Chattanooga, TN — Hamilton County Schools (HCS) welcomed over 350 staff, community members, and local leaders to the annual State of the System address held at Red Bank High School. Attendees included Mayor Weston Wamp, members of the Hamilton County Board of Education, HCS Staff, and community partners, all gathered to celebrate a year of progress and student success.
Students from the Superintendent’s Student Leadership Council hosted the event, leading the audience through celebrations of the district from the past year. The program focused on major highlights, including Advancing District Designation, the highest graduation rate in district history, strong retention of effective educators, and a continued commitment to student connection and belonging.
Throughout the presentation, students introduced each segment, joined by district leaders, teachers, and classmates who shared real examples of how this work is showing up every day across the district.
During the Advancing District section, Clifton Hills Elementary Principal Lindsay Starnes and fifth-grade math teacher Alicia Young joined Superintendent Dr. Justin Robertson to discuss the district’s focus on coherence and flexibility. The conversation emphasized how clear instructional guardrails are driving consistent academic growth while empowering schools to meet the unique needs of their students.
The graduation rate segment featured three soon-to-be graduates sharing their journeys. Ooltewah High School senior Layla Romak will attend Johns Hopkins University on a full scholarship to study biomedical engineering, crediting her JROTC experience with building confidence. Sequoyah Technical High School (North River Future Ready Center) senior Paxton Hoskins highlighted how hands-on learning in the automotive institute connected his passion for racing to a future career. Brainerd
High School senior Makeleb Roshelle shared how his experiences at school, such as the cosmetology program, and support from staff helped him realize his potential as he looks ahead to his next step studying either computer science or psychology. While their paths look different, each story pointed to the same idea: earning a diploma opens doors.
The district’s commitment to educator support was highlighted through a discussion with teachers from The Howard School. Chandler Brooks-Davis shared her experience in the HCS mentorship program, highlighting how early support helped her grow into a teacher leader and mentor for others. She was joined by Kassidy Simmons and Griffen Zemek, who are Brooks-Davis’ current mentees. The segment underscored the district’s focus on professional growth, leadership pathways, and sustained classroom support.
The event concluded with a focus on student belonging. Dr. Robertson emphasized that while strong academics and outcomes are essential, connection is what makes the work possible. Red Bank High School senior Trae Cohens and Chattanooga Center for Creative Arts senior Lucy Finch shared personal stories of how relationships and school communities shaped their experiences, showcasing the impact of support systems inside and outside the classroom.
“I believe student belonging is what we do differently, and better, than other districts,” said Dr. Robertson.
“Our staff is committed to ensuring our students are seen and supported. This difference is why our students are succeeding, graduating, and accomplishing their goals. Because our schools have staff who not only believe in students, but help them to believe in themselves and champion them along the way.”
Dr. Robertson closed by thanking staff, families, and community partners for their continued commitment to students and called on the community to help share thestories of progress across the district.
“Ultimately, the future of Hamilton County starts here with public education,” said Dr.Robertson. “It’s more important than ever that our community continues to boldly support our students, educators, and schools. Great work is happening in Hamilton County Schools, and that starts with excellent educators and dedicated students, but it moves forward through the support of our entire community.”
Hamilton County Schools remains focused on making sure every student feels supported, connected, and ready for what comes next.
