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Coffee County board hears Wiregrass academy update, CTA Plus pathway and apprenticeship hires
Summary
Coffee County Board of Education received an update from Wiregrass Regional College & Career Academy highlighting a Title I recognition, a 90% Algebra I proficiency award, new apprenticeships (three welding students hired by Freedom Trailers, two now in full‑time jobs), and details on the CTA Plus pathway and its transfer limits.
Pam Smith, a presenter for the Wiregrass Regional College & Career Academy, told the Coffee County Board of Education on Aug. 28 that the academy had been recognized as a Title I award school for the 2023–24 year and had earned a math achievement award after “90 percent of our high school students score proficient and above on the algebra exam.” She also noted the school’s overall CCRPI score was 85.1 compared with a state average of 78.9.
Smith highlighted student outcomes and credentials at graduation and identified Colton Brittney as a star student. She said enrollment at the academy is the highest the campus has seen in the new building, with 72 seniors this year, and emphasized that many graduates leave with credentials or technical certificates.
Jessica Baker, introduced in the record as the district’s CTA director, described CTA Plus — now in its second year — as a three‑course pathway that can yield academic credit. “CTA Plus is new. This is the second year that it’s been in play,” Baker said. She told the board that CTA Plus credits are “only transferrable to TCSG” (the technical college system), and therefore students who later decide to apply to University System of Georgia institutions may need additional coursework. Baker urged early parent and student communication so families understand transfer limits and post‑secondary implications.
On apprenticeships, presenters said Freedom Trailers hired three accelerated‑career welding students into paid apprenticeships; two students graduated and moved into full‑time employment. The board asked whether the district could track the career destinations of graduates who enter the workforce; staff said they will use a local needs assessment and partner with employers, the chamber and the EDA to better align pathways with regional labor demand.
The update closed with staff saying they will continue to build CTA supports — including extended day/year pay for ag teachers, a young farmer position and work‑based learning supervision — and to refine the district’s strategic plan for workforce development.
