Dallas, GA — The Georgia Department of Education, in partnership with the Georgia Economic Developers Association (GEDA) and Georgia Power, has granted the Paulding County School District its prestigious Economic Development Partnership (EDP) designation for Fiscal Year 2026. PCSD is one of just six school districts statewide to receive the designation this year.
The EDP Designation recognizes school districts that demonstrate a strong and sustained commitment to workforce development by creating meaningful connections between education, business, and industry. Districts earning this distinction provide students in grades K-12 with experiences, opportunities, and career-focused programs that help prepare them for success in college, careers, and life after graduation.
“Earning the Economic Development Partnership Designation reflects our district’s commitment to preparing students for meaningful opportunities after graduation while supporting the workforce needs and continued economic growth of Paulding County,” said Superintendent Steve Barnette. “This recognition belongs not only to our schools and staff, but also to the business, industry, postsecondary, and economic development partners who work alongside us to create relevant, real-world opportunities for our students.”
As part of the review process, the Paulding County School District was evaluated in several key areas, including:
• The effectiveness of its CTAE Advisory Committees;
• The alignment and operation of its Work-Based Learning program;
• The development and application of employability skills;
• The alignment of career pathways with local and regional workforce needs;
• The culture of economic development and collaboration throughout the district and community.
PCSD hosted three site visits conducted by a team representing the Georgia Department of Education, the Georgia Department of Economic Development, and the Georgia Power Foundation. These visits provided an opportunity to showcase PCSD schools, CTAE programs, and, most importantly, strong partnerships with business and industry leaders throughout Paulding County.
“This achievement is a testament to the collaborative efforts of our educators, students, community leaders, and business partners who share a common vision of preparing our students to become the future workforce of Paulding County and beyond,” said Jana Stegall, PCSD’s Business and Community Relations Administrator.
PCSD’s successful application was developed by the EDP Planning team consisting of: Carole Pearson, former CTAE Assistant Director; Dr. Brittany Drumgold, current CTAE Assistant Director; Monica Rydza, Youth Apprenticeship/Work-Based Learning Coordinator; Mia Pressley, Georgia Power Workforce Development; and Tracy Hulsey, Project Manager Paulding County Economic Development.
The EDP designation is part of Georgia’s Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) program and lasts for five years. The six districts selected represent each of Georgia’s economic development regions and were celebrated at GEDA’s annual fall conference in Savannah on September 18.
According to the Georgia Department of Education, districts receiving the designation participated in a certification process that prepared them to adopt best practices and behaviors that support economic development and align education with key regional industries. EDP elevates the capacity of school systems to serve as essential partners in their communities’ business recruitment and expansion strategies and as catalysts for talent pipeline development.
For students, EDP promotes increased Work-Based Learning and Youth Apprenticeship opportunities, additional exposure to local business and industry, access to high-demand career opportunities, and career-relevant classroom content.
Since FY22, the Georgia Power Foundation has donated more than $130,000 in grant funds for districts pursuing the EDP designation, supporting externships and economic development activities.
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