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Conyers, Ga. – The Georgia Department of Education (GADOE) recently released CCRPI (College and Career Readiness Performance Index) data and announced Literacy Leader Schools and Math Leader Schools. Lorraine Elementary and D.L. Sims Elementary were both named Literacy Leader Schools for 3rd Grade Gateway Growth, while Memorial Middle School was named a Math Leader for High School Growth.
These statewide Literacy Leader and Math Leader distinctions celebrate schools that demonstrate extraordinary student progress and proficiency. Schools are recognized for achievement, growth, or both on annual end-of-grade or end-of-course Milestones assessments. The criteria recognize the crucial importance of grade-level reading in third and sixth grades and numeracy skills in fifth and eighth grades, and require higher growth from schools with lower achievement levels.
“Congratulations to Lorraine Elementary, Sims Elementary, and Memorial Middle School,” said Rockdale County Board of Education Chairwoman Sandra Jackson-Lett. “They deserve to be recognized for the improvements they have achieved and for leading the way for others to follow.”
“We celebrate our schools being named Literacy and Math Leaders,” said Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) Superintendent Shirley Chesser. “These designations are the result of the ongoing hard work of our students and staff. Our commitment to continuous improvement is unwavering, and we have taken steps towards stronger outcomes across the board. We acknowledge our opportunities for growth in our CCRPI data. Our proactive approach began last spring by investing in targeted professional development, refining instructional strategies, and deepening our data-informed practices to ensure every student thrives.”
The CCRPI data is based on the Georgia Milestones Assessments administered last spring. RCPS showed gains within the elementary, middle, and high school levels. The CCRPI components consist of Content Mastery, Progress, Closing Gaps, Readiness, and Graduation Rate for high schools.
At the elementary school level, RCPS improved in the Reading Readiness component over last year. Middle schools increased in Closing Gaps* and Readiness and held steady in Content Mastery with less than one percentage point difference. For high schools, gains were made in Readiness and Graduation Rate. The RCPS 2025 Four-Year Cohort Graduation Rate of 89.52% is the highest ever recorded since the state adopted the federal cohort calculation method in 2012.
In its press release, the Georgia Department of Education explained changes made to the CCRPI accountability system.
The CCRPI no longer includes an overall, 0-100 score for schools, districts, or the state. This change was first implemented in 2022 under an addendum received from the U.S. Department of Education and made permanent this year under an amendment to Georgia’s Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) plan.
Each CCRPI component – Content Mastery, Progress, Closing Gaps, Readiness, and Graduation Rate for high schools – still has a 0-100 score. The change was made to increase transparency and provide a more complete picture of school performance, ensuring that challenges and opportunities are not hidden behind a single score.
Legislation passed in 2024 requires the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement (GOSA) to calculate a single score for schools and districts, and for GaDOE and local school districts to publish these scores online. GaDOE will publish GOSA single scores as soon as they are available.
*While RCPS reports gains in Closing Gaps, the Closing Gaps component is not comparable between 2023 and 2024, because the 2024 component does not include mathematics scores, since math assessments were updated to align with the new K-12 Mathematics Standards first implemented during the 2023-24 school year.
About the CCRPI
Under the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), each U.S. state is required to have a statewide accountability system that complies with federal requirements, providing information on how well schools are performing. The CCRPI meets that requirement in Georgia and satisfies requirements for school accountability in state law.
The CCRPI measures school, district, and state performance on five components:
• Content Mastery includes student scores on statewide assessments in English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies.
• Progress measures how much growth students demonstrate in English language arts and mathematics and how well English learners are progressing toward English language proficiency.
• Closing Gaps measures how well schools meet annual improvement targets for student subgroups.
• Readiness includes literacy scores; student attendance; the percentage of students succeeding in “beyond the core” instruction; accelerated enrollment; pathway completion; and measures of college and career readiness.
• Graduation Rate includes both the 4- and 5-year graduation rate and is a component for high schools.
Public Notice: RCPS SPLOST Schedule 4 FY25
ROCKDALE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
SCHEDULE OF APPROVED LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX PROJECTS YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2025
SCHEDULE "4"
PROJECT
SPLOST V
(1) The cost of acquiring, constructing, and installing safety and security technology equipment, and safety and security technology improvements for existing schools and other facilities:
ORIGINAL ESTIMATED COST (1): 5,000,000.00
CURRENT ESTIMATED COSTS (2): 2,996,092.46
AMOUNT EXPENDED IN CURRENT YEAR (3) (4): 0.00
AMOUNT EXPENDED IN PRIOR YEARS (3) (4): 2,996,092.46
TOTAL COMPLETION COST: 2,996,092.46
EXCESS PROCEEDS NOT EXPENDED (6) (7) (8): 0.00
ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: 12/30/2024
(2) The cost of acquiring instructional, administrative, and structural technology improvements for existing schools and other facilities (including, without limitation network modernization and modernization of classrooms, laptops and other devices for students, teachers, and staff):
ORIGINAL ESTIMATED COST (1): 30,000,000.00
CURRENT ESTIMATED COSTS (2): 26,115,683.64
AMOUNT EXPENDED IN CURRENT YEAR (3) (4): 577,517.71
AMOUNT EXPENDED IN PRIOR YEARS (3) (4): 25,538,165.93
TOTAL COMPLETION COST: 26,115,683.64
EXCESS PROCEEDS NOT EXPENDED (6) (7) (8): 0.00
ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: 12/30/2024
(3) The cost of
modifying, adding to, renovation, repairing, improving, and equipping existing school buildings, existing athletic facilities, and other buildings and facilities useful or desirable in connection therewith, including the renovation of existing school buildings into administrative buildings; acquiring land for future schools; and acquiring any necessary property therefor, both real and personal: and
ORIGINAL ESTIMATED COST (1): 46,500,000.00
CURRENT ESTIMATED COSTS (2): 76,558,039.94
AMOUNT EXPENDED IN CURRENT YEAR (3) (4): 6,397,142.49
AMOUNT EXPENDED IN PRIOR YEARS (3) (4): 68,479,206.40
TOTAL COMPLETION COST: 76,558,039.94
EXCESS PROCEEDS NOT EXPENDED (6) (7) (8): 0.00
ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: 3/1/2026
(4) The cost of acquiring, improving, and refurbishing school buses and support vehicles; and;
ORIGINAL ESTIMATED COST (1): 3,500,000.00
CURRENT ESTIMATED COSTS (2): 2,711,378.39
AMOUNT EXPENDED IN CURRENT YEAR (3) (4): 822,636.14
AMOUNT EXPENDED IN PRIOR YEARS (3) (4): 1,086,742.23
TOTAL COMPLETION COST: 2,711,378.39
EXCESS PROCEEDS NOT EXPENDED (6) (7) (8): 0.00
ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: 3/1/2026
SPLOST V Total
ORIGINAL ESTIMATED COST (1): 85,000,000.00
CURRENT ESTIMATED COSTS (2): 108,381,194.43
AMOUNT EXPENDED IN CURRENT YEAR (3) (4): 7,797,296.34
AMOUNT EXPENDED IN PRIOR YEARS (3) (4): 98,100,207.02
TOTAL COMPLETION COST: 108,381,194.43
EXCESS PROCEEDS NOT EXPENDED (6) (7) (8): 0.00
SPLOST VI
(1) The cost of acquiring, constructing, and installing safety and security property improvements, safety and security equipment, and safety and security technology improvements for existing schools and other facilities:
ORIGINAL ESTIMATED COST (1): 5,000,000.00
CURRENT ESTIMATED COSTS (2): 5,000,000.00
AMOUNT EXPENDED IN CURRENT YEAR (3) (4): 33,202.31
AMOUNT EXPENDED IN PRIOR YEARS (3) (4): 0.00
TOTAL COMPLETION COST: 5,000,000.00
EXCESS PROCEEDS NOT EXPENDED (6) (7) (8): 0.00
ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: 12/31/2029
(2) The cost of acquiring, constructing, and installing safety and security property improvements, safety and security equipment, and safety and security technology improvements for existing schools and other facilities:
ORIGINAL ESTIMATED COST (1): 40,000,000.00
CURRENT ESTIMATED COSTS (2): 40,000,000.00
AMOUNT EXPENDED IN CURRENT YEAR (3) (4): 3,927,603.10
AMOUNT EXPENDED IN PRIOR YEARS (3) (4): 0.00
TOTAL COMPLETION COST: 40,000,000.00
EXCESS PROCEEDS NOT EXPENDED (6) (7) (8): 0.00
ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: 12/31/2029
(3) The cost of modifying, adding to, renovation, repairing, improving, and equipping existing school buildings, existing athletic facilities, and other buildings and facilities useful or desirable in connection therewith, acquiring land for future schools or expansions of current schools; and acquiring any necessary property therefore, both real and personal:
ORIGINAL ESTIMATED COST (1): 78,000,000.00
CURRENT ESTIMATED COSTS (2): 78,000,000.00
AMOUNT EXPENDED IN CURRENT YEAR (3) (4): 1,811,582.98
AMOUNT EXPENDED IN PRIOR YEARS (3) (4): 0.00
TOTAL COMPLETION COST: 78,000,000.00
EXCESS PROCEEDS NOT EXPENDED (6) (7) (8): 0.00
ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: 12/31/2029
(4) The cost of acquiring, improving, and refurbishing school buses and support vehicles; and:
ORIGINAL ESTIMATED COST (1): 2,000,000.00
CURRENT ESTIMATED COSTS (2): 2,000,000.00
AMOUNT EXPENDED IN CURRENT YEAR (3) (4): 0.00
AMOUNT EXPENDED IN PRIOR YEARS (3) (4): 0.00
TOTAL COMPLETION COST: 2,000,000.00
EXCESS PROCEEDS NOT EXPENDED (6) (7) (8): 0.00
ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: 12/31/2029
(5) The cost of acquiring instructional supplies (including, without limitation textbooks, digital access licenses, software licenses, learning resources, musical instruments, uniforms, art program equipment):
ORIGINAL ESTIMATED COST (1): 10,000,000.00
CURRENT ESTIMATED COSTS (2): 10,000,000.00
AMOUNT EXPENDED IN CURRENT YEAR (3) (4): 6,170,117.48
AMOUNT EXPENDED IN PRIOR YEARS (3) (4): 0.00
TOTAL COMPLETION COST: 10,000,000.00
EXCESS PROCEEDS NOT EXPENDED (6) (7) (8): 0.00
ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: 12/31/2029
SPLOST VI Total
ORIGINAL ESTIMATED COST (1): 135,000,000.00
CURRENT ESTIMATED COSTS (2): 135,000,000.00
AMOUNT EXPENDED IN CURRENT YEAR (3) (4): 11,942,505.87
AMOUNT EXPENDED IN PRIOR YEARS (3) (4): 0.00
TOTAL COMPLETION COST: 135,000,000.00
EXCESS PROCEEDS NOT EXPENDED (6) (7) (8): 0.00
SPLOST Grand Total
ORIGINAL ESTIMATED COST (1): 220,000,000
CURRENT ESTIMATED COSTS (2): 243,381,194.43
AMOUNT EXPENDED IN CURRENT YEAR (3) (4): 19,739,802.21
AMOUNT EXPENDED IN PRIOR YEARS (3) (4): 98,100,207.02
TOTAL COMPLETION COST: 243,381,194.43
EXCESS PROCEEDS NOT EXPENDED (6) (7) (8): 0.00
(1) The School District's original cost estimate as specified in the resolution calling for the imposition of the Local Option Sales Tax.
(2) The School District's current estimate of total cost for the projects. Includes all cost from project inception to completion.
(3) The voters of Rockdale County approved the imposition of a 1% sales tax to fund the above projects. Amounts expended for these projects may include sales tax proceeds, state, local property taxes and/or other funds over the life of the projects.
Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) is seeking print and/or digital core instructional resources that are not only developed to meet the diverse needs of our students and teachers but also, fully aligned with the Georgia Standards of Excellence for 6-12 Social Studies. This alignment is a fundamental requirement for our selection process.
Our plan is to conduct a thorough and comprehensive learning resource adoption during the 2025-2026 academic year, for implementation during the 2026-2027 academic year. This means that RCPS will not rush through the process. We believe that adequate time is needed to effectively vet all learning resources to ensure items are aligned with the content, best practices, and other expectations for powerful and authentic Social Studies teaching and learning experiences. As a result, a pilot-to-adoption process may also be considered.
Please complete the Vendor Survey (link below) before November 26, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. to be considered during our review of resources. Any vendor selected will be notified no later than December 1, 2025. At that time, instructions for the next phase will be provided.
CLICK HERE for Vendor Survey or visit https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=uF7Sv_w9XE6tq60HPyOscq9CPe2pA5xEp80fma4ET-NURDI2R1dESFY1Tk80SkRWSUpKS0U1NURZRi4u
Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) is seeking print and/or digital core instructional science resources for grades 6–12 that are thoughtfully developed to meet the diverse needs of our students and teachers. All submitted resources must be fully aligned with the Georgia Standards of Excellence for Science (https://bit.ly/science_gse). This alignment is a fundamental requirement for our selection process.
Our plan is to conduct a thorough and comprehensive learning resource adoption during the 2025–2026 academic year, with full implementation scheduled for the 2026–2027 school year. RCPS’s secondary science program is committed to a deliberate and thoughtful adoption process. We believe that adequate time is essential to effectively vet instructional materials to ensure they reflect Georgia’s curriculum vision for secondary science education.
To be considered for participation, please complete the Vendor Solicitation Survey by Monday, November 24, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. (EST).
Vendor Solicitation Survey: https://forms.office.com/r/fsMtZSTVxs
Key Dates:
Vendor Solicitation Survey Deadline: November 24, 2025, by 4:00 p.m.
Vendor Notification of Selection Status: No later than November 25, 2025.
Vendor Presentations (if selected): December 10–11, 2025.
Please note: RCPS adheres to a CLOSED Textbook Adoption process. Vendors must not contact or send sample materials directly to teachers or schools during the adoption period. All questions must be directed to the Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning and the Secondary Science Coordinator.
We appreciate your interest in supporting science education in RCPS and look forward to reviewing your submission.
Denise Richardson, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning drichardson@rockdale.k12.ga.us
Heather Toliver, K-12 Science and Health and PE Coordinator, htoliver25@rockdale.k12.ga.us
Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) scores increased over the previous year while the state saw a smaller increase and the nation held the same on the American College Test (ACT), according to results recently released by the Georgia Department of Education for Class of 2025 graduates. RCPS had an overall ACT composite score of 18.2, an increase from last year’s score of 17.6. The state average increased slightly from 21.2 to 21.4 and the nation held steady at 19.4. The ACT is a national college admissions exam, which measures achievement in English, mathematics, reading and science with an optional writing component.
Superintendent Shirley Chesser said, “The ACT is a key benchmark for college and career readiness, and an increase in our scores signals meaningful progress. It reflects the hard work of our students and staff and reinforces our commitment to preparing every learner for success beyond high school. It’s a positive step forward, and we are energized to keep pushing forward.”
“We are encouraged by the upward trend and remain focused on providing the support and resources needed to ensure every student is prepared for success beyond high school,” said Rockdale County Board of Education Chairwoman Sandra Jackson-Lett. “Congratulations to the Class of 2025 for raising the bar on ACT, SAT, and graduation rate for others to follow.”
RCPS offers the Pre-ACT to all 10th grade students as an additional opportunity to prepare and become familiar with the types of questions that are on the exam. For more information about the ACT and test preparation, please visit www.act.org.
