About 50 people took a whirlwind tour last week of five campuses in the Hall County School District.
Superintendent Will Schofield said the instructional bus tour was a way to show community, business and government leaders how their education dollars are working.
"This was an initiative that came from our [school] board," Schofield said. "Our board is always looking for ways to do a better job of communicating to the individuals who live here in Hall County what type of programs we're offering, how we're spending their resources and what their schools look like."
The tour showcased top programs of the school system, but Schofield said the main goal wasn't just to show off; he said the board wanted feedback, too.
"From my perspective - more importantly - is to get individuals with different perspectives to look at our practices, look at our programs and give us some ideas. The only way you get better is by seeking input."
Schofield said each participant in the tour would receive an evaluation survey. The results of those surveys will be compiled and then reviewed by school board members and administrators.
Schofield said there have been bus tours in the past, but it had been a few years since the last one. He said he's hoping the instructional tour can become an annual event.
INSTRUCTIONAL BUS TOUR 2016 ITINERARY
Participants were able to visit classrooms, talk to students and participate in classroom activities at each of the following schools during the October 19 instructional tour.
~Academies of Discovery
~Early College @ Jones
~Flowery Branch High School
~Lyman Hall Elementary
~Lanier Charter Career Academy
Chris Mitas (far left) not only is the Executive Chef at the Bistro at the Oaks, but also he is an instructor who teaches students interested in the hospitality industry. The program is just one element of Lanier Career Academy's curriculum.
These students from Lyman Hall Elementary School served as tour guides for the guests on the Hall County Schools Instructional Bus Tour.
Local businessman Perry Barnett listens to a student read aloud at Lyman Hall Elementary School.
These two students at Lyman Hall Elementary School explain to former Gainesville Mayor Myrtle Figueras why they like to spend to part of their day reading.
These Flowery Branch High School students are making a chair out of cardboard without any tape, staples or other attachments. Part of the requirement? The chair has to be able to support the weight of their teacher.
AP Biology students use 3-D pens to create model cells at Flowery Branch High School.
Hall County School Board Chairman Nath Morris (center) tries his hand at a virtual reality experience at Flowery Branch High School.
High school students at the new Early College@Jones talk about what they like about taking college classes as part of their regular school day.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2016/10/460605/hall-county-school-board-shows-off-fives-campuses-on-bus-tour-asks-for-community-feedback