Thomaston-Upson Schools

08/14/2026

Let’s hear it for Cason Waddell! #1 in the state right now for his weight class!!

08/13/2026

💜🖤 Join us for our first Parent and Family Engagement District Meeting of the school year- “Teaming Up for Student Success” 💜🖤

When: Monday, August 24th
Who: Parents from grades Pre-K through 12th Grade who Want to be More Involved
Where: Upson-Lee Fine Arts Center
Session Options:
• Morning: 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
• Evening: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
(Choose the time that works best for you!)

This is a parent informational meeting designed to strengthen the connection between home and school. Come learn more about how we can support one another throughout the year.

Drawing for Attendees ➡️
All attendees will be entered into a prize drawing- because your presence matters! You will have the chance to win one of 15 Knights spirit wear items we are giving away! 💜🖤

08/13/2026

Every Day Matters. Every Student Counts.

The Georgia Department of Education continues to emphasize the importance of student attendance and the impact that being in the classroom each day has on student success.

Thomaston-Upson County Schools is proud to join the Georgia Department of Education in promoting strong student attendance and raising awareness about the effects of missed instructional time.

Regular attendance helps students stay connected, keep pace academically, build positive relationships, and develop habits that contribute to long-term success. Even a few missed days can add up over the course of the school year.

We encourage our families to take a few moments to review the two attached resources from the Georgia Department of Education, which provide helpful definitions related to attendance as well as important data showing how absences can impact students.

When students are in school, they have the best opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.

Let’s work together to make attendance a priority for every student, every day!

08/12/2026

Thomaston-Upson County Board of Education Appoints Dr. Walton Jeffrey “Jeff” Kelly as Deputy Superintendent

The Thomaston-Upson County Board of Education unanimously approved the appointment of Dr. Walton Je...

08/11/2026

08/07/2026

Preparing for a Successful School Year!

On Thursday, instructional coaches from across Thomaston-Upson County Schools came together for a day of professional learning, collaboration, and planning as we prepare for another great school year.

Instructional coaches play a vital role in the success of our schools every day. They serve as trusted partners and mentors to teachers, providing non-evaluative support that helps strengthen classroom instruction. By modeling effective teaching strategies, analyzing student data, leading professional learning, and helping teachers implement research-based practices, our instructional coaches make a direct impact on student achievement.

We appreciate the dedication and leadership of these outstanding educators as they work behind the scenes to support our teachers and ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed. Here's to a fantastic 2026-2027 school year!

08/07/2026

Why the Board is considering a millage rate increase: keeping our schools safe

Thomaston-Upson families, we want to be direct with you about where the district stands, starting with our top priority: keeping students and staff safe.

The Board has given tentative approval to a two-mill increase in the property tax millage rate. The clearest reason is safety. Our school resource officer program and secure entry systems cost about $450,000 a year, and state safety grants cover only $180,000 of that, leaving the district to absorb roughly $270,000 on its own. That is not a cost we believe should ever be the first thing cut.

Beyond safety, the district is also closing a broader budget gap that has existed since 2021. This follows a full year of cuts, including $1.5 million in new savings for next year, that weren't enough on their own. Much of the remaining pressure comes from costs we don't control locally: state health insurance and retirement rates for our employees are rising sharply again this year, and a decade of enrollment decline means less state funding even though our fixed costs haven't gone down.

For homeowners, the state's Homestead Tax Relief Grant will help offset part of the impact, an estimated $264 in savings if the Board sets the rate at 14.68 mills, though it doesn't cover the full increase for everyone.

The Board will hold three public hearings before making a final decision: 7:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Tuesday, August 25, and 6 p.m. on Tuesday, September 1, when the Board is expected to formally set the rate. We encourage you to attend, ask questions, or share your thoughts at any of these. Questions are also welcome anytime through the Office of the Superintendent.

With gratitude,

Dr. Tret Witherspoon, Superintendent

Send a message to learn more

08/06/2026

Applications are now open for State School Superintendent Richard Woods' 2026-2027 Student Advisory Council!

The Student Advisory Council gives Georgia students a direct voice in statewide education discussions. Members meet with Superintendent Woods throughout the school year, provide feedback on education policies, serve as student ambassadors, and complete a community service project.

This year, applications are open to Georgia public school students in grades 10-12 (including charter and virtual students). To broaden student voice, Superintendent Woods will also invite two homeschool students and two private school students to participate.

Learn more and apply: gadoe.org/studentadvisory

08/06/2026

All Thomaston-Upson Schools have returned to their normal schedules.
Earlier today, district officials and local law enforcement responded to a reported threat. Appropriate safety procedures were immediately implemented at all schools while the situation was investigated.
Following a thorough assessment, no school was found to be under a credible threat, and all campuses have been determined to be safe. As a result, normal school operations have resumed.
The safety and security of our students and staff will always remain our highest priority. We appreciate the quick response of our school administrators, staff, and our law enforcement partners.
Thank you to our students, parents, staff, and community for your patience, understanding, and cooperation throughout today's response.

Send a message to learn more

08/06/2026

All Thomaston-Upson Schools are currently on lockdown as a precaution, following an incident at Upson Lee High School. This is a district-wide protective measure. All students and staff across every campus are safe and following standard safety procedures. Law enforcement is [on scene / has been notified] and we are working closely with them.

Please do not come to any school campus at this time, as this can interfere with safety procedures and first responder access. We will update you as soon as we have more information. Thank you for trusting us with your children’s safety.

Send a message to learn more