VILLA (Volunteer Instructional Leadership Learning Academy)
VILLA Class of 2023
VILLA (Volunteer Instructional Leadership Learning Academy) provides parents an opportunity to learn more about public schools in their local communities! VILLA began as an initiative of the Georgia School Boards Association "to equip parent volunteers and community leaders to confidently navigate the school system."
Oconee County Schools launched its VILLA Parent Academy in 2019.
Scroll below to see members of the inaugural VILLA Class of 2019.
Two parent-leaders from each of OCS' 12 schools are invited by school principals to participate in this annual experience. These 24 parents commit to a free, six-session experience. The interactive sessions cover the following topics:
Overview of the School System
Board Governance
Teaching and Learning
Business Services
Communications
Human Resources
Operations
Student Services
There are four sessions held in the Central Office that cover the aforementioned topics. The fifth session is a field trip to two schools (which change each year) and the sixth session is a graduation dinner with board members. Following graduation, program graduates may be requested to continue to provide feedback to the school system on a variety of topics.
The inaugural VILLA cohort (Class of 2019) was comprised of the following parent leaders:
Deanne Rosso, Oconee County Primary Natalie Sams, Oconee County Primary Brandy Hale, Colham Ferry Elementary Alex Pershka, Colham Ferry Elementary Paige Hayes, Dove Creek Elementary Kim Heath, Dove Creek Elementary Katie Collins, High Shoals Elementary Jennifer Koberger, High Shoals Elementary Tiffany Carter, Malcom Bridge Elementary Kate Morgan, Malcom Bridge Elementary Katie Castleberry, Oconee County Elementary Kate Gelsthorpe, Oconee County Elementary Madonna Poole, Rocky Branch Elementary Monica Wesolowski, Rocky Branch Elementary Beatrice Howard, Malcom Bridge Middle Tammy Rumpf, Malcom Bridge Middle Rebecca Bishop, Oconee County Middle Robin Mayo, Oconee County Middle Heather Kincaid, North Oconee High Leigh Morris, North Oconee High Amie Dunford, Oconee County High Joanne Frantz, Oconee County High
Thank you to all who provided their time and support!