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Strengthening
our community
one student
at a time. 

Superintendent's Message

Dear Emanuel County Schools Community,

To our students, welcome back. Whether you are beginning your very first day of school or preparing for your final year before graduation, we are excited to support you as you learn, grow, and pursue your goals. I hope you and your family enjoyed a wonderful summer filled with time to relax, recharge, and make lasting memories. The new school year is just around the corner, and we are excited to welcome our students and staff back on Monday, August 3, 2026. We look forward to seeing buses rolling, hallways buzzing, and classrooms filled with the energy and excitement of learning once again.

As we prepare for another successful school year, I would like to share a few highlights that show the progress and momentum across Emanuel County Schools.

Literacy Success

Over the past two school years, Emanuel County Schools has implemented a districtwide literacy framework grounded in the Science of Reading. Our latest early literacy data continue to show significant gains in reading proficiency among our kindergarten through fourth-grade students.

These accomplishments reflect our elementary teachers' commitment to professional learning and instructional excellence. Their dedication to mastering research-based, high-impact instructional practices is making a meaningful difference in student achievement, and we are grateful for their continued hard work and passion.

EDGE College and Career Academy

Last school year marked the launch of the EDGE College and Career Academy (CCA), an exciting partnership designed to Educate, Develop, and Grow Emanuel. Through the collaboration of Swainsboro High School, Emanuel County Institute, Southeastern Technical College, the Swainsboro-Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce, the Joint Development Authority, and local business and industry partners, EDGE CCA is preparing students for high-demand careers in Emanuel County.

The impact is already evident. Enrollment at Southeastern Technical College's Swainsboro Campus increased throughout the year, and workforce-focused programs continue to grow. We are excited to see even more students taking advantage of these valuable opportunities in the coming year.

To learn more about EDGE College and Career Academy and its industry-driven programs, please visit the Emanuel County Schools website.

Facility Improvements

We continue to invest in our schools to provide outstanding learning environments for our students and staff. Recent improvements include the following:

  • Emanuel County Institute opened its new fieldhouse at the conclusion of last year's football season.
  • Swainsboro High School's new track and football field upgrades are nearing completion, with baseball and softball field improvements now underway.
  • HVAC upgrades at Swainsboro High School and Swainsboro Elementary School continue to make progress.
  • Roof repairs at Swainsboro Middle School have been completed, while roofing improvements at Swainsboro High School are ongoing.
  • New flooring was installed in the hallways and common areas at Swainsboro Primary School.
  • Construction of Emanuel County Institute's new baseball field is expected to begin soon, as we continue improving facilities across the district.

These renovations and upgrades are made possible through previously approved ESPLOST and other capital funding sources that were secured before construction began. Careful long-term planning allows the district to enhance school facilities while maintaining a responsible operating budget and investing in spaces where students and staff can thrive.

Leadership Transitions

Strong leadership continues to play an important role in the success of Emanuel County Schools. We are pleased to welcome several individuals to new leadership roles for the 2026–2027 school year:

  • Swainsboro Middle School: Joshua Anderson, Principal
  • Crossroads Transitional Academy: Bob McNeely, Site Director
  • Technology Department: Tom Williamson, Technology Coordinator

We are confident these leaders will strengthen our commitment to excellence and help ensure every student's success.

We also want to recognize two important leadership updates. Last December, Swainsboro Elementary School experienced a successful leadership transition with April Woods assuming the role of principal and Rachel Burkhalter becoming assistant principal. Their school improvement efforts are off to a strong start, and we appreciate their commitment to creating positive outcomes for students, staff, and families.

We also recognize Chip Fleming, Site Director of the EDGE College and Career Academy. His leadership has been instrumental in the successful launch and continued growth of this important initiative, helping expand opportunities for students across Emanuel County.

As we begin this new school year, I encourage each of us to embrace the opportunities ahead and continue working together to build a stronger future for our students and our community. The success of Emanuel County Schools is made possible through the partnership of our families, employees, students, and community members, and I thank each of you for your continued support.

Enjoy these final days of summer. We look forward to welcoming everyone back on Monday, August 3, 2026, for another outstanding year of learning, growth, and success.

Sincerely,

Denise B. Warnock, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Emanuel County Schools

Dr. Denise Warnock headshot