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Madison County Schools highlights top statewide ranking, STEM grant and GEMS expo acceptance

Madison County Schools Board · January 16, 2026

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Summary

District speakers celebrated academic honors — ranking in the top 15% statewide and outperforming state proficiency by 33 points in math and 15 in reading — and announced a $13,000 STEM grant and acceptance of seven elementary GEMS projects into the Space & Rocket Center expo.

A district representative told the board the district placed in the top 15% statewide and that ‘‘we significantly outpaced the state school proficiency averages, specifically by 33 points in math and 15 points in reading.’’ The remarks were offered as the board opened its recognition of school achievements and recent awards, including PLC designation in 2022 and a Lighthouse/Blue Ribbon honor in 2024.

Jean Grier, representing the state foundation, presented a $13,000 grant to support STEM programming across the district and reminded attendees of upcoming educator events. Brianna Hogan, the district instructional technology specialist, said the grant will fund stipends for volunteer sponsors and allow expansion of the district’s GEMS (Girls Engaged in Math and Science) program into middle and high school grades. ‘‘All 7 elementary schools that we were able to start GEMS programs in were all accepted into the expo this year,’’ Hogan said, referring to the Space & Rocket Center expo scheduled for March.

Miss McCollum, a volunteer sponsor at New Hope Elementary, described the students’ project — a roller coaster exploring potential and kinetic energy — and said the expo will give students the opportunity to present to STEM leaders and local companies. District staff said they will schedule a time for board members to see student projects before the expo.

Board members and the communications director framed the announcements as part of broader district initiatives to boost hands‑on STEM learning and to recognize teachers and volunteers who run after‑school enrichment. The grants and expo participation are intended to support student engagement and to highlight work being done at elementary schools across Madison County.