Oconee County Schools Reports Record AP Exam Participation and Launches New Career Pathways

The Oconee County Board of Education held a work session on August 4, 2025, focusing on academic achievements, policy updates, and student services. The meeting began with a report on advanced placement (AP) scores, highlighting that both schools in the district saw an increase in the percentage of students scoring a 3 or higher on at least one AP exam. This year marked the highest total in Oconee County Schools (OCS) history, with 1,113 students taking at least one AP exam, also a record high.

Next, the board discussed the introduction of new academic content Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) pathways. These pathways blend academic and CTAE courses, allowing students to connect their coursework with hands-on learning. OCS is among the first in Georgia to implement this blended approach, offering courses in five pathways: accounting, engineering, graphic design, veterinary science, and allied health. This initiative aims to provide students with more opportunities to graduate as pathway completers.

The meeting proceeded to action items, starting with a revision of board policy IBB regarding charter schools. This update reflects changes made by the State Board of Education to the charter process. The superintendent recommended placing this revised policy on the agenda for public review and comment at the upcoming August 11 board meeting.

The second action item involved board policy JBC 1 concerning homeless students, which has been revised to comply with Senate Bill 154. The superintendent recommended the board approve this policy as presented at the same August 11 meeting.

Following these discussions, Dr. Yancey presented the student services report, which included a summary of summer youth athletic camps. This summer, the district offered 26 sports-specific camps, with 1,368 students participating. Dr. Yancey commended the high school coaches for their efforts in fostering youth development.

The meeting concluded with a review of school safety procedures and measures, ensuring that the district remains committed to maintaining a safe environment for all students. Overall, the session highlighted significant academic progress and proactive policy updates aimed at enhancing educational opportunities within Oconee County Schools.