Oglethorpe County Schools

Phillip Powell talks to parents and teachers outside the Oglethorpe County School District on March 10, 2026, in Lexington. (Photo/Sydney Shankman)

Phillip Powell talks to parents and teachers outside the Oglethorpe County School District on March 10, 2026, in Lexington. (Photo/Sydney Shankman)

Board of Education names superintendent finalist

Sydney Shankman
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
The Oglethorpe County Board of Education named Phillip Powell as the sole finalist for superintendent on Tuesday.  Powell will replace Beverley Levine on July 1, pending the approval of his contract at the BOE’s work session on March 31, Board Chair Becky Soto said. “Ms.
Oglethorpe County Assistant Superintendent Kanya Cornish said the school system is constantly reviewing trends — called “data digs” — to improve curriculum and test scores. Enrollment in AP classes has also increased. (Photo/Cassidy Hettesheimer)

Oglethorpe County Assistant Superintendent Kanya Cornish said the school system is constantly reviewing trends — called “data digs” — to improve curriculum and test scores. Enrollment in AP classes has also increased. (Photo/Cassidy Hettesheimer)

Teachers, students find what works as schools boost their curriculum

Drew Bearden and Ella Jones
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
Oglethorpe County teachers say the clearest progress in student learning this year hasn’t come from a single test score, but from the way the classrooms have changed.
Students in kindergarten through fifth grade sit on the gymnasium floor before walking to home rooms on the first day of school at Oglethorpe County Elementary School. The 2025-26 school year started on Friday in Oglethorpe County. (Photo/Anna Izquierdo)

Students in kindergarten through fifth grade sit on the gymnasium floor before walking to home rooms on the first day of school at Oglethorpe County Elementary School. The 2025-26 school year started on Friday in Oglethorpe County. (Photo/Anna Izquierdo)

Photos: School's Back!

Anna Izquierdo
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
A new post office building opened in Stephens on July 10. (Submitted Photo)

A new post office building opened in Stephens on July 10. (Submitted Photo)

Local Roundup: New post office open in Stephens

News Staff
Thursday, July 17, 2025
There’s a new post office building in Stephens. The U.S. Postal Service moved a new building onto the property, replacing the former building at 187 Railroad Road. The new facility opened on July 10, according to a statement received Tuesday.
Courtney Corbin moved into her role as the school resource officer for Oglethorpe County Elementary School and Oglethorpe County Middle School in March, prioritizing safety of the students and staff. “My main motivation was a desire to work with the kids,” she said. (Submitted Photo)

Courtney Corbin moved into her role as the school resource officer for Oglethorpe County Elementary School and Oglethorpe County Middle School in March, prioritizing safety of the students and staff. “My main motivation was a desire to work with the kids,” she said. (Submitted Photo)

New SRO prioritizes safety, relationships

Anna Izquierdo
Thursday, July 17, 2025
Courtney Corbin prioritizes safety in the Oglethorpe County School System and hopes to be a positive influence in students’ lives.  “My goal is to be seen more as a trusted partner instead of just someone in a law enforcement uniform,” Corbin said.

Levine named incoming Rotary Club president

Anna Izquierdo
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Beverley Levine has a passion for the Rotary Club and a strong commitment to helping the club grow.  With a decrease in membership due to “aging” members, Levine said the club was “in danger of folding,” leading her to step into the role of president, starting in July.
Growing up in Oglethorpe County shaped how OCHS grads Shane Watson (clockwise from top left), Jayda Jones, Ben Beasley, Macie McDaniel, Nick Orlowsky and Mathew Soto approach life. They look back with fondness of their time in the county and in the school system. (Submitted Photos)

Growing up in Oglethorpe County shaped how OCHS grads Shane Watson (clockwise from top left), Jayda Jones, Ben Beasley, Macie McDaniel, Nick Orlowsky and Mathew Soto approach life. They look back with fondness of their time in the county and in the school system. (Submitted Photos)

Where are they now: Former grads forge their paths beyond OCHS

Lucy Grey Shields
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
A high school diploma was just the starting point for these Oglethorpe County graduates.  From college to internships to early career experiences, they’re finding their footing beyond OCHS and the county.
Oglethorpe Echo social logo

Oglethorpe Echo social logo

BOE approves literacy coach, personnel for new school year

Lucy Grey Shields
Wednesday, March 12, 2025
The Oglethorpe County Board of Education approved personnel recommendations for the 2025-2026 school year during its Tuesday meeting, including a new literacy coach for the elementary school.Rebecca Crook will take the role of instructional literacy coach at OCES.