🚌💛 Next Week is School Bus Safety Week!
Getting our students to and from school safely is a team effort! We want to give a big thank-you to our Monroe County Schools bus drivers and transportation team for the important job they do every day.
We also want to remind everyone to slow down, watch for school buses, and stop when those red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended. A few extra seconds of caution can make all the difference!
Let’s all do our part to keep our students safe, both on the bus and along the way. 💛🖤
#SchoolBusSafetyWeek #CommittedToExcellence #LearnGrowSucceed
Getting our students to and from school safely is a team effort! We want to give a big thank-you to our Monroe County Schools bus drivers and transportation team for the important job they do every day.
We also want to remind everyone to slow down, watch for school buses, and stop when those red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended. A few extra seconds of caution can make all the difference!
Let’s all do our part to keep our students safe, both on the bus and along the way. 💛🖤
#SchoolBusSafetyWeek #CommittedToExcellence #LearnGrowSucceed
We may be on Fall Break right now, but it is National School Lunch Week and we want to take a moment to recognize our incredible School Nutrition Program. Thank you for everything you do to provide nutritious, delicious meals for our students and staff! #LearnGrowSucceed #CommittedToExcellence #FuelingGA
Monroe County Schools will be closed for Fall Break October 12-16, 2026. Classes will resume on Monday, October 19. We hope you all enjoy the holiday. #LearnGrowSucceed #CommittedToExcellence #FallBreak
On Thursday, October 8, 2026, Mary Persons administrators received reports of a possible weapon on a Monroe County school bus. They contacted the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies immediately went to the bus. The bus was evacuated and searched. No weapon was found. The item in question was a bottle of cologne. Thank you to the sheriff’s office for their quick response to the situation.
October is National Principals Month, and we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to the amazing principals who lead our schools. Their dedication, passion, and commitment shape the educational experiences of our students and foster positive school cultures.
Every day, our principals inspire teachers, staff, and students to strive for their best. They navigate challenges with grace and create environments where every student can thrive. This month, join us in recognizing and thanking these remarkable leaders. #thankaprincipal #LearnGrowSucceed #CommittedToExcellence
Every day, our principals inspire teachers, staff, and students to strive for their best. They navigate challenges with grace and create environments where every student can thrive. This month, join us in recognizing and thanking these remarkable leaders. #thankaprincipal #LearnGrowSucceed #CommittedToExcellence
Monroe County Schools moved up four spots to the 10th best school system in Georgia, according to the latest Niche rankings. In addition, Monroe County Schools remains the #1 district in Central Georgia, and is in the top 7% of 10,449 school districts nationally.
“Our top ten ranking directly reflects the commitment and performance of our teachers, students, faculty, staff, administration and community,” said Monroe County Schools Superintendent, Dr. Jim Finch. “School districts do not succeed without strong community support. Our families believe in a strong education system and they expect us to deliver the best outcomes for students every year. We’re just excited to be considered among the best systems in Georgia.”
#LearnGrowSucceed #CommittedToExcellence
“Our top ten ranking directly reflects the commitment and performance of our teachers, students, faculty, staff, administration and community,” said Monroe County Schools Superintendent, Dr. Jim Finch. “School districts do not succeed without strong community support. Our families believe in a strong education system and they expect us to deliver the best outcomes for students every year. We’re just excited to be considered among the best systems in Georgia.”
#LearnGrowSucceed #CommittedToExcellence
Mary Persons High School earned a school-record graduation rate of 95.69% for the 2025-2026 school year. That’s an increase of nearly two percentage points from 2025 and marks the seventh consecutive year above 90%.
“Our graduation rate reflects the hard work and dedication by our students, faculty and staff, administration, and community”, said Dr. Jim Finch, Monroe County Schools Superintendent . “A district’s graduation rate is one of the strongest indicators of successful student outcomes. A huge thank you to those who have helped position our school district in a way that continues to make all of us proud.”
“An excellent graduation rate is a reflection of hard work, perseverance, and a shared commitment to student success. Our students worked incredibly hard to reach this milestone, and our staff worked tirelessly to provide the support and opportunities they needed to succeed,” said Mary Persons Principal Sher Epps. “Georgia has also expanded the pathways available to students, giving more students meaningful avenues to earn a high school diploma. At Mary Persons, our continued goal is not simply to help students graduate, but to prepare them for what comes next. We are proud of our students for taking advantage of these opportunities and proud of our staff for helping prepare them for success in high school and beyond.”
Georgia’s high-school seniors also recorded an all-time-high graduation rate – and slight year-over-year improvement – in 2026. The four-year graduation rate rose to 88.5% -- up from 87.2% in 2025, and an all-time high since the state began using the adjusted cohort calculation first required in 2011 by federal law.
“Our graduation rate reflects the hard work and dedication by our students, faculty and staff, administration, and community”, said Dr. Jim Finch, Monroe County Schools Superintendent . “A district’s graduation rate is one of the strongest indicators of successful student outcomes. A huge thank you to those who have helped position our school district in a way that continues to make all of us proud.”
“An excellent graduation rate is a reflection of hard work, perseverance, and a shared commitment to student success. Our students worked incredibly hard to reach this milestone, and our staff worked tirelessly to provide the support and opportunities they needed to succeed,” said Mary Persons Principal Sher Epps. “Georgia has also expanded the pathways available to students, giving more students meaningful avenues to earn a high school diploma. At Mary Persons, our continued goal is not simply to help students graduate, but to prepare them for what comes next. We are proud of our students for taking advantage of these opportunities and proud of our staff for helping prepare them for success in high school and beyond.”
Georgia’s high-school seniors also recorded an all-time-high graduation rate – and slight year-over-year improvement – in 2026. The four-year graduation rate rose to 88.5% -- up from 87.2% in 2025, and an all-time high since the state began using the adjusted cohort calculation first required in 2011 by federal law.
Monroe County students recently experienced a "Taste of the Lowcountry" directly in their school cafeterias. This special event highlights the School Nutrition Program’s commitment to developing student-centered menus through recipe innovation, taste tests, and direct student feedback—all aimed at increasing daily meal participation.
The Monroe County school nutrition staff takes great pride in preparing and serving high-quality dining options every school day. Notably, the smoked sausage featured in the Lowcountry Boil was sourced locally from Georgia producers, reinforcing our nutrition program’s dedication to regional agriculture. The entree features slow-roasted potatoes, crisp corn on the cob, and savory smoked sausage, all lightly dusted with our signature coastal spice blend. Students may select a freshly baked biscuit, an assortment of seasonal fruits or vegetables, and their preferred milk selection.
The event was a resounding success. "Students absolutely loved the recipe, with several even purchasing second meals," shared Rebecca Williams, School Nutrition Manager at Monroe County Middle School. #FuelingGA
#GATrayoftheWeek #CommittedToExcellence #LearnGrowSucceed
The Monroe County school nutrition staff takes great pride in preparing and serving high-quality dining options every school day. Notably, the smoked sausage featured in the Lowcountry Boil was sourced locally from Georgia producers, reinforcing our nutrition program’s dedication to regional agriculture. The entree features slow-roasted potatoes, crisp corn on the cob, and savory smoked sausage, all lightly dusted with our signature coastal spice blend. Students may select a freshly baked biscuit, an assortment of seasonal fruits or vegetables, and their preferred milk selection.
The event was a resounding success. "Students absolutely loved the recipe, with several even purchasing second meals," shared Rebecca Williams, School Nutrition Manager at Monroe County Middle School. #FuelingGA
#GATrayoftheWeek #CommittedToExcellence #LearnGrowSucceed
The Monroe County Board of Education will meet in called session on Thursday, September 10, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. in the boardroom at the Central Office. The purpose of this meeting is public hearing #3 on the tentative millage rate and approval of the millage rate. #LearnGrowSucceed #CommittedToExcellence
For immediate release - On Tuesday, September 8, 2026, an accident occurred in the parking
lot of Mary Persons High School. A staff member was accidentally struck by a vehicle during
afternoon dismissal. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene. The staff
member was transported to the hospital with non life-threatening injuries.
Monroe County Schools would like to thank the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and emergency
officials for their quick response.
The Monroe County Board of Education will meet in regular session on Tuesday, September 8, 2026. The meeting will take place at 3 p.m. in the boardroom at the Central Office. #LearnGrowSucceed #CommittedToExcellence
The Monroe County Board of Education will meet in called sessions on Thursday, September 3, 2026 at 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. in the boardroom at the Central Office. The purpose is to hold public hearings #1 and #2 on the Tentative Millage Rate. #CommittedToExcellence #LearnGrowSucceed
We are proud to announce our Paraprofessional-to-Teacher Apprentices for the 2026-2027 school year. Pictured left to right are Samantha Moss, Amaya Gordon, and Chanaye Lyons. All three are paraprofessionals at K.B. Sutton Elementary, and are completing their Educator Preparation Program at Gordon State College. Monroe County Schools applied and received a grant from the Georgia Department of Education Office of Rural Innovation to support these future educators through a mentorship program in addition to financial assistance with tuition and other educational costs. MCS is proud to support their journey to becoming certified teachers. #LearnGrowSucceed #CommittedToExcellence
Big thanks to Jeremiah's Italian Ice for going Black & Gold last night at Gold Rush in support of the Monroe County Literacy Council! It was a great event and raised funds which will go directly to promote reading and learning across the county. We appreciate the partnership in this effort! #CommittedToExcellence #LearnGrowSucceed #ReadersAreLeaders
The Monroe County Board of Education will meet in a called session on Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. in the boardroom at the Central Office. The purpose of this meeting is the approval of a tentative millage rate and personnel actions. #LearnGrowSucceed #CommittedToExcellence
The Monroe County Board of Education will meet in regular session on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. The meeting will take place at 5:30 p.m. in the boardroom. #LearnGrowSucceed #CommittedToExcellence
🎒✏️ Back-to-School Bash Tomorrow! ✏️🎒
We're helping students get ready for a great school year at our Back-to-School Bash tomorrow at the Monroe County Fine Arts Center!
Join us from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. for free backpacks, school supplies, and plenty of resources to help students start the school year prepared and confident.
Supplies are available while they last, so come early and get ready for an amazing first day of school!
📍 Monroe County Fine Arts Center
⏰ 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
We can't wait to see you there! #CommittedToExcellence #LearnGrowSucceed
We're helping students get ready for a great school year at our Back-to-School Bash tomorrow at the Monroe County Fine Arts Center!
Join us from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. for free backpacks, school supplies, and plenty of resources to help students start the school year prepared and confident.
Supplies are available while they last, so come early and get ready for an amazing first day of school!
📍 Monroe County Fine Arts Center
⏰ 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
We can't wait to see you there! #CommittedToExcellence #LearnGrowSucceed
We can't wait to see our Monroe County students and families at Open House tomorrow! As a reminder, here is the schedule for the day:
K.B. Sutton Elementary, Samuel E. Hubbard Elementary, and T.G. Scott Elementary will hold their open house events from 1:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Monroe County Middle School will host open house from 4:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Mary Persons High School Freshmen Orientation will begin at the Monroe County Fine Arts Center at 3 p.m., then transition to the Freshman Campus. An additional presentation will be held at 5 p.m. for those unable to attend the 3 p.m. session.
The Mary Persons High School Sophomore Meet & Greet will take place on the main campus from 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Juniors and Seniors will receive their schedules through Infinite Campus, and do not need to attend open house.
We'll see you there! #LearnGrowSucceed #CommittedToExcellence #BackToSchool
K.B. Sutton Elementary, Samuel E. Hubbard Elementary, and T.G. Scott Elementary will hold their open house events from 1:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Monroe County Middle School will host open house from 4:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Mary Persons High School Freshmen Orientation will begin at the Monroe County Fine Arts Center at 3 p.m., then transition to the Freshman Campus. An additional presentation will be held at 5 p.m. for those unable to attend the 3 p.m. session.
The Mary Persons High School Sophomore Meet & Greet will take place on the main campus from 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Juniors and Seniors will receive their schedules through Infinite Campus, and do not need to attend open house.
We'll see you there! #LearnGrowSucceed #CommittedToExcellence #BackToSchool
The Monroe County Board of Education will meet in regular session on Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at 3 p.m. The meeting will take place in the boardroom at the Central Office. #CommittedToExcellence #LearnGrowSucceed
Monroe County Schools will be closed June 29, 2026 - July 3, 2026 in observance of the 4th of July holiday. We hope you have a wonderful week. #LearnGrowSucceed #CommittedToExcellence
