(AUGUSTA, GEORGIA) – The Richmond County School System (RCSS) announces the opening of the 2026–2027 Pre-K lottery. Georgia residents who will be four years old on or before Sept. 1, 2026, can apply now through April 13.

All applications for the Pre-K lottery will be processed online at rcboe.org/registration. Applicants will receive an email notifying them of acceptance or waitlist status along with next application steps after the application period closes.  

RCSS will operate the Georgia Lottery-funded Pre-K classes across 25 elementary schools this fall. Each class accommodates up to 20 students and is staffed by a lead teacher and an assistant teacher. The free program provides a full instructional day, including breakfast, lunch, and rest time. The play-based curriculum emphasizes exploration and discovery, aligning with RCSS's strategy to improve early literacy and numeracy skills.   

For more information, please visit rcboe.org/registration for detailed eligibility requirements or contact the RCSS Pre-K Office at (706) 826-1000 ext. 5124.   

The “One to Watch” series is a monthly recognition awarded to induction teachers who have demonstrated effective teaching and classroom management practices, established a sense of community in their classrooms, created dynamic learning experiences, and demonstrated high levels of professionalism.

 

This month's “One to Watch” recipients are:

 

Jaylan Cummings, Barton Chapel Elementary School 

Jaylan Cummings is a second-grade teacher at Barton Chapel Elementary School, where he has proudly served RCSS students for the past three years. Before stepping into the classroom, Cummings worked as a retail manager, a role that strengthened his leadership, communication, and organizational skills. 

Education had always been his passion, and joining our school system offered him the opportunity to make a direct impact on students’ lives while contributing to innovative learning efforts that extend beyond a single classroom. 

One of the most meaningful opportunities in his RCSS journey so far was filming the Mathematics in Action series with the Georgia Department of Education (GADOE). Through the project, Cummings helped create resources designed to support math teachers and students that were filmed and shared with districts across Georgia. 

“Being a part of Mathematics in Action has been incredibly fulfilling,” Cummings said. “It’s exactly why I made the transition to education—to be part of something that creates lasting, positive change for students and teachers alike.” 

 

Avery Phillips, Wilkinson Gardens Elementary School 

Avery Phillips is a second-grade teacher at Wilkinson Gardens Elementary School and has been with our school system for six months. Before joining RCSS, Phillips worked as a substitute teacher in Texas while pursuing professional dance opportunities. Although her path included the performing arts, Phillips discovered a passion for education in college and looked forward to joining a school system she had heard so many great things about. 

“I found my passion for education in college, and I was excited to join RCSS to follow that passion. I had heard wonderful things about my school and the school system, and I’m grateful to be part of a team that’s so supportive and welcoming,” said Phillips. 

Phillips says her team helps make each day memorable, creating a positive environment where learning and fun go hand in hand. One of her favorite memories so far was going “all out” for spirit days alongside her coworkers—an experience reflecting the strong sense of community she values at Wilkinson Gardens and the joy she finds in connecting with students. 

  

Anum Lashari, Hephzibah Middle School 

Sixth-grade science teacher Anum Lashari has taught at Hephzibah Middle School for more than a year. 

Before joining RCSS, Lashari taught science in her home country, where she built a strong foundation in classroom instruction and student learning. She chose to join RCSS to support her professional growth and personal development, while also expanding her perspective by working within an international school system. Lashari believes education is a powerful, borderless tool, and she’s grateful for the opportunity to share her knowledge and experience with students in a new environment. 

“As an international teacher, I truly believe education goes beyond borders,” Lashari said. “Education can change lives, and being able to share my knowledge internationally allows me to contribute to students’ success while fostering respect, understanding, and global citizenship.” 

One of Lashari’s proudest successes as a teacher is building a classroom culture where students feel comfortable participating and sharing ideas. She encourages open communication, respects diverse viewpoints, and uses engaging activities that help students speak confidently and take an active role in class discussions. 

  

Akayleeya Kennebrew, A. R. Johnson Health Science and Engineering Magnet School 

Akayleeya Kennebrew is a health science teacher at A. R. Johnson Health Science and Engineering Magnet School and has been part of the RCSS teaching community for the past two years. 

Before entering the classroom, Kennebrew worked at an infusion center in the pharmacy field. While she valued the experience, her passion for mentoring and teaching—especially through her work with children at church—continued to grow. When an opportunity opened at her alma mater, A. R. Johnson, she saw it as the perfect moment to pivot careers, return home, and pour back into the community that helped shape her. 

In just a short time, Kennebrew says some of her most meaningful moments come from building genuine connections with students and watching them gain confidence in their learning. Whether it’s seeing a student’s face light up when a tough concept finally clicks or hearing their excitement about Spirit Week and school activities, those everyday interactions are what make the work unforgettable. 

“Connecting with my students has been the most memorable part,” Kennebrew said. “Seeing the light in their eyes when they understand a concept—or hearing their excitement about Spirit Week or other school activities—reminds me why I chose this path.” 

(AUGUSTA, GEORGIA) – The Richmond County School System (RCSS) announced an update to the 2025-2026 academic calendar impacting all schools. Due to previous school closures caused by inclement weather this spring, Friday, April 3, 2026, which was previously scheduled as a PowerUp Asynchronous Learning Day, will now be an in-person learning day. 

District leaders presented the proposed calendar adjustment during the Richmond County Board of Education’s Feb. 10 board meeting. 

All students and staff will report to school on a normal schedule on April 3. 

“We understand that calendar adjustments can require flexibility from our families, and we sincerely appreciate their partnership as we work together to ensure continuity of learning for our students,” said Dr. Tommy Welch, deputy superintendent of school improvement and strategic initiatives. “Recovering this instructional time is important to keeping our students on track, and we are grateful for the continued support of our school communities.” 

An updated copy of the academic calendar, reflecting this and any other adjustments, is available at rcboe.org/calendar. 

AUGUSTA, GA — The Richmond County Board of Education (RCBOE) officially approved the 2026 long-range facilities master plan during a called board meeting on Feb. 23. Nine of the board’s 10 members were present, and the plan required a majority vote to pass. The plan grants the Richmond County School System the authority to move forward with the strategic reorganization and modernization of several district facilities, signaling a bold step toward the future of education in Richmond County. 

“We are happy that after the public hearings and listening to the community in reference to how they felt about right-sizing, we were able to make some slight pivots in the plan,” said RCBOE President Shawnda Stovall. “Overall, this plan is moving forward, and we are excited about the school system that we have in place today—but we are even more excited about the school system of the future.” 

The approved actions focus on creating 21st-century learning environments through the following measures: 

Approved Facilities and Transition Actions: 

• New elementary school construction on Barton Chapel Elementary site and consolidation with Glenn Hills Elementary School: Barton Chapel Elementary School will temporarily close following the 2025-2026 school year for demolition and the construction of a new, modern facility on its current site. The new school will be subject to a naming committee. During construction, most Barton Chapel Elementary School students will be combined with Glenn Hills Elementary School with the addition of 10 portable classrooms. At the conclusion of construction, both elementary schools will transfer to the new school building, and Glenn Hills Elementary School will permanently close. 

• T.W. Josey High School to be housed at Murphey Middle School during construction and until conversion into the new districtwide College and Career Academy: The T.W. Josey Comprehensive High School and Murphey Middle School campuses will be renovated and converted into a district-wide, comprehensive high school featuring premier career, technical and agricultural education programming serving grades 9-12. At the close of the 2025-2026 school year, T.W. Josey High will temporarily move into the Murphey Middle School facility during construction. At the conclusion of construction, currently projected in fall 2029, the T.W. Josey attendance zone will be dissolved, and all rising ninth- through twelfth-grade students in the Richmond County School System may apply to attend the new school. 

• Closure of Murphey Middle School for new College and Career Academy: The T.W. Josey Comprehensive High School and Murphey Middle School campuses will be renovated and converted into a district-wide, comprehensive high school featuring premier career, technical and agricultural education programming serving grades 9-12. At the close of the 2025-2026 school year, Murphey Middle School will close, and students will be rezoned to new middle schools. 

• Closure of John M. Tutt Middle School: The board approved the closure of Tutt Middle School at the end of the 2025-2026 school year. Tutt Middle School and Langford Middle School will consolidate into the new Langford-Tutt Middle School facility, scheduled to open for the 2026-2027 school year. 

• Closure of Jenkins-White Elementary School: Jenkins-White Elementary School will close at the end of the 2025-2026 school year, with the facility to be repurposed for future district needs. Students will be rezoned to new elementary schools in the district. 

• Boundary Adjustments: The Board approved for student reassignments for all approved closures and consolidations proposed in the 2026 long-range facilities master plan. 

All facilities changes will take effect at the end of the 2025-2026 school year.