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Gadsden schools report higher graduation rate; district honors top CTE performers and bus driver who evacuated students
Summary
Superintendent Elijah Key said the district graduation rate rose to 81%; the Board recognized top-performing CTE instructors and support staff and presented a Superhero Award to Charleston Paul after he evacuated students from a bus that later burned.
The Gadsden County School District marked several positive developments at its Feb. 24 meeting, with Superintendent Elijah Key reporting the district’s graduation rate has increased to 81 percent and officials praising staff for student success.
Key said the district will continue efforts to raise graduation rates toward state averages, which the Board discussed as a long-term target near the 90 percent range. He specifically cited initiatives at Gadsden County High School and Carter Parramore Academy and noted outreach by Graduation Alliances, led by Kim Cummings, to re-engage students who had dropped out or were at risk.
Dr. Major Jackson, marking Career and Technical Education month, recognized three nurses — Doris Drake, Christina St. Charles and Rebecca Hines — and support staff members Jacary Byrd, Destiny Derico and Mildred Sheffield for outstanding work. The transcript states each received a bonus after their students achieved a 90 percent passing rate on the NCLEX exam.
The Board also presented Charleston Paul with a Superhero Award after Mr. Paul evacuated students from a bus that later caught fire. Superintendent Key said the evacuation occurred before the bus became engulfed and that when students were safely away the fire consumed the vehicle from front to back; Mr. Key noted only the rear tires did not burn. Mr. Paul told the Board he was “more appreciative for saving the students.”
These recognitions were followed by routine school awards: Principal Zola Akins and Assistant Principal Sallie Murphy presented Student of the Month (Ny’Asia Collins), Support Staff of the Month (Annette Baker) and Teacher of the Month (Serena Akins). Each recipient received plaques and prior awards of $250 and flowers.
The Board and superintendent congratulated the honorees. The transcript did not specify further districtwide targets, timelines or budget changes tied directly to these recognitions.
