Putnam County Charter School System

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 bonuses.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Members of the Putnam County High School Key Club, including President Carolyn Thomas (in pink, back of center “0”) pay tribute to the Eatonton Kiwanis’ 100th year of service to local communities. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Members of the Putnam County High School Key Club, including President Carolyn Thomas (in pink, back of center “0”) pay tribute to the Eatonton Kiwanis’ 100th year of service to local communities. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Putnam County Kiwanis celebrates century mark

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, March 26, 2025
The Putnam County Kiwanis Club joined members of the Kiwanis’ Key Club at Putnam County High School on Friday morning to celebrate 100 years of service by Kiwanis within the county.
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