On Tuesday, July 22, key education leaders from across the state gathered at Dalton State College for the Georgia Literacy Council meeting, hosted by State Representative Casey Carpenter and Dalton State President Dr. John Fuchko III.

Among the attendees were Mrs. Dayle Burns, Senator Billy Hickman, Effingham County Schools Superintendent Dr. Yancy Ford, Rincon Elementary teacher Carlette Fulcher, Richard Smith, and Dr. Bubba Longgear of South Georgia—all of whom are actively engaged in advancing literacy outcomes across the state.

The meeting featured updates from the Georgia Department of Education, the Georgia Professional Standards Commission, and the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning. Georgia Literacy Coach Sara Richards and the newly appointed Georgia Literacy Coach Coordinator, Stacey Lutz, delivered monitoring reports outlining the state’s progress in improving literacy.

A highlight of the meeting was a presentation by Believe Greater Dalton, which shared its comprehensive community-wide literacy initiative as a model for improving reading outcomes through collaboration and strategic planning.

Additionally, six statewide literacy working groups—Birth to Five, K–12, School Leadership, Teacher Preparation, Community, and Barriers to Learning—provided updates on their ongoing efforts and goals. These groups play a vital role in shaping policy recommendations and supporting schools and communities in creating strong literacy foundations for Georgia’s students.

The Georgia Literacy Council continues to serve as a driving force behind coordinated efforts to ensure all children in Georgia are on a path to reading proficiency.