The Paulding County School Board on Nov. 18 recognized five REACH scholars and heard school-level awards that officials said reflect broader district progress.

Superintendent Steve Barnett introduced the REACH Scholars presentation and turned the program over to Dr. Allen Doss, director of advising and counseling, who explained the scholarship process. "These are 5 separate scholarships of $10,000 each," Doss said, describing the award as needs-based and noting funding is a mix of state and local support: "$9,000 of this money is provided by the state through the Georgia Student Finance Commission" and "$1,000...from the Paulding Education Foundation." Doss said about 150 students applied, 10 were interviewed and five were chosen.

Barnett then invited Dr. Lorylyn Harrell, principal of East Paulding Middle School, to highlight the school's programs. Harrell told the board East Middle serves 622 students and has earned recognition for academic growth, including a CCRPI score of 81 and state math and literacy growth awards. She described targeted supports for "bubble students"—students just below the next achievement level—and efforts such as common assessments, vocabulary initiatives and monthly incentives to build culture and engagement.

District staff later framed these recognitions as part of a larger trend: Dr. Frazier reported multiple Paulding schools were named math and literacy leaders by the Georgia Department of Education, citing Dugan Elementary and Hiram High School among others, and said about 20% of Georgia schools receive that distinction.

Board members praised the honorees and staff. The board did not take policy action on the recognitions; the presentation was informational. The next board meeting is scheduled for Dec. 9 at 5:30 p.m.