Putnam County Charter School System

Putnam County Schools Superintendent Derick Austin points to the everrising contribution the local school board has to contribute toward statefunded education costs. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Putnam County Schools Superintendent Derick Austin points to the everrising contribution the local school board has to contribute toward statefunded education costs. IAN TOCHER/Staff

PCCSS budget leans heavily on local dollars

Ian Tocher
Thursday, August 27, 2026
The Putnam County Charter School System (PCCSS) is preparing to approve a fiscal 2027 budget that relies heavily on local funding while absorbing rising personnel, health care and other mandated costs.PCCSS Superintendent Derick Austin presented the proposed budget at 1 p.m. Aug. 20, during the...
H.E.A.R.T Award recipient Tracy Surmelin poses alongside Assistant Superintendent Scott Sauls. “I am definitely one to say that I am Putnam Proud,” Surmelin said when accepting the award. ALIVIA BLANTON/Staff

H.E.A.R.T Award recipient Tracy Surmelin poses alongside Assistant Superintendent Scott Sauls. “I am definitely one to say that I am Putnam Proud,” Surmelin said when accepting the award. ALIVIA BLANTON/Staff

PCCSS board addresses several financial issues

Alivia Blanton
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
The Putnam County Charter School System (PCCSS) Board of Education held its first of two monthly meetings on April 13, opening with a pair of employee recognitions before providing financial updates and policy reviews, plus announcing a proposed technology purchase and potential employee...
IAN TOCHER/Staff

IAN TOCHER/Staff

War Eagle Games shine spotlight on disabled athletes

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Loud cheers echoed across the track-and-field facilities behind Putnam County Middle School on Friday morning as special programs student-athletes participated in the fourth annual War Eagle Games.This event has grown into a signature celebration for all four Putnam County Charter School System...
L-R: Superintendent Derick Austin named the March students of the month: Jai Hargrove, Abby Mashburn, Cobee Parham, and Jackson Stevenson. CONTRIBUTED

L-R: Superintendent Derick Austin named the March students of the month: Jai Hargrove, Abby Mashburn, Cobee Parham, and Jackson Stevenson. CONTRIBUTED

Putnam County BOE hears updates and appreciation

Alivia Blanton
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
The Putnam County Charter School System (PCCSS) approved routine agenda items, recognized students and staff, and reviewed district initiatives on March 16 and 23, during scheduled bi-monthly meetings.At both meetings, board members approved the agenda without changes and received no public...
Putnam County students at all levels will soon benefit from the efforts of the relaunched Putnam Education Foundation. CONTRIBUTED

Putnam County students at all levels will soon benefit from the efforts of the relaunched Putnam Education Foundation. CONTRIBUTED

‘Putnam Proud’ motivates Putnam Education Foundation

News Staff
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
The Putnam County Charter School System (PCCSS) Foundation announced early this month that it has officially relaunched as the Putnam Education Foundation (PEF).Originally established in 2019, PEF underwent a strategic evolution to better serve as the premier philanthropic partner for PCCSS.
Putnam County Charter School System board members, including (l-r) Charles Trumbo, Simone Jones, Doris Clemons, Chairman Steve Weiner, and Vice Chair Carol Ann Guthrie display their 2025 Exemplary Board Recognition from the Georgia School Boards Association. CONTRIBUTED

Putnam County Charter School System board members, including (l-r) Charles Trumbo, Simone Jones, Doris Clemons, Chairman Steve Weiner, and Vice Chair Carol Ann Guthrie display their 2025 Exemplary Board Recognition from the Georgia School Boards Association. CONTRIBUTED

PCCSS celebrates teamwork and leadership

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
The Putnam County Charter School System (PCCSS) recognized exceptional service, teamwork, and leadership during its recent board meeting, held at Putnam County Primary School (PCPS) on the same night students and teachers presented their annual Christmas show.The event highlighted the impact of...
District Teacher of the Year Sharon Creek, alongside Superintendent Derick Austin, holds up the Teacher of the Year plaque, where her name will soon be engraved. BAILEY BALLARD/Staff

District Teacher of the Year Sharon Creek, alongside Superintendent Derick Austin, holds up the Teacher of the Year plaque, where her name will soon be engraved. BAILEY BALLARD/Staff

PCCSS posts policy updates, reports score improvements

Bailey Ballard
Thursday, November 20, 2025
The Putnam County Board of Education hosted its monthly board meeting to recognize students and staff and to hear updates on CCRPI scores and incoming board policy changes.The meeting began with PCCSS Superintendent Derick Austin recognizing Chance Farley, Mia Lopez, Parker Coleman, and Jordyn...
Sharon Creek - Putnam County High School

Sharon Creek - Putnam County High School

PCCSS honors Teachers of the Year

News Staff
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
The Putnam County Charter School System recently named its Teachers of the Year for 2025-26.PCHS Teacher of the Year and 2025-26 District Teacher of the Year, Sharon CreekSharon Creek is a dedicated educator whose passion for teaching and serving students is rooted in a lifelong journey of personal...
Putnam County Charter School System Superintendent Derick Austin gave a detailed accounting of the organization’s latest budget on Monday, with another similar meeting to come at 5 p.m., Aug. 18, at the Board of Ed building in Eatonton. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Putnam County Charter School System Superintendent Derick Austin gave a detailed accounting of the organization’s latest budget on Monday, with another similar meeting to come at 5 p.m., Aug. 18, at the Board of Ed building in Eatonton. IAN TOCHER/Staff

PCCSS superintendent Austin addresses $54-million budget

Ian Tocher
Thursday, August 14, 2025
The Putnam County Charter School System (PCCSS) Board of Education held a pair of public education meetings on Monday about its Fiscal Year 2026 budget, with about a dozen citizens attending each time.PCCSS Superintendent Derick Austin led each meeting at the PCCSS building on Old Glenwood Springs...
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