On June 1-2, 107 Griffin-Spalding County School System (GSCS) district and school leaders attended an administrative symposium at Southern Crescent Technical College. Symposium participants included principals, assistant principals, senior cabinet, executive officers, department heads, directors and coordinators. The theme of the retreat was “The Universal Experience.”

Highlights from the symposium include a state of the system address by GSCS Superintendent Dr. Keith Simmons, pinning of new administrators and assistant principals, team building activities and breakout sessions to provide professional development on the four GSCS goal areas which include Organizational and Operational Efficiency, High Performing Staff, Family and Community Engagement and Student Achievement.

Symposium attendees also heard from Griffin High School Class of 2010 Alumni Kendra Hearn Driver who was a special portrait of a graduate guest speaker. After graduating high school, Driver completed a teaching internship at the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Biology with a Global Health focus from Spelman College, her Master of Science in Clinical Research and a certificate in Community Health and Leadership from Morehouse School of Medicine. Driver is currently a Public Health Researcher who works as a federal contractor for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Health Communication and Evaluation.

Superintendent Dr. Keith L. Simmons stated, “I am thankful for the ability to bring all the district and school leaders together to make sure there is consistency and clarity. During the symposium, GSCS leaders strengthened relationships and worked to better prepare themselves to lead staff and serve families and students with excellence. GSCS leaders are excited to make positive strides in the 2023-24 school year as a cohesive team aligned in both purpose and plan.”

Griffin Region College and Career Academy

GSCS Leaders Attend Annual Administrative Symposium