News and Events

(AUGUSTA, GEORGIA) - The Richmond County School System has received a letter from the U.S. Department of Education regarding its review of 2023-24 Civil Rights Data Collection submissions. 

The following statement is from Superintendent Dr. Malinda Cobb: 

“Our community may have seen recent news regarding a U.S. Department of Education investigation involving the review of Civil Rights Data Collection submissions from selected school systems, including Richmond County. While we understand this news may raise questions, I want to reassure you that the safety and well-being of our students is our highest priority. Every student deserves to learn in a safe and secure environment, and every family deserves confidence that their child is cared for while at school. 

The Richmond County School System is one of 20 districts across Georgia and the nation to receive a letter from the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights regarding the  2023–2024 Civil Rights Data Collection submission. According to OCR, the review will examine certain reported data and whether our policies, procedures, and response to allegations involving sexual harassment and sexual assault are consistent with Title IX requirements. 

OCR's letter also states that the initiation of this review is not evidence of a violation of federal civil rights laws or regulations. The Office for Civil Rights has indicated it will conduct a neutral review to determine compliance, and we will fully cooperate throughout the process. 

The Richmond County School System takes all reports involving student safety and employee misconduct seriously. We follow established federal and state laws, Board policies, and administrative procedures when responding to concerns, and we cooperate with law enforcement, child protection agencies, and other appropriate authorities as required. 

We will continue to work collaboratively with state and federal officials throughout this review while remaining focused on serving our students and supporting our schools. 

We remain committed to providing safe and secure learning environments where every student can learn, grow, and thrive. Thank you for the trust you place in the Richmond County School System each day. We do not take that trust for granted, and we remain committed to earning it through our actions.” 

(AUGUSTA, GEORGIA) -  The Richmond County School System is reminding families to complete student registration, update annual contact information, and register for school bus transportation before the start of the 2026-27 school year.

Elementary school students will return to class on Wednesday, Aug. 5. Students attending K-8, middle, high, and magnet schools will begin classes Thursday, Aug. 6.

"We're asking every family to complete their annual update before school begins," said Deputy Superintendent of Operations Marcus Allen. "Our job is to make sure students arrive at school and return home safely each day. Completing your annual update gives us the information we need to plan bus service, communicate with families, and support the safe and secure learning environments our students deserve." 

Returning families can complete their annual update and bus registration through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. Step-by-step instructions are available at rcboe.org/busregistration.

Families enrolling new students or transferring into the school system can register online at rcboe.org/registration. Registration assistance is available in person or by phone at schools from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on weekdays through July 29.

Families who need in-person assistance may also complete registration during Open House. Elementary schools will host Open House from noon to 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 3. K-8, middle, high and magnet schools will host Open House on Tuesday, Aug. 4. Students who register during Open House will receive their class schedule at a later date.

(AUGUSTA, GEORGIA) - Four Richmond County School System (RCSS) libraries received the Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries Grant for the 2026-2027 school year. Their winning applications collectively brought $20,000 in private funding to their libraries. Out of thousands of national applicants, they were among only 220 schools chosen for their dedication to fostering student literacy. 
 
Tobacco Road Elementary School, Richmond Hill Elementary School, W.S. Hornsby Elementary School and Lucy C. Laney Comprehensive High School each independently earned a $5,000 award to modernize their campus print catalogs. To secure this highly competitive grant on their own merit, each school had to demonstrate acute financial need and submit a comprehensive, data-driven application detailing a clear plan to expand and diversify its book collections.

"It's truly an honor to receive this grant and be represented on the national stage,” said Susan Scarmoutzos, media specialist at W.S. Hornsby Elementary. “With these grant funds, our main goal is to strengthen our library collection, and to align the extra material we have in our libraries with the curriculum being taught."

Housed by the George W. Bush Institute in Dallas, the Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries supports school libraries across the country that have the greatest financial needs. Since its inception in 2002, the foundation has awarded $24 million to more than 4,200 schools nationwide, distributing over $1 million in total funding during the 2026 grant cycle alone. 

For Immediate Release: June 23, 2026

For media inquiries only, contact:  Haley Lacuesta, Director of Media and Public Relations, (706) 951-2674

 

Statement from the Richmond County Board of Education on the Passing of Board Member Walter H. Eubanks 

 

(AUGUSTA, GA) -- The Richmond County Board of Education is deeply saddened by the passing of Board Member Walter H. Eubanks, who faithfully represented District 3 and served the students, families, and employees of Richmond County with dedication and care. 

The following statement can be attributed to Shawnda Stovall, president of the Richmond County Board of Education:  

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to Mr. Eubanks’ family, friends, constituents, and all who had the privilege of serving alongside him. For more than 20 years, he devoted his time, leadership, and voice to advocating for public education and helping create opportunities for generations of students, first as a teacher and later as a member of the Richmond County Board of Education. His commitment to our community and his passion for serving others will be remembered with gratitude and respect. 

During this time of loss, we keep Mr. Eubanks’ loved ones in our thoughts and prayers. May they find comfort in the many lives he touched through his service and the lasting impact he made on behalf of Richmond County’s students and families.” 

 

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(AUGUSTA, GEORGIA) – The Richmond County School System (RCSS) is offering free meals this summer to children 18 years old and younger. The service will be available throughout the month of June at 20 locations across the school system.

“This program meets a real need in our communities,” says Cathy Johnson, Director of Nutrition Services. “Approximately one in five children in Georgia are food insecure, meaning they have limited or uncertain access to safe and nutritious food. The summer meals program helps ensure that children stay healthy during the summer and return to school ready to learn.”

The summer meals program runs at seventeen RCSS schools and three community sites from June 1 to June 30, with breakfast and lunch served on-site only. Meals are provided on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Most sites offer meal services Monday through Thursday, with select locations operating Monday through Friday. Please note that all meal service sites will be closed on Friday, June 19, in observance of the Juneteenth holiday.

For a full list of participating locations and mealtimes, please visit www.rcboe.org/summermeals or call the School Nutrition Office at (706) 826-1122.