2021-2022 Annual Report : simplebooklet.com

2 Throughout this time of uncertainty and unpredictability, the one thing I can be certain of is the resiliency of our students and staff members. These last eighteen months have brought many changes to our district, but I continue to be amazed by the creativity and ingenuity of our educators, and the positivity and enthusiasm of our students. This pandemic was scary, and we have worked hard to keep each other and ourselves safe. Each one of our 5,600 employees has been working tirelessly to ensure that our students are supported—both academically and emotionally.There are so many ways that Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools continues to be one of the very best school districts in the state, and I am proud to be your superintendent. With that comes the privilege of working together with students, families, employees and the community at large to create, deliver, and achieve excellence in every aspect of our school district. This is our commitment to the 36,000-plus students and families we serve. While challenges are a part of life and we overcome them daily, the COVID-19 pandemic and its lingering after effects have been some of the most challenging I’ve ever encountered. We met the challenge head on and while we recognize that recovery is a process, we have implemented innovative and creative solutions to meet the academic and social/emotional needs of our students and families. I am proud of our team of committed educators, who with the support of parents and staff, have persevered and met these challenges with determination and grace. The purpose of this report is to give you a snapshot of our student and staff accomplishments, operational information, and construction updates. Despite the pandemic, we are moving ahead with our strategic plan, The Way Forward 2026, and have measures in place to ensure that we reach our goals in four priority areas: Student Success, Academic Achievement and Life Readiness; Family Engagement and Stakeholder Partnerships; Recruitment, Selection, Retention and Talent Development; and Fiscal Responsibility and Stewardship. Thank you to the students, staff, families, and community members for believing, adjusting, and persevering. Thank you for partnering with us to build a very bright future for the children of our district. Thank you for your commitment to public education and the public-school advantage.A message from SuperintendentDR. ANN LEVETT

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4 One Team, One Goal: Student Achievement The Way Forward The strategic planning process was a 9-month long process that included staff, students and community members. We are grateful to the Georgia School Boards Association for their leadership and assistance. The work began with focus groups and workshops. Following that, action teams and planning teams worked side-by-side to conduct research, collect community input and draft action steps, and metrics. The result is a road map with an interactive tracker that will shepherd the course through 2026. Built into the plan are benchmarks to ensure accountability. VisionFrom school to the world: All students prepared to be successful and productive citizensMissionTogether, we ignite and foster lifelong learning at the highest levels for allStrategic PlanGuiding Principles Guiding Principles are the shared values and management style of the organization. They articulate the ethical standards by which the organization makes decisions and conducts activities.GUIDING PRINCIPLE 1: The school board provides governance, establishes policies, and evaluates the superintendent while providing autonomy for meeting established goals and for managing day-to-day operationsGUIDING PRINCIPLE 2: All students’ academic and personal achievements will be at levels that will enable them to be fully productive citizens beyond graduation. GUIDING PRINCIPLE 3: Education is a shared responsibility among home, school, and community.GUIDING PRINCIPLE 4: A safe, secure, healthy, and positive environment is essential for the education of all.GUIDING PRINCIPLE 5: The commitment to the equitable allocation of resources is essential for all students to learn, grow, and achieve at their highest levels. GUIDING PRINCIPLE 6: Fiscal responsibility, accountability, and stewardship must be maintained to ensure equitable allocation of resources.GUIDING PRINCIPLE 7: Positive relationships with all stakeholders are built through a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, respect, and transparency. The Way Forward 2026 is available on the district website, sccpss.com, under Board Resources.

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5 . Annual Report 2021-2022With the closure of schools in March of 2020, SCCPSS entered uncharted territory. Like many other districts around the country – indeed around the world – our students and staff were forced to change their daily routines radically. With the help of community partners, we were able to emerge from the restrictions and of the virtual learning and return to learn in 2021 with a district wide commitment to health and safety - physically, socially, emotionally, and mentally. This would not have been possible with the support of our business partners and parents. With the generous backing from the business community, we were able to accelerate our 1:1 initiative and provide every child a device on which to learn. Upon the return to in-person learning, these devices proved to be an integral part of instruction moving forward. If classroom learning is interrupted in the future, we are prepared to pivot to a virtual classroom. With the help of Wi-Fi hot spots and internet access assistance from technology partners, students are able to access lessons from anywhere! The long awaited Learning Management System – It’sLearning – debuted during the pandemic and continues to house all the learning tools supported by the District for all types of instruction. Hybrid instruction gave way to drive through experiences for everything from graduations to device delivery to Veteran’s Day recognition and as the pandemic eased, we found that the road to learning recovery was paved by community support. SCCPSS began to provide additional academic and social-emotional supports, such as the Embrace Summer Learning Program and the Handle With Care initiative. Our Community Partners donated masks and PPE, made financial commitments to technology and safety, and provided valuable input via community advisory panels.Through a partnership with Coastal Care Partners, SCCPSS provided vaccines to our staff as soon as they became available. Further, free testing was made available to student athletes and staff through a partnership with Covid Testing Appointments, LLC, a nationally recognized provider of medical services. The combination of vaccines and easy access to testing were part of the multi-layer mitigation strategies the district used to help us ensure in person learning was offered five days a week.The district worked closely with community organizations, volunteers, and civic leaders to make sound decisions based on science and fact. The Medical Advisory Committee, comprised of local physicians, Department of Health administrators, and other health care providers, met regularly to provide insight into developments and guidance on protocols for health and safety. A School Re-opening Task Force, comprised of parents, teachers, students, and community volunteers, provided support and feedback as we made the pivot to in-person learning after a year of Hybrid instruction. We thank the members of the various committees and task force groups for their support of the Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools.CARING in crisis Operation under Pandemic

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6 When students leave Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools, they are prepared for the world! Our vision – that all students are prepared to be successful and productive citizens – means that whatever path our scholars take, they will be ready. The graduating class of 2021 earned more than $32 million dollars in scholarship awards and nearly 1,950 graduates received their diplomas in advance of moving on to some of the most prestigious universities across the nation. Advanced Placement, Gifted Education Programs, Choice Programs, and Dual Enrollment Programs and now an E-Learning Academy are a few examples of the many options available throughout the district that contribute to sustained academic growth and preparation for college, career, and life.Our great work is reflected in the gains that we have experienced each year in the District’s graduation rate. SCCPSS improved its 2021 cohort graduation rate over the previous year – rising from 89.7% to 90.1% and established a new record high for the district. Our district is showing improvement earned through the hard work and dedication of our staff and students. The 2021 graduation rate marks the seventh straight year that SCCPSS has surpassed the state average. Two of our high schools, Savannah Early College and Woodville-Tompkins, are among the few in the entire state to boast a 100% graduation rate for several consecutive years. With the continued success of district programs that effectively keep students on track and engaged in learning, we are preparing more students than ever before for productive futures in college and careers. Many of our students enjoy a jumpstart that ensures success in post-secondary endeavors through Career Pathway options and Dual Enrollment programs. Career Pathways include a series of related courses designed to provide rigorous academic and technical content with seamless transitions for every high school student, which may include skills, certificates, or articulated college credit.WHERE ARE THEY NOW?We love hearing about our graduates as they reach new heights and achieve great things! MSgt Matthew M. James, NJROTC Naval Science Instructor at Sol C. Johnson High School, shared this update about SCCPSS Student Akeem Bond. “Mr. Bond went to Great Lakes, MI, this summer with 300 others from across the country and stood out in a one month student orientation,” said Master Sargeant James. “The support of his family and the SCJ community gave Mr. Bond the tools to rise to lead his peers and be placed in charge of other midshipmen. Mr. Bond received a one year scholarship from Tuskegee University, after which the US Navy will award him a full 3yr scholarship to complete his degree. Four year degree, a commission as a Navy or Marine officer and no college debt!” The Four E’s: Enrolled, Employed, Enlisted or Entrepreneurship

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7 . Annual Report 2021-2022668Certications in Microsoft Ofce. Microsoft certication gives students and workforce candidates the power to chart their own course, fulll their ambition, and realize their potential. Microsoft Ofce Specialist boosts academic performance and prepares students for college and career.105 Audio/Video Technology is offered at two schools: Savannah Arts Academy and New Hampstead. Over one hundred students are enrolled in this pathway.81Islands High School is one of the rst schools in Georgia to have a veterinary science pathway. In 2019, eighty-one students were exposed to current topics in the veterinary industry, including the roles and responsibilities of the veterinary team in a variety of situations involving patients from companion animal to large animal. The pass rate for the class was 96%80Welding is one of the fastest growing elds in the construction and manufacturing eld. Students at Woodville-Tompkins and the School of Liberal Studies at Savannah High will enter a eld where the starting salary is well above the national average!By The numbers110Students completed the Automotive and Collision Repair pathway. 189A partnership between St. Joseph’s/Candler Health System and Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools gives high school students at Beach and Woodville-Tompkins the opportunity to receive paid on-the-job training as a Patient Care Technician. Students work at least 20 hours a week in a variety of clinical departments under the guidance of Savannah’s most dedicated healthcare professionals.115There are 115 students in the Aviation pathway at Groves High School. In cooperation with Gulfstream and Savannah Technical College, the Aviation pathway includes aviation maintenance, aircraft assembly and technician curricula.150The Cosmetology Program at the School of Liberal Studies prepares students for careers in the eld of cosmetology. 150 students are enrolled in this pathway where they learn to cut, trim, and style hair, facial, and body hair removal, apply cosmetic preparations; perform manicures and pedicures; massage the scalp, and prepare for practice as licensed cosmetologist.

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8 GEORGIA STATE TEACHER OF THE YEARCherie Bonder-Goldman, an ESOL teacher at Hesse K-8 School and our 2021-2022 District Teacher of the Year was selected as Georgia State Teacher of the Year for 2022. Mrs. Bonder-Goldman, currently in her twelfth year of teaching, is a graduate of Georgetown University, Stanford University, Armstrong Atlantic State University, and Mercer University. As the 2022 Georgia Teacher of the Year, Cherie traveled around the state and nation,serving as an ambassador for the teaching profession in Georgia. She will also competed in the National Teacher of the Year competition.“I could not be prouder to have someone as deserving as Cherie Dennis represent the talented and dedicated teachers we have throughout Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools,” said Dr. Levett. “Cherie Dennis is the finest example of the extraordinary teachers found throughout our district. I am excited to witness the year ahead for Ms. Dennis as she represents not just our district, but the state of Georgia as a nominee for National Teacher of the Year.”Because the Georgia Teacher of the Year program was paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s finalists were selected from the original 2021 cohort (those initially slated to be recognized in May 2020). This ensured that cohort would not miss the opportunity to be recognized by the statewide program.Windsor Forest Elementary first grade teacher Margarita McDonald received one of four 2021 Reclaiming the Joy of Teaching Awards from the organization Literacies and Languages for ALL. The award honors a preK-12 teacher that inspires authentic progressive literacy learning. Hubert Middle School Teacher Marissa Johnson, a Family and Consumer Science Teacher, was named the 2021 New Teacher of the Year by the Georgia Association of Family and Consumer Sciences. The award recognizes new CTE teachers who have made significant contributions toward innovative and unique career and technical education programs and shown a professional commitment early in their careers.Savannah High Coach Tim Jordan received the John F. Hodges Oasis Award for Lifetime Achievement. The award is given annually to one person for Outstanding Achievement in Sports in Savannah during their career. Coach Jordan reached the 500 Career Win mark in 2018 and was honored for his commitment to student-athletes in our community.Magen Peigelbeck, an art teacher at Oglethorpe Charter School, was selected to be a docent for the Christo installation in Paris. Magen was accepted among the thousands of applicants from around the world and spent several weeks in Paris to be a part of this art history. She documented her journey on social media and included her Oglethorpe students in live feeds from the Arc de Triomphe.SCELA and high school science teacher Gini Lea Ennis was honored with the Labster STEM Excellence in Teaching Award. Ms. Ennis Is one of only 10 award recipients nationwide, honored for their passion for teaching, advancement of experiential learning, creativity in curriculum design, innovation in instruction, and commitment to student success.SAVANNAH-CHATHAM COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS ARE BLESSED WITH AMAZING TEACHERS WHO BRING PASSION AND ENERGY TO THEIR STUDENTS IN MANY WAYS EVERY DAY. WHILE THERE ARE MANY DEPARTMENTS THAT MAKE UP OUR SCHOOL DISTRICT, THE LARGEST EMPLOYEE BASE BY FAR INCLUDES OUR 3,000 PLUS CLASSROOM TEACHERS WHO ARE WORKING EVERY DAY TO PROVIDE LEARNING EXPERIENCES THAT SUPPORT THE LEADERS OF TOMORROW. WE ARE PROUD THAT 99% OF OUR EDUCATORS ARE CLASSIFIED AS “HIGHLY QUALIFIED” AND BRING THEIR WORK EXPERIENCE FROM ACROSS MANY BACKGROUNDS AND SPECIALIZED AREAS OF EXPERTISE TO OUR STUDENTS. OUR FOCUS ON DEVELOPING A PREMIERE WORKFORCE REMAINS ONE OF OUR PRIMARY FOCUS AREAS AS WE CONTINUE TO EXECUTE THE STRATEGIC PLAN OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT.Teacher RecognitionStrategic Goals 1, 2 and 3

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9 . Annual Report 2021-2022The 21-22 achievements listed represent a small snapshot of our student body. Please check the District’s website or follow us on social media to learn about the amazing achievements we see every day from our scholars!REACH Georgia is a needs-based mentorship and scholarship program that begins in 8th grade, when REACH Scholars are paired with a mentor and an academic coach through middle and high school. Scholars must maintain good grades (2.5 GPA), behavior and attendance through middle school and high school. Scholars who successfully complete the program and graduate from high school are awarded a $10,000 scholarship ($2,500/year) that can be used at any HOPE-eligible institution in Georgia. The scholarship is in addition to any other grant or scholarship the student receives. Twelve SCCPSS middle school students and their parents took part in the ceremony committing them to fulfill the requirements of the REACH Scholars program in return for the promise of a scholarship to college. They are: Canye Johnson, Mercer; Kate Branson, Garrison; Damien Wynn, Myers; Antonio Wilson, STEM; Dylan Palmer, Hesse; Jakhya Bush, Hubert; Joshua Jacoway Johnson, Rice Creek; Ethan Benavides, Godley; Tynece Gary, New Hampstead K-8; Maria Martinez, Savannah Classical Academy; Emily Castro, Isle of Hope; Ja’miya Childers, Georgetown. Savannah Early College High Senior Jeremiah Salley was selected to serve on State School Superintendent Richard Woods 2021-2022 Student Advisory Council. Throughout the year, these students will meet with Superintendent Woods to discuss the impact of state policies in the classroom. First District RESA Winners of the 2020-21 Young Georgia Authors Writing Competition: Irene Park, Esther F. Garrison School for the Art, Grade 4, Maeve Morgan, Esther F. Garrison School for the Arts, Grade 6 and Meredith Sneed, Savannah Arts Academy, Grade 10Charles Ellis Montessori 3rd grader Annie Hartley took 3rd place in her division of the Spring 2021 PBS KIDS Writers Contest with a submission entitled "The Brilliant Lesson." She was among hundreds of K-3 students in Georgia who participated in the contest. Students submitted original, illustrated stories for the chance to win great prizes and be featured on GPB’s website. STEM Academy student Noah Feinberg attended Space Camp at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, home of Space Camp®, Space Camp® Robotics™, Aviation Challenge® and U.S. Cyber Camp®. The Rocket Center is a Smithsonian Affiliate and NASA Marshall Space Flight Center’s Official Visitor Center. The weeklong educational program promotes science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), while training students and with hands-on activities and missions based on teamwork, leadership and problem solving.STEM Academy@Bartlett eighth grade student Ella Shaffer was awarded the Grand Award in Biochemistry in the Junior Division of the Georgia Science and Engineering Fair. Ella’s project, "How do low glycemic sugar alternatives affect bread yeast growth?" compared multiple natural sweeteners in the process of baking bread. The project won first place for biochemistry at the Regional Science Fair earlier this year before advancing to state. STEM Academy@Bartlett eighth grade student Edna Luna won second place in the International Ocean Film Festival’s middle school category with her film, "Black Ocean." Along STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTSStrategic Goals 1 and 2with winning second place, Edna was also awarded the Global Audience prize.Two SCCPSS schools were named winners in the annual online Stock Market Game Spring 2022 Competition. One of Mercer Middle School’s 8th grade teams was named the winner in their grade band for Georgia’s 1st Congressional District. This team had the highest total equity, based on the stocks purchased, out of all the 8th grade teams competing in Georgia’s 1st District.. A team of three students from Woodville Tompkins Technical and Career High School not only placed first within our Congressional District, but also first in the state of Georgia for their grade band out of 2,901 teams! The winning Woodville Tompkins team members entered the game as part of their Financial Literacy class.The Jenkins High School team took the first runner-up as well as the award for Best Presentation in Georgia Southern’s Engineering Design Challenge. The competition offers area high school students the opportunity to learn from STEM teachers, Georgia Southern engineering students, and practicing engineers while planning of a project that required them to design a 3D printed tool that could attach to a flying drone and simulate that excavation and delivering of lunar soil. Sarah Kate Maher, a junior from Savannah Arts Academy and Andre’l Shuman, a senior from Alfred Ely Beach High School were named as Bank of America Student Leaders for 2022. This prestigious program is designed to provide opportunities to develop and apply leadership tools and skills through hands-on community work and leadership experiences while raising students’ awareness of community issues and challenges. Sarah Kate and Andre’l are among 300 young people from across the country who were selected as Student Leaders due to their passion for improving the community.Students and Future Farmers of America Members from Islands High School attended the 94th Georgia FFA State Convention and the Islands High Veterinary Science team was recognized for their third-place state finish. Team members included juniors Abby Van Brimmer, Alex King-Castro and Katiana Boland, as well as freshman Teylor Tomlin. Junior Abby Van Brimmer was also recognized for having the third-highest individual score in the state competition. Woodville Tompkins Technical and Career High School senior Chance McKinnie was named one of 300 Gates Millennium Scholars. Chance was selected from among 37,000 students who applied. The Gates Millennium Scholars (GMS) Program, is funded by a $1.6 billion grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and provides support for the cost of education by covering unmet needs. Jenkins High Senior Carlos Hernandez won the 2022 Gulfstream Youth Apprentice Scholarship. The $60,000 scholarship - $15,000 for each of four years - is named for Alton Wright, a retired Gulfstream executive who worked extensively with the Youth Apprentice Program during his tenure with the company.

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10 Communications Department Honored by NSPRA.The SCCPSS Division of Communications received ten 2021 Publications and Digital Media Excellence awards from the National School Public Relations Association – recognition in each category staff entered. Honorable Mention Blog, for Board BriefE-Newsletters, for In Case You Missed ItIntranet/Internet Website, for School Reopening During the PandemicVideo produced in House, for SCCPSS Connection to Careers: InterforAward of Excellence Video Produced Outside, for ESPLOST Overview VideoSpecial Purpose Publication, for Log On and Return to LearnSocial Media, for Free Talk Friday with the SCCPSS SuperintendentMarketing Publication, for magazine ads for SCCPSS eventsMarketing Materials, for District Discussion – A New K8 School at New HampsteadExcellence in Writing, for an Op-Ed from the Superintendent in the Savannah Morning NewsHuman Resources Staff Honored By Multiple AgenciesThe Human Resources department of the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System was recognized by the Georgia Association of School Personnel Administrators (GASPA) in 2021. The team was awarded a platinum award in strategic partnerships, a gold award in recruitment and best in class for the district’s employee handbook at the organization’s spring conference. In addition to those state level awards; the District’s HR team received the digital branding award from the American Association of School Personnel Administrators The district has also been awarded the AASPA William L. Hunter Point of Light Award, given to school districts making outstanding contributions in innovative and comprehensive teacher development programs designed to increase diversity of the teacher workforce. Three members of the District’s Human Resources team have each completed the requirements from AASPA to be certified as a Professional Human Capital Leader in Education: Heather Bilton, Michel Pantin and Michele Fox. Financial Team Recognized for ExcellenceSCCPSS received ASBO’s Meritorious Budget Award for its annual budget document for the fiscal year beginning July 1 , 2021 . This was the fourth year that the Board received the award, which is the only award program specifically designed to enhance school budgeting. In addition, the financial department was recognized the ASBO with a Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting to the Board for 2011. This was the eighteenth consecutive year that the Board has received this prestigious award. is granted only after intensive reviews of financial reports by expert panels of governmental accountants.SCCPSS also received the GFOA’s Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its annual budget document for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2021. This was the twenty-first consecutive year that the Board has received this prestigious award. The Distinguished Budget Presentation Award requires that the budget document be judged proficient as a policy document, a financial plan, an operations guide, and a communications device.The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) awarded SCCPSS a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for fiscal year 2021. This was the eighteenth consecutive year that the district has received this award that demonstrates the spirit of transparency and full disclosure. To be awarded this honor, the CAFR is reviewed by GFOA professional staff and members of the GFOA Special Review Committee, which is comprised of individuals with expertise in public sector financial reporting including financial statement preparers, independent auditors, and academic and other finance professionals.Dr. Ann Levett was selected as a 2021 Superintendent to Watch by the National School Public Relations Association. Dr. Levett joins just 19 other superintendents nationwide who were selected for the honor in recognition of their innovative and effective use of technology to engage and inform the school community, and to expand two-way communication and outreach efforts. Dr. Levett was recognized for her use of social media and for her signature “Free Talk Fridays,” a video message sent to families.STaff Recognition Strategic Goal 3

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11 . Annual Report 2021-2022ESPLOST I went into effect on January 1, 2007, and brought about upgrades, new schools, and improvements to school technology. This penny sales tax generated $330M in five years. The funds were used in two ways; the first included $67 million dollars to retire existing bond debt over the five-year period. The remaining funds were used to build new schools and provide facility and technology upgrades. On November 8th, 2011, the citizens of Savannah-Chatham County overwhelmingly approved the continuation of this one percent sales tax. The ESPLOST II extension for a $330 million limit or 5 years (whichever came first) was used to improve facilities and equipment, as well as provide technology resource upgrades for students, school renovations, and security enhancements. Additionally, the extension retired $47 million of previously incurred bond debt. With the passage of the ESPLOST III continuation in Chatham County on November 8, 2016, the existing bond debt has been retired, resulting in the eventual elimination of $139,706,985 dollars of bond debt that would have been the burden of taxpayers. Facility improvements such as the new auditorium at Beach High School, the new district athletic facility at Islands High School and the new gymnasium and auditorium at Woodville-Tompkins are welcome additions to district facilities. New schools such as the White Bluff Elementary School and Jenkins High School have been completed. 74% APPROVAL RATE!Chatham County voters renewed the education penny sales tax, ESPLOST, extending the 1% collection for another five years. ESPLOST IV passed with 74% approval, the widest margin in its 20-year history. The previous best was 67% for ESPLOST II in 2011. This was an important vote for our schools, our students, our families, and our local community. Our community’s continued investment in our children’s future will allow us to continue to provide exceptional services and facilities for our children, jobs for local citizens, and support for local businesses. Thanks to ESPLOST IV, SCCPSS can continue building for the future, preparing our scholars for the world they will inherit. The ESPLOST IV plans for our schools are forward thinking, are focused on the future, and will provide an excellent return on investment for the families of Chatham County. Visit sccpss.com for a list of ESPLOST projects and highlights.The Educational Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax provides the framework for facilities growth aligned with the District’s Strategic Plan. ESPLOST is a one-penny sales tax that funds buildings, technology, and other needs outside of the general fund. The one-cent sales tax provides a method of funding that everyone pays, not just property owners, as sales tax is paid by everyone who shops or stays in Chatham County. Most of these funds are generated by people who live outside Chatham County.ESPLOST:The Power of the PennyStrategic Goals 1, 2, 3 and 4

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12 SCHOOL NUTRITION: Even a pandemic didn’t stop our school nutrition staff! During virtual and hybrid instruction, the SNP continued to provide nutritious meals to all students. by using school busses to deliver meals to students in their neighborhoods. TRANSPORTATION Staffing shortages challenged the transportation department to manage resources during SY 21/22. While the department made extra efforts to recruit drivers and other transportation workers, they also took time to thank those drivers who kept the wheels on the bus turning! Whether driving a bus with meals to students during virtual learning or helping kids navigate the requirements of ridership during in-person instruction, bus drivers play an integral part in the delivery of educational services to students. In SY 21-22, SCCPSS introduced an app that allows students and families to track the arrival of their bus. Here Comes The Bus allows families to monitor daily school bus transportation information, including where a specific bus is on its route. The app is available for any family who utilizes district transportation. Parents can see where their child’s school bus is on its daily route.MAINTENANCE The maintenance team stays on top of the evolving standards for health and safety for our buildings and facilities. While we continue to encourage good hygiene habits for all staff and students, our custodial staff applies the multi-layer mitigation protocols that allow us to maintain in person education 5 days a week. In addition, crews throughout the district keep all properties in good working order to avoid costly repairs or other hazards. Whether installing new air filtration components or performing carpentry, the maintenance staff is committed to being good stewards of our facilities through the efficient and effective use of resources and to keep our facilities safe, clean, and up to date.SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVESSCCPSS continues to lead the way in sustainability. With two schools designated as Green Ribbon Schools – Gadsden Elementary and Godley Station K8 – SCCPSS exemplifies the concepts and ideas of conscientious environmental preservation and sustainability. In addition, Gadsden is an Energy STAR rated school, ENERGY STAR certified buildings save energy, save money, and help protect the environment by generating fewer greenhouse gas emissions than typical buildings. To be certified as ENERGY STAR, a building must meet strict energy performance standards set by EPA. Solar power arrays can be found at Jenkins High School, New Hampstead K8, and Godley Station K8. Solar panels provide clean energy to schools as well as provide instructional opportunities. In other sustainability efforts, a partnership with Georgia Power will provide needed improvements to school lighting systems, reduce energy usage and maintenance as well as generate an annual savings to pay for the upgrades.Innovations in Operations Strategic Goal 4The School Nutrition Program serves an average of 14,718 breakfasts and 21,026 lunches daily. Number of Breakfast Meals served: 2,796,420Number of Lunch Meals served: 3,004,940Average Meals per day: 35,744SCCPSS continues to explore innovations in service delivery, including the use of biodegradable trays and cutlery. The School Nutrition Program has received at 2020 Vision Designation for its commitment to the vision of regularly serving fresh, local foods and working collaboratively with school nutrition professionals and agriculture producers across the state. This Vision has contributed to grants for Farm To School activities, which allow students to participate in the cultivation and preparation of food grown at the school.School Nutritionby the numbersMiles traveled by SCCPSS buses 2,338,330Number of students routed: 14,102Transportationby the numbers

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13 . Annual Report 2021-2022The budget for the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System is a complex mechanism with several different funding sources and expense objectives. SCCPSS uses site-based budgeting and management development. The process begins with planning activities, which include identifying and prioritizing educational needs and forecasting available resources to meet those needs. The budget preparation process takes approximately 10 months beginning in September of the year prior to adoption. Budget requests for all departments and school sites are developed with support and analysis provided by the Budget Department. Requests are reviewed for completeness, accuracy, and compliance. After review by the Superintendent and the Executive Management Team, the Budgeting Services Department prepares a proposed budget for submission to the Board of Education.The SCCPSS budget is described as having “spending buckets.” Each bucket has its own set of rules for allowable expenditures. In most cases monies from one-bucket cannot be placed in another. There are four categories of funding: General Funds, Capital Projects Funds, Special Revenue Funds, and Internal Service Funds.The General Fund is the District’s largest spending bucket and funds District operations. The largest revenue source for this fund comes from local property taxes as established by the millage rate. The largest expenditure from this fund is to pay for staff - 83%.Capital Projects Funds come primarily from the ESPLOST tax revenue, interest on funds, and grant funding. ESPLOST funds can be spent ONLY for capital repairs, new facilities and additions, safety and security improvements, school renovations, technology improvements, buses, and bond debt reductions. Special Revenue Funds are used for Federal Title Programs, Pre-K, At-Risk Student Populations, CTAE, Continuity of Core Staff & Services, Distance/Remote Learning, Facilities Equipment, Mental & Physical Health, and Professional Development. Funds are generated from federal and state grants, including Coronavirus Aid, Relief & Economic Security (CARES) Act funding (1 and 2) as well as the American Rescue Plan Act. Internal Service Funds cover certain employee benefits, to include unemployment and workers Compensation claims. SCCPSS has received a clean audit for three years in a row, meaning the District has complied with fiscal requirements and provided adequate safeguarding of public resources. This is in keeping with Goal 4 of the strategic plan to maintain transparency and good stewardship of taxpayer funding. Visit sccpss.com Finance Division, for a complete review of the FY22 Adopted Budget Finance UPDATE Strategic Goal 4“When you’ve got a good strong governing board that works together, you’re going to find that management is going to work together and you will find that everyone is working hard for the right reasons, to do the right things.” ~Mauldin and Jenkins, CPA"I’m happy to say our report is clean. You dotted all the I’s and crossed all the T’s. You did what the rules called for – even though the rules are constantly evolving and changing before our eyes. SCCPSS did a fine job of staying abreast of what was going on." ~Mauldin and Jenkins, CPA on SCCPSS 2021 External Audit"Visit sccpss.com for complete budget information."fy23 BudgeT Apodted June 22, 2022

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14 Business partners play an important role in the success of our district. We are fortunate to live and work in a community that values education and collaborates with SCCPSS to create programs that benefit both our students and the community. At every turn in the last year, our business partners stepped up to provide support for our schools. Whether donating water bottles and PPE or creating steps to career readiness, business leaders from all over the district came together for the greater good.St. Joseph’s/Candler and the Savannah-Chatham Public School System came together to create a wellness program and health screening clinic at Alfred E. Beach High School. The initiative will provide health care students at the school valuable real-world experience. Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools and Second Harvest Food Bank formed a new partnership to create food pantries at area public schools Gulfstream’s support of the Aviation Manufacturing and Service program makes it possible for students to leave SCCPSS career ready! Multiple entities stepped up to help provide devices to students while under the virtual and hybrid learning models. Laptops, mobile hot spots, and more were needed to keep students learning. We even put Wifi On Wheels! Busses were outfitted with WiFi routers and strategically placed throughout the community to provide access for those households lacking a access to the internet. We appreciate the many businesses and individuals who donated to our Technology at Home Fund to ensure that learning was uninterrupted. Handle with Care: This initiative speaks to the social and emotional wellness of students. A collaboration of law enforcement agencies, social workers, and the schools, Handle With Care gives law enforcement a tool – an app developed by the district – to notify the school about a student’s encounter with law enforcement. Whether the trauma is direct or indirect, it may affect student performance. Handle With Care will allow schools to help students cope with traumatic events. Teen Dating Violence Initiative: A collaborative of community agencies, led by SCCPSS, to address teen dating violence in our community was launched this year thanks to a grant from the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council and the Violence Against Women Act. The grant provided collateral materials for schools, a promotional campaign, and contact cards for officers to give to those who report a potential act of violence. Parker’s donates one cent of every gallon of gas purchased at all of its convenience stores on the first Wednesday of the month to area schools through the Fueling the Community program. The company’s charitable initiative officially launched in the fall of 2011 and donates money to schools across Georgia and South Carolina.COMMUNUTY ENGAGEMENTStrategic Goal 2

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15 . Annual Report 2021-2022Back To School ExpoHeading back to school is exciting at the annual Expo designed to make the transition easy and positive for families and students. At the Back To School Expo, families can find everything from academic readiness to registration. School nutrition personnel are on hand, as well as transportation and health care, to answer questions about the start of school. Uniform fashions, supply lists, and athletic information are just a few of the popular items. Sponsors and supporters lend their support to this well attended event.The Student Success ExpoThe Student Success Expo continues to draw record-breaking crowds to Savannah Mall! Each year, the Expo kicks off the Choice Application Process and gives parents and their students a chance to see all the programs, pathways and alternative learning opportunities available in Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools. Dancers and musicians from our schools, as well as local entertainers, take the stage to entertain the crowds. STEM/STEAM competitions, such as the Egg Drop, are held at the Expo, as are other academic competitions. Schools compete for honors throughout the day and the winners are announced before the close of the event.Family FunOver 20,000 book lovers converge on Daffin Park for the annual Books, Blankets and Family Fun event. Various school resources and vendors set up tables to provide students and families with information and assistance, while celebrities read to children throughout the park. School bands, choruses and dancers perform for the crowds and everyone enjoys delicious fare from local food trucks!

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16 The district has proudly added five Energy Star Schools to our list of accolades. The school district also has steadily increased the number of students participating as interns and apprentices through our workforce development efforts. These are just a few of the achievements that illustrate the progress that can be made when principals, teachers, students, and families work together to move our schools forward.Hubert Middle School was named a Lead4Change Certified School, one of only 35 schools certified in 2021. Lead4Change is a leadership program that helps students identify and use their leadership skills by doing a service project. It is open to 6th through 12th graders. The STEM Academy at Bartlett has been named an Apple Distinguished School for the second time. Apple Distinguished Schools are centers of innovation, leadership, and educational excellence that use technology to inspire creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. They showcase innovative uses of technology in learning, teaching, and the school environment and have documented results of academic accomplishment.Coastal Middle School and the STEM Academy at Bartlett earned re-designation as Georgia Lighthouse Schools to watch following virtual site visits. Lighthouse Schools to Watch are considered national model middle school programs, and are chosen based on academic excellence, developmental responsiveness, social equity, and highly successful organizational structures and processes. Largo-Tibet Elementary received the Leader in Me Lighthouse designation, the first in the Savannah-Chatham area. This designation indicates the school has achieved all the components of a fully functioning Leadership Academy. Earning this achievement was a four-year process for school staff. To achieve this distinction, the school must demonstrate multiple areas of proficiency in Culture, Academics, AND Leadership. The Lighthouse Certification is a highly regarded standard set by FranklinCovey and The Woodville Tompkins Technical and Career High School’s Healthcare Science Program received industry certification in Healthcare Science Education. Healthcare Science Education Industry Certification is a standards-based recognition program developed and validated by healthcare professionals. This industry-led program is designed to recognize and promote exemplary high school Healthcare Science Education programs, teachers and students. Local industry healthcare professionals provide the support and reviews during an On-Site Evaluation for each teacher, program, and school. Heard Elementary School was named the first STEAM-certified elementary school Southeast of Macon and the first STEAM-certified elementary school in Savannah-Chatham County.The School of Liberal Studies at Savannah High has received Industry Certification for its Business Program – the first program at the school to earn that distinction. Coastal Middle School is one of only twelve schools across the nation to be recognized in the inaugural class as an Association for Middle Level Education School of Distinction. The Schools of Distinction program is designed to both recognize exemplary schools and guide them through a process of strategic vision setting to help foster ongoing growth and success. Each recipient school completed a rigorous review process that measured their implementation of the characteristics of successful middle grades schools and continuous improvement plans.WE ARE PROUD THAT SAVANNAH-CHATHAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS BOAST TWO NATIONAL GREEN RIBBON SCHOOLS AND TWO NATIONAL BLUE-RIBBON SCHOOLS, A HIGHLY COVETED DESIGNATION REPRESENTING EXEMPLARY PERFORMANCE; TWO NATIONAL LIGHTHOUSE SCHOOLS, THREE STEM (SCIENCE,TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATH) CERTIFIED SCHOOLS AND TWO STEAM CERTIFIED SCHOOLS (SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, ART, AND MATHEMATICS), 14 NATIONAL ADVANCED PLACEMENT SCHOLARS, FIVE AP HONORS HIGH SCHOOLS AND 858 DUAL ENROLLMENT STUDENTS WHO MAINTAIN A 93% PASS RATE!SCHOOLSPOTLIGHTS

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SCCPSS has received the Economic Development Partnership designation from the Georgia Department of Education. This distinction is awarded only after review, including interviews, a site visit, and submission of evidence related to the essential parts of the application and evaluation process. The EDP Continuum Criteria analyzes six areas: CTAE pathway alignment, Work-Based Learning program quality, employability skill development and application, industry certification of CTAE programs, economic development culture of the school system, and CTAE advisory committees.Reviewers commented, “CTAE in Savannah-Chatham County Public School System is strongly supported by business and industry and economic development partners. There is clear pathway alignment to local labor market needs and continuous review to ensure that the pathways offered are meaningful and relevant. CTAE leadership works closely with business partners to create new and relevant opportunities for students. Stakeholder engagement is an infinity loop that SCCPSS continues to cultivate.“The National PTA has recognized 351 schools and PTAs from across the country as 2020-22 National PTA Schools of Excellence for their leadership and accomplishments nationwide in building strong, effective family-school partnerships. Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools have five representatives on that list. They are Jacob G. Smith Elementary PTA, STEM Academy at Bartlett PTSA, Hesse K8 PTA, Pooler Elementary PTA and New Hampstead High School PTSA. National PTA School of Excellence is a recognition program that supports and celebrates partnerships between PTAs and schools to enrich the educational experience and overall well-being for all students. [USE PTA LOGO]Six SCCPSS schools took part in the 32nd Annual Georgia Southern Mathematics Tournament, an invitational tournament serving the East Central and Southeast regions of Georgia, designed to recognize students’ accomplishments in mathematics, to allow outstanding mathematics students to meet and compete with each other, and to promote public interest in mathematics. Godley Station 7th Grader Krishang Tripathi placed first in the Individual scores in the Middle School Division 1. Two Southwest Middle students placed in the Top 20 of that division as well. Two Garrison School for the Arts students placed in the Top 20 in the Junior Varsity Division 1, including Hay Lam, who placed third. Three Jenkins High students placed in the Top 20 of the Varsity Division 1 with Aiden Maxwell placing 2nd. In the Teams Competition, three Godley Station School teams placed in the Top 10 in the Middle School Division, including the school’s first team earning 2nd. Garrison School for the Arts placed two teams in the Top 10 of the Junior Varsity Division and Jenkins High School placed two teams in the Top 10 of the Varsity Division. Thirty-three students from Savannah Arts Academy recently completed the National Spanish Exam with 20 students earning a certificate and eight earning medals for exemplary performance. The National Spanish Examinations are a motivational contest to recognize student achievement and proficiency in the study of Spanish.Hubert Middle School, FCCLA members participated in the annual FCCLA National Leadership Conference (NLC). The conference provided Hubert students opportunities for listening to inspiring speakers, attending learning sessions, competing on the national level, and networking with other leaders. Hubert students participated in Family and Consumer Sciences related competitive events that support foundational, leadership, and workplace skills which include chapter service projects, job interview, nutrition, and represent college and career readiness skills taught in Family and Consumer Sciences classroom. Alexis Monroe, Hubert Chapter Officer, earned silver on the National level on her Chapter Service Project Display. Hubert FCCLA Chapter President, Anthony Albright, represented Georgia as the youngest voting delegate to serve on the FCCLA National Nomination Committee, where he helped elect the 10 national officers for 2022-2023. Anthony’s competition focused on Community service Project Portfolio, where both students earned silver on the region and state level.The Business Pathway at Woodville Tompkins Technical and Career High School has earned Industry Certification and the Marketing/Hospitality Pathway has been re-certified by the Georgia Department of Education. A program that is recognized as “industry certified" has received a "stamp of excellence" from the Georgia Department of Education, which represents the apex of program quality. Only those programs that have successfully undergone rigorous reviews by leaders from business and industry are recognized with this distinction.The Georgia College Science Education Center is one of 200 international programs chosen to host community events in partnership with NASA to raise awareness and celebrate the success of the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope. Emily von Khoblauch and Mahika Kayyar from Garrison School for the Arts won First Place in the Engineering Design Challenge. They will receive a classroom remote-controlled exploratory space model and curriculum resources for their teachers and classroom. In addition, Garrison School for the Arts will host a STAR PARTY, an evening of star gazing and planet observation. SCHOOLSPOTLIGHTS 17 . Annual Report 2021-2022

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18 Class of 2022: Destinations and Dollars!Nearly 2,000 Savannah-Chatham County students took the walk across the stage and turned their tassel toward a bright, new future! Where will they go from here? Many have enlisted to serve our country in every branch of the military. Others are entering the world of employment, having earned employment certifications through our Career Pathways programs or chosen to build a business of their own. Many have enrolled in some of the nation’s most prestigious colleges and universities. Some are combining the world of work with post-secondary education! SCCPSS graduates have earned over $32 million in scholarship dollars for their educational pursuits.HERE is A LOOK AT THE SCHOOLS TO WHICH OUR GRADUATES HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED.Albany State UniversityAbraham Baldwin Agricultural CollegeAgnes Scott CollegeAlabama A& M UniversityAlabama State UniversityAlbany State UniversityAlcorn State UniversityAlfred UniversityAllen UniversityAlvernia CollegeAmerican Musical and Dance AcademyAmerican University of ParisAmherst CollegeAnderson UniversityAndrew CollegeAppalachian StateArizona State UniversityArkansas Baptist CollegeAuburn UniversityAugusta UniversityBellarmine UniversityBenedict CollegeBerry CollegeBethune-Cookman UniversityBob Jones UniversityBowie State UniversityBrenau UniversityBrewton Parker CollegeBryn Mawr CollegeButler UniversityCampbell UniversityCazenovia CollegeCentral MichiganCharleston SouthernClaflin CollegeClarke Atlanta UniversityClayton State UniversityClemson UniversityCoastal Carolina UnivCoffeyville Community CollegeCoker UniversityColby CollegeCollege of CharlestonCollege of Coastal GeorgiaCollege of Western IdahoColorado ChristianColorado State UniversityColumbia CollegeColumbia UniversityColumbus State UniversityConcord U.Culver-Stockton CollegeDalton St.Davenport UniversityDePaul UniversityDillard UniversityDrexel UniversityDuke UniversityEast Tennessee StEast Carolina UniversityEast Georgia State CollegeEastern Florida State CollegeEastman School of Music at University of RochesterEdward Waters UniversityElaine Sterling InstituteElon UniversityEmbry-Riddle Aeronautical UniversityEmmanuel CollegeEmoryEvangel CollegeFairleigh Dickinson UnivFlorida A&M UniversityFlorida Institute of TechnologyFlorida Memorial UniversityFlorida Southern UniversityFlorida State College at JacksonvilleFlorida State UniversityFlorida TechFordham UniversityFort Valley State UniversityFull Sail UniversityGa. Gwinnett CollegeGa. SouthernGeneva CollegeGeorge Mason UniversityGeorge Washington UniversityGeorgetown UnivGeorgia College and State UniversityGeorgia Institute of TechnologyGeorgia Military CollegeGeorgia Southern UniversityGeorgia Southwestern State UniversityGeorgia St. & CollegeGeorgia State UniversityGeorgia Southern UniversityGordon State CollegeGrace CollegeGupton Jones College of Funeral ServicesHampton UniversityHanover CollegeHouston Community CollegeHoward UniversityHunter collegeHutchinson Community College

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19 . Annual Report 2021-2022Indiana State UniversityIndiana TechJackson State UniversityJacksonville UniversityJames Madison UniversityJohnson & Wales UniversityJohnson C. Smith UniversityKennessaw State UniversityKentucky State UniversityLaGrange CollegeLane CollegeLangston UniversityLanier Technical CollegeLenoir-Rhyne UnivLiberty UniversityLimestone UniversityLincoln UniversityLivingstone CollegeLong Island UniversityLouisiana State UniversityLouisiana TechLoyola State UniversityManatee Technical CollegeMars Hill UMary Baldwin UniversityMary-Hardin Baylor UniversityMaryville UniversityMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyMcDougal Technical InstituteMcKendree UniversityMercer UniversityMercy CollegeMethodist UniversityMichigan StateMiddle Georgia StateMiddle Tennessee StateMiles CollegeMississippi State UniversityMississippi Valley StateMontreat CollegeMorehouse CollegeMorgan State UniversityMount St. Mary’s LANeumann UniversityNew Mexico UniversityNew York UniversityNorfolk State UniversityNorth Carolina A & T State UniversityNorth Carolina A&TNorth Carolina Agricultural & Technical State UnivNorth Carolina StateNorth Carolina WeslyanNorth Carolina Central UniversityNorwich UniversityOakwood UniversityOgeechee TechOglethorpe UniversityOhio Northern UniversityOhio State UniversityOle MissPace UniversityPaine CollegePenn State UniversityPerimeter College at Georgia State Univer-sityPiedmontPrairie View A& M UnivPresbyterian CollegePurdue University(Fort Wayne)QuinnipiacRadford UniversityRandolph CollegeRensselear Polytechnic InstituteRider UniversityRobert Morris UniversityRollins UniversitySaint Leo UniversitySalve Regina UniversitySamford UniversitySarah Lawrence CollegeSavannah College of Art and DesignSavannah State UniversitySavannah Technical CollegeSeton Hall UniversityShaw UniversitySiena CollegeSouth Carolina State UniversitySouth Georgia State CollegeSouthern Illinois UniversitySouthern UniversitySpelman CollegeSt Augustine UniversitySt. John UniversitySt. Peter’s UniversitySt. Thomas UniversityStetson UniversityStony Brook UniversityTemple UniversityTennessee State UniversityTexas A&M - Corpus ChristiTexas SouthernThe CitadelThomas UniversityTruett McConnell UniversityTusculum UniversityTuskegee UniversityUniversity of ArizonaUniversity of KentuckyUniv of Maryland Eastern ShoreUniversal Technical Institute of TexasUniversity of AlabamaUniversity of ArizonaUniversity of Central FloridaUniversity of ChicagoUniversity of Colorado BoulderUniversity of ConnecticutUniversity of DenverUniversity of HoustonUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignUniversity of LouisvilleUniversity of New HeavenUniversity of North Carolina, CharlotteUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillUniversity of North Carolina, WilmingtonUniversity of North FloridaUniversity of North GeorgiaUniversity of North TexasUniversity of Notre DameUniversity of OregonUniversity of PittsburghUniversity of PittsburghUniversity of San FranciscoUniversity of South CarolinaUniversity of South Carolina SalkehatchieUniversity of South Carolina: BeaufortUniversity of TennesseeUniversity of Tennessee at KnoxvilleUniversity of TulsaUniversity of VirginiaUniversity of WashingtonUniversity of West GeorgiaUniversity of West VirginiaUniversity of Witchita StateUS Army National GuardUSC AikenUtah State UniversityValdosta State UniversityVirginia State UniversityVirginia TechVirginia Union UniversityVoorhees CollegeWaldorf UniversityWashington StateWashington University in St. LouisWebster UniversityWesleyan CollegeWest Chester UniversityWest Virginia UniversityWest Virginia UniversityWestern Governors UnivWiley CollegeWingate UniversityWinston-Salem State UniversityWinthrop UniversityWofford CollegeXavier University of LouisianaYoung HarrisARMED FORCESUnited States Army, United States Navy,United States Air Force, United States Marine Corps,United States Coast Guard

2021-2022 Annual Report

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