Business View Civil Municipal - Sept 2023

158 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 9 “I can tell you that we haven’t focused as much on STEM, but we have pushed what we do best, and Ag is one of those things.” Nurturing Academic Excellence and Broadening Opportunities for Students Academics are also prioritized at Irwin County Schools, and all students are provided with diverse opportunities to explore their interests. The district’s goal is to meet students where they are and help them discover their passions, whether it’s pursuing a four-year college, technical school, or entering the workforce directly. “We’re proud of the fact that for the last seven years, our graduation rate has been 90% or better,” says Billingsley “Academics is extremely important just like competing on the football field or in one of these competitions with CTAE. We have a unique opportunity with being small that our kids can participate in a lot of different things.” An advanced academic pathway is available to students through Wiregrass Technical College, which is conveniently located on the school campus. Additionally, students have the opportunity to earn college credits before graduation through partnerships with Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and South Georgia College, as well as associate degrees through dual enrollment at Middle Georgia State University. Other valuable partnerships include those with entities such as South Central Primary Care, which operates a health clinic on the elementary school grounds, and whose presence has led to improved attendance. The county and city also collaborate to share resources and reduce costs, dedicated to enhancing the community’s well-being and efficiently utilizing tax dollars. Moving forward, the main focus of Irwin County Schools is to provide students with a strong education and address literacy gaps from an early age. “Our mission statement is that we care, and we want every child to know that they’re important, and we can meet them where they’re at. We have to provide some things outside the box, and we’re very willing to do that in that sense of caring and letting our kids know that we’re there for them, and we’re pushing them to be the best,” concludes Billingsley. PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n Anytime Fitness https://www.anytimefitness.com/gyms/2605/ ocilla-ga-31774/ At Anytime Fitness Ocilla, the profound connection between mental health, fitness, and teachers aligns with Irwin County Schools’ vision. By prioritizing exercise and positive mental well-being, they foster a supportive learning environment for students and educators alike. Together, they create a powerful synergy, enriching the educational experience and promoting overall well-being.