FINAL - Pages - CCSD Magazine FY25 - Flipbook - Page 37
THE FUTURE // 35
FOSTERING ENGAGEMENT
Colquitt County School District successfully completed the latest session of the Volunteer Instructional Leadership
Learning Academy (VILLA), a six-month immersion program for parent and community representatives from each
district school. Developed in partnership with the Georgia School Board Association (GSBA), the program is led by
Superintendent Dan Chappuis and district administrators.
The VILLA program aimed to expose parents to the complexities of district operations and governance,
strengthening the relationship between the district and its families.
School Board Governance
Teaching and Learning
Facilities and Budgets
Human Resources
“VILLA is a powerful way to educate our parents on the operations
of our school district while creating space for meaningful dialogue
and feedback. The feedback we receive from our families helps us
grow stronger.” – Dan Chappuis, Superintendent
School Safety and Student Services
A highlight of the program was a tour of current ESPLOST facilities projects, including the new 9th-grade addition
at the high school, the agricultural facility, the expansion at Willie J. Williams Middle School, and the removal of
outdated building at C.A. Gray Junior High. Parent representative Krysta Porteus praised the experience: "District
leaders provided transparent information, allowing VILLA parents to see the many facets of running a school district.
As I finish the program, I walk away feeling very confident in our school district leadership, knowing they are
planning what is best for students and maximizing every available resource."
The 2024-2025 VILLA Participants included: Amanda Rojo Dominguez, Chad Walden, Lichina Hill, Lisa Marie
Stephens, Leanne Chafin, Emma Esparza, Davida Foard, Jose Rodriguez, Corey Shiver, Natalie Davis, Krysta
Porteus, Sitarra Thomas, Ross Dekle, and Brad Lofton.
