News and Events

The Generac Foundation has awarded a $10,000 grant to the Georgia Youth Science & Technology Centers, Inc. (GYSTC) to support Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programs in nine elementary schools in the Richmond County School System. 

“Skills gained from exposure to STEM enable students to ask questions and think critically,” said Amanda Buice, executive director of GYSTC. “Scientific thinking and understanding are essential for all people as they navigate the world, not just for STEM professionals, but we do believe that by creating interest and enthusiasm for STEM and by providing young children with problem-solving skills, we will encourage more of them to pursue STEM studies and careers like those needed at Generac. We are thankful to Generac for this investment in us and youth in our community.” 

The Generac-funded grant aims to inspire the next generation of problem-solvers by providing students with hands-on robotic learning opportunities and access to innovative STEM curriculum. The funding will also support the expansion of elementary STEM exploratory classes and provide professional learning for teachers in emerging technologies. The initiative was launched this year with schools receiving class sets of programmable robots and will be fully implemented across nine schools next year. In total, the initiative has the potential to reach more than 4,000 students annually. 

“This grant opens the door for our students to engage with STEM in a hands-on, meaningful way,” said Eric Lewis, principal of Lamar-Milledge Elementary School. “We’re excited to expand our STEAM efforts by launching a robotics club and integrating these tools into our fourth- and fifth-grade classrooms. Opportunities like this allow our students to think critically, collaborate, and see themselves as future innovators.” 

In 2025, more than 82,000 youth and young adults from across the U.S. and Canada participated in STEM programs supported by Generac and the Generac Foundation. The organization has facilities in Augusta, GA, and Trenton, SC, and focuses most of its corporate and Foundation giving where they have operations and employees. Generac is a publicly traded energy technology company headquartered in Wisconsin.  

Kate Thomas, a Richmond County School System student, was named a 2026 Georgia Scholar by the Georgia Department of Education on April 1, 2026. As a senior at John S. Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School, she is one of only 162 graduating seniors across the state to receive this distinction. This honor is granted to students who have achieved excellence in their academic careers and within their communities. 
 

"It’s an honor to see a Richmond County student recognized as a Georgia Scholar this year,” said Shawnda Stovall, president of the Richmond County Board of Education. “Kate has worked hard throughout high school, not only carrying an exemplary course load but also serving as a leader outside of the classroom. She is a fine example of the dedication and community spirit we strive to foster within our school system." 

The Georgia Scholar program, coordinated by the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) in partnership with local school districts, identifies students who excel beyond the standard curriculum. To be selected, students must demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and active participation in school and community activities. They are also required to serve as leaders in extracurricular and service organizations, maintaining a balance between rigorous scholarship and civic duty. Each honoree receives a seal for their diploma along with a graduation cord to recognize their achievement. 

(AUGUSTA, GEORGIA) – The Richmond County School System (RCSS) announces the opening of kindergarten registration for the 2026–2027 school year. Families with children who will be five years old on or before September 1, 2026, are encouraged to register. Families currently participating in the RCSS Pre-K program do not need to register.   

New parents and guardians in Richmond County should reach out to their zoned elementary or K8 school for registration assistance. Families can visit rcboe.info/addresslocator to locate schools in their zone.  

For more information on eligibility requirements, visit www.rcboe.org/registration.

(AUGUSTA, GA) -- The Richmond County Board of Education (RCBOE) celebrated student success and took action on several properties outlined in the district’s long-range facilities master plan during the committee and regular board meeting held last evening. Board members voted to approve naming committee recommendations of two new school sites and passed a resolution to sell the John M. Tutt Middle School property after students transition to a new facility during the 2026-2027 school year.  

“This is about honoring our community’s legacy while making thoughtful decisions that position our students for success,” said RCBOE President Shawnda Stovall. “We approached each decision with the community in mind by listening to feedback, asking the right questions and staying focused on what’s best for students.” 
 
A moment was taken to celebrate more than 50 students and staff for their achievements, including  RCSS Academic Decathlon winners, Star Students,  art contest winners and outstanding principals. Among them was the The Cross Creek Comprehensive High School Basketball team, recognized for becoming 3A State Champions after remaining undefeated since late December. 

The board approved naming committee recommendations for two new schools. The college and career academy at the T.W. Josey Comprehensive High School site will be named the T.W. Josey High School College and Career Academy and will retain the Eagles mascot and traditional colors of Kelly green, Old English gold and white. The new elementary school at the Barton Chapel site will be named Chapel Hills Elementary and will adopt the Raptors mascot and a color palette of green, blue and orange. Both names were selected through a multistep process involving local historians, alumni, staff and parents. 

The board also approved a resolution to enter into a contract to sell the John M. Tutt Middle School property to Westminster Schools of Augusta. The sale allows the district to reinvest funds from an aging facility into student needs and modern infrastructure. The transaction will be finalized after the building closes and students transition to the newly renovated Langford-Tutt Middle School during the 2026-27 school year. Construction on the Langford-Tutt facility is projected to finish in fall 2026.