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CCS Earns Valuable Designation

Cartersville City Schools (CCS) recently earned the highly esteemed Economic Development Partnership (EDP) designation from the Georgia Department of Education. The EDP designation provides our community, stakeholders, and future industries with evidence that CCS is vested in developing a workforce to meet the needs of our community. One of only four school districts in Georgia to initially receive the seal in 2024, the designation is a valuable tool in recruiting new industries and supporting existing industries for the Bartow-Cartersville Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Office.
 
Marc Collier, Cartersville City Schools Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) Director, said, “Following the official review, our school district received outstanding feedback from the Georgia Department of Education review team. One reviewer said, ‘The professionalism, commitment, and dedication exhibited by the CCS staff and stakeholders were remarkable. The role Cartersville City Schools serves in local economic and workforce development efforts is evident, defined, and performed at a high level.’”
 
Districts receiving the EDP designation participated in a rigorous certification process that prepared them to adopt best practices and behaviors that support economic development and align education with key regional industries. The EDP program elevates the capacity of school systems to serve as an essential part of the community in business recruitment and a catalyst for talent development. For students, EDP promotes increased Work-Based Learning and Youth Apprenticeship opportunities, additional exposure to local business and industry, and career-relevant classroom content.
 
Superintendent Dr. Marc Feuerbach extended his appreciation to the stakeholders who supplied information for and participated in the review process. Along with Mr. Collier, our community stakeholders, worked closely with the EDP team over the course of FY24 through a series of virtual meetings, a site visit, and required documentation submission.
 
Feuerbach said, “As a reflection of the ongoing, effective relationship existing between CCS and our stakeholders, this award would not be possible without our community and the high value it places on preparing our students for tomorrow's opportunities.”