HR 1256: Communities In Schools of Central Georgia; significant contributions to improving student attendance, student achievement, dropout prevention, and community partnerships in Central Georgia; commend

House Resolution 1256

By: Representatives Herring of the 145th, Paris of the 142nd, Jones of the 143rd, Washburn of the 144th, and Griffin of the 149th

A RESOLUTION

Commending the efforts of Communities In Schools of Central Georgia for their significant contributions to improving student attendance, student achievement, dropout prevention, and community partnerships in Central Georgia; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, Communities In Schools of Central Georgia (CISCG) has made significant strides in empowering students to stay in school and achieve in life, serving as a vital bridge between community resources and the Bibb County School District; and

WHEREAS, exemplifying a steadfast dedication to student welfare, CISCG achieved remarkable success in the 2024-2025 academic year, with 98 percent of their case-managed seniors graduating, a rate significantly higher than the statewide average, and with 75 percent of students showing marked academic improvement and increased attendance.

WHEREAS, CISCG continues to lead the charge on student support through its network of site-based "Empowerment Coaches" stationed at Bernd, Bruce, Hartley, Ingram-Pye, Rosa Taylor, Southfield, and Union Elementary Schools; Appling and Ballard Hudson Middle Schools; as well as Westside High School and SOAR, removing nonacademic barriers and providing mentorship; and

WHEREAS, CISCG remains a vital partner to the region’s economic future, ensuring that students graduate college and are career-ready, thereby strengthening the local workforce and breaking the cycle of poverty through sustained, evidence-based interventions; and

WHEREAS, the organization continues to demonstrate strength and vision under the leadership of CEO Taryn Collinsworth and her dedicated team, including 14 school based staff and more than 30 volunteer mentors who are on the frontlines of their work, fostering strong ties with partners like Hope for the Heart of Georgia, the Merrie Christmas Initiative, First Choice Primary Care, and Community Partnership - Bibb County Family Connections to secure the resources necessary for student success; and

WHEREAS, CISCG has fostered a culture of care and consistency, ensuring that every student, regardless of race, zip code, or socioeconomic status, has a personal relationship with a caring adult and a safe place to learn and grow.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body recognize and commend Communities In Schools of Central Georgia for its exemplary efforts in improving attendance, driving student success, increasing graduation rates, and fostering collaborative relationships that benefit the entire Macon-Bibb community.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that recognition is given to Board of Directors Chair Emeritus Sarah Hawthorne, Chair Adrick Ingram and Directors Michael Kruger, Karen Middleton, Erin Weaver, Darius Maynard, Lori Rodgers, Jonathan Barton, Marissa Cooling, and Adrias Hale for their vision and strategic leadership; Chief Executive Officer Taryn Collinsworth, Chief Administrative Officer Amanda Irons, and Chief Mentoring Programs Officer Vashun Tobler for their leadership, vision, and dedication; and Empowerment Coaches Gloria Burnette, Cydne Gee, Gabriana McKenzie, Kaleah Stephens, Ericka Burns, Jada Danzie, Blake Seldon, Myrja Fuller, Terry Seltzer and Daryl Hughes for their effective execution of strategies that have positioned Central Georgia students for a lifetime of success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to Communities In Schools of Central Georgia.