In a short Tuesday board meeting, the Richmond County Board of Education celebrated community partnerships and student achievements but also faced a chilling report on child trafficking from local law enforcement.
Human Trafficking awareness
Sergeant Terry Gore, with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, spoke at the meeting and shared alarming statistics on child trafficking in the county.
Since 2023, 215 children (22 boys and 193 girls) have been trafficked locally, with victims as young as six.
“The average age for trafficking in the United States is 10,” Gore said. “We need to start talking to seven-year-olds in schools. These people are targeting them online.”
Gore said Georgia ranks fifth in the nation for human trafficking, and Richmond County leads the state in cases of child sex trafficking. He urged schools to allow more outreach and internet safety education.
District recognizes Textron partnership and student achievement
Following Sergeant Gore’s presentation, the board highlighted several recognitions:
- Textron Specialized Vehicles was honored for its 10-year partnership with the Reaching Potential Through Manufacturing (RPM) program, which provides at-risk students workforce experience while earning their diplomas. More than 400 students have graduated through RPM, with 150 hired full-time by Textron.
- School Nutrition Department Director, Cathy Johnson, recognized board members who volunteered as “celebrity servers” during National School Lunch Week.
- The 2025–2026 Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council was introduced, featuring student representatives from ARC, Glenn Hills, Westside, and other middle and high schools who will meet with Dr. Cobb throughout the year to share student perspectives.
- The board also honored the Transportation Department, which operates 208 buses serving nearly 18,000 students daily across 329 square miles of Richmond County.
Other business
The board approved several international student trips, including travel for Davidson Fine Arts, A.R. Johnson, and Hephzibah High students, and reviewed updates to district policies on student records and charter school petitions.
The next board meeting will take place on Nov. 18.
