The first 25 years

 

An organization called Future Stock (which would later be re-named Griffin-Spalding Partners in Education - PIE) began in 1982 in response to the Griffin-Spalding Chamber of Commerce’s expressed need for its business members to work closer with the Griffin-Spalding County School System. 

 

The 1983 A Nation at Risk report magnified this need and strongly articulated a case for reforms in public education including higher standards for graduates. U.S. businesses were alarmed about the lack of preparation of its work force as the economy changed from primarily manufacturing-based to service-based. 

 

In response to this need, Griffin-Spalding PIE built partnerships between schools and businesses to strengthen and support student academic achievement and to ensure graduation from high school and the procurement of better paying jobs.

 

• In 1999 the Partners in Education Board of Directors created a new organization, the Griffin-Spalding Education Foundation, as a vehicle to accept financial gifts to the Griffin-Spalding County School System.
• In 1995 the Georgia Economic Developers Association recognized the work of Griffin-Spalding Partners in Education with the T.E.R.R.I.F.I.C. Award for School to Work Partnerships for outstanding achievement in College/University Education
  
  
• In 1999 the Griffin-Spalding Chamber of Commerce recognized the work of PIE with the Outstanding Organization of the Year Award.

 

• In 2001 the state Award of Excellence in School Public Relations was given to PIE and the school system for the Realtors Back to School Tour.

 

• In 2006 the National School Public Relations Association recognized the partnership’s Local and State Government Leadership Tour of the Schools with its Golden Achievement Award.

 

• Over 14 years, PIE distributed over $69,000 to classrooms in the Griffin-Spalding County School System. 

 

Currently, 215 Partners in Education are involved in 278 partnerships through PIE. These partnerships are instrumental in recognizing students’ academic achievement and supporting students graduating from high school.