State Superintendent Mo Green visited Richmond County Schools on Monday, October 27 as part of his Strategic Plan Regional Tour. At Richmond Senior High School, Superintendent Dr. Joe Ferrell and Principal Joyce McRae welcomed Green, along with regional education leaders, county officials, and community partners, for a visit highlighting local programs and partnerships that support students.

Members of the RSHS Senate shared their perspectives on the state’s strategic plan and how its goals connect to their classroom experiences. "Your focus on making sure every path matters gives us hope that we'll have the support we need, no matter the path we choose," the students wrote in a letter to Green. They spoke about teachers who encourage them to think beyond graduation, courses that help them discover new interests, and how hands-on programs prepare them for both college and careers. Green also toured the school’s new auxiliary gym, a project funded through ESSER that provides students with a modern, flexible space and allowed the school to bring all students together on one campus. In Career and Technical Education classrooms, students in health sciences, automotive technology, electrical trades, and welding demonstrated equipment used in their fields and explained how industry credentials and internships have helped them build confidence and experience before graduation.

"Our CTE programs don't just teach skills; they open doors," Principal Joyce McRae said. "They set our students up for success in the

real world, whether that means securing employment in specialized fields immediately upon graduation or continuing their education with a strong foundation already in place."

The visit continued at Richmond Community College, where President Brent Barbee spoke about the college’s partnership with Richmond County Schools.  More than 400 high school students are currently earning college credit through dual enrollment and partnership pathways, with plans to continue expanding those options in the years ahead.

At Richmond Early College High School, home to almost 300 high school students, Principal Angela McDonald shared how being

immersed in the college environment helps students adjust to the expectations of college-level coursework. Students Kinsie Lyerly and Willie Breeden followed by describing their experiences learning in a college environment and the value they believe the early college adds to public education. The visit also included the Hendrick Automotive Training Center site. Once completed, the facility will allow students who finish the automotive pathway at Richmond Senior High School to continue advanced training locally rather than enrolling in programs outside the county.

The morning concluded with a presentation from Amazon Web Services on its investment in a new data center in Richmond County and how that project will create educational and workforce opportunities. Dr. Quin Jernigan, Economic Development Manager for AWS, outlined how the data center will support growth in the region and how the company is partnering with schools and the college to align programs that prepare students for technology and infrastructure careers. Students are already benefiting from these efforts, including a recent fiber optics course offered in partnership with AWS and Richmond Community College that gives participants direct experience with the technical skills used in data operations.

“We have an audacious goal of having the very best public education system in the entire country. To get there, it will take what this community is already doing, and that is finding ways to provide opportunities for students,” Superintendent Green said. “I have been honored to visit Richmond Senior High School and Richmond Community College to see all the exciting pathways and opportunities for students in this region. It was inspiring to see the hands-on courses and hear about new partnerships, including with Amazon Web Services, that will allow students to have future employment opportunities.”

The visit highlighted collaboration across schools, the college, and community partners to strengthen opportunities for students throughout Richmond County Schools.