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The Floyd County Schools (FCS) system has achieved a remarkable distinction, being recognized as one of only 100 school districts nationwide to surpass pre-pandemic performance levels in both math and reading. 

This outstanding achievement was highlighted in the Education Recovery Scorecard, which analyzed 2024 data from 11,327 out of roughly 14,000 school  districts across the United States.

The findings underscore Floyd County Schools' commitment to academic excellence and student success, as only .9 percent of the districts studied demonstrated recovery in both subjects. This recognition places FCS in an elite category, showcasing the district’s resilience and dedication to educational advancement despite the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This achievement is a direct result of our collective focus on student success,” said Assistant Superintendent of Academics, John Parker. “By strategically using ESSER funds to provide targeted academic support and intervention, we have given our teachers and students the resources they need to thrive. Our goal has always been to invest in their future, and this recognition affirms that we are on the right path. It has not always been an easy task, but our teachers and students have stayed driven, focused, and have trusted each other to keep moving forward. We are so proud of this recognition.”

To Mr. Parker’s comment, a key factor in this success has been the district’s strategic and effective use of Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds. These investments allowed the district to implement targeted academic interventions, enhance instructional resources, and provide critical support for students and teachers. By prioritizing initiatives that directly impact learning outcomes, FCS ensured that federal recovery funds were used not just as a short-term solution, but as a long-term investment in student achievement.

Floyd County Schools’ exceptional performance serves as a testament to the district’s educators, students, and leadership, who have worked tirelessly to ensure academic growth and success.

“We are so proud of the accomplishments of the entire school district,” said Superintendent Dr. Glenn White. “This speaks to the resiliency of our community but also to the skill and dedication of our teachers. Our caring teachers deserve tremendous credit for this accomplishment. It is a remarkable achievement.”

The Education Recovery Scorecard provides an essential benchmark for school districts across the country, highlighting those that have successfully navigated post-pandemic academic challenges. Floyd County Schools’ inclusion among the top 100 is a significant achievement that demonstrates the district’s unwavering focus on academic excellence. This success reaffirms the importance of investing in our children’s future—because when we put students first, we build a stronger community and a brighter tomorrow.

Achievement Graphs shared at the FCS Board Meeting on 3/10/25 

Floyd County Schools (FCS) is proud to announce that two talented students have been recognized in the 2024-2025 Young Georgia Authors (YGA) regional competition, hosted by Northwest Georgia RESA.

Each year, the Young Georgia Authors competition celebrates exceptional student writing across the state. It provides a platform for students to showcase their creativity, voice, and writing skills. The competition begins at the classroom level and progresses through school and district rounds before advancing to the regional stage.

On Thursday, March 6, educators and professionals from all seventeen Northwest Georgia RESA school districts convened to evaluate the top writing entries from across the region. Judges were highly impressed by the outstanding quality of submissions, noting the depth of word choice, unique voices, and diverse range of entries.

FCS is proud to recognize the following students for their achievements at the regional level:

• Winner: Corban Abernathy (5th Grade, Model Middle School) – "Until Time Shall Cease"
• Honorable Mention: Shari Torres (12th Grade, Armuchee High School) – "Apartment 312"

These students’ exceptional writing stood out among their peers, earning them well-deserved recognition at the regional level. Regional winners will advance to the state-level competition, which will be held in Perry, GA, on Friday, April 18th. 

Floyd County Schools District Winners

As a reminder, previously announced on February 14, 2025, the following students were named district winners in their respective grade levels:

• Kindergarten: “Dollywood” – Kate McGuire (Armuchee Primary School)
• 1st Grade: “Northpole” – Judah Hopper (Alto Park Elementary School)
• 2nd Grade: “Just a Normal Story, Right?” – Bowen Pasley (Alto Park Elementary School)
• 3rd Grade: “A Christmas Story” – Sidney Laseter (Model Elementary School)
• 4th Grade: “Missing” – Ava Starr (Alto Park Elementary School)
• 5th Grade: “Until Time Shall Cease” – Corban Abernathy (Model Middle School)
• 6th Grade: “Just Free” – Luke Casey (Coosa Middle School)
• 7th Grade: “New Generation” – Brianna Maples (Pepperell Middle School)
• 8th Grade: “One More Goodbye” – Ivy Hardy (Model High School)
• 9th Grade: “The Strength I Didn’t Know I Had” – Emma Lunsford (Coosa High School)
• 10th Grade: “Shadows” – Elinor Thomas (Coosa High School)
• 11th Grade: “Dreamless Sleep” – Mari Wilson (Coosa High School)
• 12th Grade: “Apartment 312” – Shari Torres (Armuchee High School)

Floyd County Schools congratulates all of these students for their outstanding accomplishments. Their success reflects the district’s commitment to fostering literacy, creativity, and academic excellence.

About Floyd County Schools

The Floyd County School (FloydBoe.net) system provides opportunities for schools and students to achieve academic excellence. Floyd County teachers focus on academic basics mixed with innovative teaching methods to build a strong foundation for student learning. In Floyd County Schools, the academic programs are available to prepare students for the most demanding college, university, technical college or other post-secondary training. It is the mission of FCS to foster productive citizens while building on the cornerstones of integrity, community, accountability, and trust. Located in Rome, Georgia, the school system serves 16 different schools.

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Floyd County Schools (FCS) is proud to announce that Heather Burnett, Gifted Education Teacher at Armuchee Primary School (APS) and Armuchee Elementary School (AES), has been named the 2025 Gifted Teacher of the Year. 

This recognition highlights Heather's dedication, creativity, and exceptional teaching abilities that have positively impacted her students and colleagues alike.

Heather Burnett holds a B.S. from Jacksonville State University and an M.Ed. from Piedmont College. She is a proud product of Floyd County Schools, having graduated from Coosa High School. Throughout her education, Heather was part of the Gifted Program herself, attending Garden Lakes Elementary and Coosa High School. In fact, she and her husband, Mike Burnett, both entered the Gifted Program on the same day in elementary school and met in the Kaleidoscope program. They continue to fondly remember the meaningful lessons and exciting projects they experienced together.

As a gifted educator, Heather is committed to nurturing creative and critical thinking skills in her students. She fosters a classroom environment that encourages innovative learning through engaging and motivating activities. Her passion for teaching, combined with her personal experience as a gifted student, allows her to truly understand the unique needs of her students and inspire them to reach their full potential.

Principal Carrie Graves of Armuchee Primary School expressed her excitement, stating, "Armuchee Primary is excited to have Mrs. Heather Burnett named the FCS Gifted Teacher of the Year! Mrs. Burnett fosters an environment in her classroom that encourages students to cultivate their creative and critical thinking skills through engaging and motivating activities. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Mrs. Burnett in recognition of her hard work and unwavering dedication to the Armuchee community."

McCall Govignon, Director of Advanced Academics, also praised Heather’s contributions, saying, "We are thrilled to announce Heather Burnett as the Gifted Teacher of the Year. Heather exemplifies creativity and dedication in her teaching, inspiring her students with innovative approaches and unwavering commitment. As a former gifted student herself, she understands the unique needs and potential of her students, making her the perfect example of a gifted teacher. Congratulations, Heather, on this well-deserved recognition!”

Her colleagues have also shared their admiration for her. Lindsey Barcomb, Gifted Teacher at Armuchee Elementary School, noted, "Heather is an amazing colleague and teammate to work alongside. She is always eager to share ideas for our gifted students. She is awesome to our students and truly an asset to our gifted team.”

Allison Espy, Gifted Teacher at Pepperell Primary School and Gifted Elementary Lead Teacher, praised Heather’s dedication, saying, "Heather is creative, engaged, and innovative with her gifted students. She is always going the extra mile and willing to help in any capacity. She teaches at two different schools and is always willing to help and give SO much of herself and time to make sure the gifted program is successful! She loves teaching, and it shows daily!"

Jessica Murphy, Gifted Teacher at Model Elementary School, shared, "Heather is always willing to go above and beyond to make learning fun. She's the first to volunteer to help other staff members. She's a great mentor to fellow teachers and has such a positive personality.”

Floyd County Schools congratulates Heather Burnett on this well-deserved recognition and thanks her for her continued commitment to enriching the lives of her students and fostering a love for learning.

About Floyd County Schools

The Floyd County School (FloydBoe.net) system provides opportunities for schools and students to achieve academic excellence. Floyd County teachers focus on academic basics mixed with innovative teaching methods to build a strong foundation for student learning. In Floyd County Schools, the academic programs are available to prepare students for the most demanding college, university, technical college or other post-secondary training. It is the mission of FCS to foster productive citizens while building on the cornerstones of integrity, community, accountability, and trust. Located in Rome, Georgia, the school system serves 16 different schools.

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Floyd County Schools (FCS) is excited to announce the appointment of Kristen Martin as the new principal of Coosa High School (CHS), effective June 1. 

With over nine years of experience in educational leadership and a proven track record of fostering positive relationships and driving school improvement, Mrs. Martin is well-equipped to lead Coosa High School to continued success.

“We are excited to name Mrs. Kristen Martin as the new leader of CHS. Throughout this process, it became clear that she is highly respected and valued by stakeholders at Coosa High School. She has deeply vested herself in the Coosa community and genuinely loves the students, staff, and the entire community. Her experience and passion for this school and her dedication to its future make her the ideal leader to continue moving Coosa forward."

Martin holds a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Mathematics from Shorter College, a Master of Arts in Mathematics Education from Piedmont College, and an Education Specialist degree in both Teaching & Learning and Educational Leadership from Berry College. Her comprehensive educational background and commitment to professional development have prepared her to excel in this new role.

Since 2021, she has served as Assistant Principal at Coosa High School, where she has played a key role in supervising and supporting the instructional process, leading professional development, and implementing the TKES teacher evaluation system. Her leadership has been crucial in the recruitment and retention of high-quality educators, managing budgets, and ensuring the efficient operation of school activities.

Before her time at CHS, Martin served in various leadership roles, including Assistant Principal at Cass High School and Clear Creek Elementary School. She also has experience as a Site Supervisor for Pearson Evaluation Systems, overseeing the administration of Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators, and teaching secondary mathematics in the Bartow County School System.

“I am truly honored to step into this role as principal of Coosa High School,” said Kristen Martin. “From day one, my 'C' has stood for Coosa and the community it brings. I have been fortunate to serve as Assistant Principal at CHS, and I am thrilled for the opportunity to grow even more in this new position—both as a leader and as a person. The importance of community cannot be overstated, and I am deeply committed to continuing our work to move Coosa forward with the support and collaboration of our students, staff, and community."

Martin’s dedication to educational excellence, combined with her ability to collaborate effectively with students, staff, and the broader community, makes her an ideal choice to lead Coosa High School. She is eager to continue her journey with the school community and looks forward to working together to achieve the school’s vision and goals.

About Floyd County Schools

The Floyd County School (FloydBoe.net) system provides opportunities for schools and students to achieve academic excellence. Floyd County teachers focus on academic basics mixed with innovative teaching methods to build a strong foundation for student learning. In Floyd County Schools, the academic programs are available to prepare students for the most demanding college, university, technical college or other post-secondary training. It is the mission of FCS to foster productive citizens while building on the cornerstones of integrity, community, accountability, and trust. Located in Rome, Georgia, the school system serves 16 different schools.

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Armuchee High School (AHS) and Floyd County Schools (FCS) announced Aaron Avery as the new head football coach on Monday. 

With an impressive track record of success and a wealth of experience, Coach Avery is poised to lead the Armuchee Indians to new heights.

“We could not be more excited to welcome Coach Avery as the Head Football Coach at Armuchee High School,” said Joseph Pethel, Principal at Armuchee High School. “Coach Avery brings with him an impressive track record of success both on the field and in the classroom. What excites us most, however, is his unwavering commitment to helping students not only excel in football but also grow into successful individuals in the game of life. We are confident that his leadership will be an extension of our school-wide vision statement, “At Armuchee High School we are Building a Legacy of Excitement for the Opportunities that lie ahead!”

No stranger to postseason play and success, Coach Avery brings a distinguished career in coaching, having most recently served as the Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach at The Bolles School in Jacksonville, FL. During his tenure, he achieved back-to-back Regional Championships and advanced to the State Semi-Finals in both 2022 and 2023. 

His dynamic, RPO-based offensive scheme led to substantial year-over-year increases in offensive performance, and he successfully prepared quarterbacks for high-level play, resulting in FBS recruitment for two athletes.

Prior to his time at The Bolles School, Coach Avery held the same positions at Oakleaf High School in Orange Park, FL, where he led the offense to back-to-back seasons as a top 3 unit in the greater Jacksonville area and ranked among the top 15 offenses statewide by the end of the 2021 regular season. His leadership and strategic vision have consistently produced top-performing offenses and set numerous records.

Coach Avery's coaching journey also includes significant achievements at Ponte Vedra High School, where he developed Nick Tronti, the 2016 Florida Mr. Football, and maintained a consistent ranking among the top offenses in the greater Jacksonville area.

Interestingly, Coach Avery was high school teammates with Tim Tebow, adding a unique chapter to his football background. Additionally, he is the reigning Teacher of the Year at his current school, highlighting his dedication to both athletics and academics.

“My family and I are thrilled to be part of the Armuchee community,” said Coach Avery. “We were drawn to the high academic achievements, the positive culture that Mr. Pethel has created, the passionate and supportive community, and the opportunity for my family and me to establish deep roots in the area. I’m excited to build a program that develops outstanding student athletes and creates excellent people. I can’t wait to start this new chapter with my family and the Armuchee community!”

About Floyd County Schools

The Floyd County School (FloydBoe.net) system provides opportunities for schools and students to achieve academic excellence. Floyd County teachers focus on academic basics mixed with innovative teaching methods to build a strong foundation for student learning. In Floyd County Schools, the academic programs are available to prepare students for the most demanding college, university, technical college or other post-secondary training. It is the mission of FCS to foster productive citizens while building on the cornerstones of integrity, community, accountability, and trust. Located in Rome, Georgia, the school system serves 16 different schools.

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