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5 Reasons Etowah County Schools Just Earned Their Highest-Ever 'A' Grade: Key Updates For The 2025-2026 School Year

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The Etowah County School System (ECSS) is currently celebrating a historic academic achievement, marking a significant upward trend in educational excellence across the district. As of late December 2025, the district has secured its highest-ever rating on the Alabama State Department of Education’s (ALSDE) annual report card, a monumental feat that reflects dedicated work from students, teachers, and the entire community in Gadsden, AL. This success is not just a number; it represents a fundamental shift in instructional quality and student support that is setting the stage for an even more rigorous 2025-2026 school year.

The latest updates from the Etowah County Board of Education (ECBOE) and Superintendent Alan Cosby confirm a period of dynamic change, focusing on academic rigor, safety enhancements, and new student policies. From a landmark 'A' grade to a major shift in the Wireless Communication Device Policy, parents and stakeholders need to be fully informed about the initiatives shaping the future of education in Etowah County, Alabama.

The Historic 'A' Grade: Etowah County Schools' Academic Profile and Leadership

The academic landscape of Etowah County has been officially redefined. In a major announcement in November 2025, Etowah County Schools earned a 90—an 'A' grade—on the Alabama State Report Card. This score represents the highest achievement in the district’s history and places ECSS among the top-performing public school districts in the state. The score is based on several key metrics, including student achievement, academic growth, and college and career readiness indicators.

The district serves approximately 8,714 students from Pre-K through 12th grade, with a focus on providing an equitable, nurturing, and safe environment for all learners. The leadership team, guided by Superintendent Alan Cosby and the ECBOE, has been instrumental in driving this success. Recent leadership continuity was highlighted by the November 2025 Board meeting, where Board President Tim Womack and member Amanda Johnson continued to lead discussions on critical district matters, including the responsible use of public funds.

Key Academic and Demographic Entities:

  • District Headquarters: Gadsden, AL
  • Superintendent: Alan Cosby
  • Chief School Financial Officer (CSFO): Susan Bishop (responsible for accountability reports and financial oversight)
  • Student Enrollment: Approximately 8,714 students
  • Landmark Achievement: 90/A on the Alabama State Report Card (2024-2025 data)
  • Key Assessment: Performance on the Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program (ACAP), with reading scores being a major focus as of June 2025.

Major Policy Overhaul: The 2025-2026 Cell Phone Ban (FOCUS Act Compliance)

Perhaps the most significant change impacting the daily lives of students starting with the 2025-2026 school year is the implementation of a new, strict policy on the use of personal electronic devices. In compliance with the state's new FOCUS Act, Etowah County Schools is banning the use of cell phones and other wireless communication devices during the instructional day across all its schools.

This move is part of a statewide effort to minimize distractions, improve student focus, and enhance academic performance, directly supporting the goal of maintaining the district’s high 'A' grade. The policy aims to reclaim valuable class time that is often lost to non-educational technology use. Schools like Southside High School and Sardis Middle School are preparing communication plans to ensure all parents and students understand the new regulations before the next academic year begins.

The new Wireless Communication Device Policy is designed to create a more immersive learning environment. While the specifics of storage and emergency contact protocols are detailed in official district documents, the core message is clear: devices must be out of sight and unused from the first bell to the last. This commitment to focused learning is a primary factor in the district’s recent academic growth.

Safety, Community, and Calendar Updates for Etowah County Families

Beyond academics and policy, the Etowah County Schools district continues to prioritize student safety and community partnerships. Recent updates highlight the ongoing commitment to a secure and supportive educational environment.

1. Enhanced School Safety Measures

In a tangible display of community support for safety, Gadsden Regional Medical Center (GRMC) announced in December 2025 a donation of emergency response backpacks to the Etowah County schools. This initiative provides critical resources directly to school staff, ensuring they are better equipped to handle a variety of emergency situations. The focus on immediate, on-site response capabilities is a key part of the district’s comprehensive safety strategy, providing peace of mind to the communities served by schools like Carlisle Elementary and Duck Springs Elementary.

2. The 2025-2026 School Calendar Snapshot

Families planning for the upcoming year should note the official calendar dates. The most recent confirmed closure is the Winter Break 2025-2026, which runs from December 22, 2025, through January 6, 2026. Teachers will return on January 5, with students resuming classes on January 6. This schedule is crucial for planning and reflects the standard calendar for the Public School District.

3. Financial Accountability and Future Investment

While specific facility upgrade details for 2025-2026 are continually being reviewed, the district maintains a strong focus on financial transparency. The office of CSFO Susan Bishop makes accountability reports available upon request, demonstrating the ECBOE's commitment to responsible use of state and local education funding. The district’s financial health is directly tied to its ability to invest in new curricula, technology, and facility maintenance, all of which are essential components for sustaining the 'A' grade and improving the College and Career Ready Performance Index.

The combination of top-tier academic performance, a commitment to focused learning through the new cell phone policy, and strong community-backed safety initiatives positions Etowah County Schools for continued success. The district’s current trajectory is a testament to the effectiveness of its leadership and the dedication of the entire Etowah County, Alabama educational ecosystem.

etowah county schools al
etowah county schools al

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