district also offers an esports team that has garnered scholarship opportunities for two students. The bass fishing team has achieved remarkable success, securing state championships for the school. Embracing a well-rounded approach to education, the district cultivates a nurturing environment that encourages students to excel in various creative and academic pursuits. The literary team of Irwin County Schools has garnered remarkable achievements, boasting multiple regional winners, and achieving state runner-up status in 2023. As well, the district proudly showcases the high school’s active involvement in show choir and band competitions. The one-act thespians club also holds significant prominence in Irwin County, consistently ranking among the top in their region and participating in state events for both one- act performances and literary competitions. Modernizing Irwin County School Facilities: A Testament to Community Pride and Support Irwin County High School boasts a state- of-the-art auditorium, constructed in 2008. The school administration prioritizes the