Savannah Standard

Leadership Savannah recently held its April program day, focusing on the themes of public and private education within the community. The event commenced at Jenkins High School, where Savannah-Chatham County Board of Education President Roger Moss addressed attendees. Moss offered candid reflections on the state of student achievement, challenges in teacher retention, and the necessity of changing public perceptions about local schools.

Participants toured Jenkins High School’s engineering program and listened to an overview from Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS) Chief Derrick Butler. The program included panel discussions featuring representatives from private institutions such as Hancock Day School and St. Andrew’s, as well as charter schools like Savannah Classical Academy and Tybee Island Maritime Academy.

The afternoon featured a visit to Savannah Classical Academy, where participants observed partnerships between charter and private entities in promoting student success. Lunch, which was prepared by culinary arts students from Woodville-Tompkins Technical and Career High School, preceded a discussion led by Superintendent Dr. Denise Watts regarding the district’s future vision and plans for public education in Chatham County.

Stacy Jennings and Dr. Joe Buck were acknowledged for organizing the comprehensive and thought-provoking program. The participants were given insight into the diverse educational landscape of Savannah, spanning elementary to high school, and traditional to charter options, highlighting the ongoing efforts of leaders to shape the future of education in the area.