CENTRE, Ala- Cherokee County’s Board of Education met Tuesday afternoon and highlighted several major milestones. All seven county schools have earned ENERGY STAR certification for 2025 — the first time the entire system has achieved the national energy-efficiency honor. Officials also reported more than 37 percent cost avoidance this year and said the district is on track to surpass four million dollars in net savings since the program began.

Superintendent Mike Welsh also announced the system’s highest-ever accountability score: an 88. Among Alabama’s 67 county systems, Cherokee County ranked seventh, with only one charter school statewide scoring higher.

The board approved several contracts, travel for the Sand Rock FFA chapter, and personnel items. Two longtime employees were recognized for retirement, including Gaylesville teacher Gail Williams with 46 years of service.

The system’s first early graduation ceremony is set for Friday, December 19th at 9 a.m. at Gadsden State. The next board meeting is January 12th.