MCS awarded $25,000 ‘Georgia Reads Community Award’ for exemplary literacy efforts

Marietta, GA—Marietta City Schools (MCS) has been named one of 10 recipients of the prestigious “Georgia Reads Community Award” for 2025. The recognition honors the district’s longstanding commitment to literacy and community collaboration. This year’s winners were officially announced during Georgia Reads Day, which was celebrated at the Georgia State Capitol on Tuesday, February 25. 

The award, given by the Georgia Council on Literacy, is designed to unify and empower Georgia’s literacy ecosystem by honoring communities with at least a three-year partnership and measurable improvements in reading outcomes. Each of the 10 awardees receives $25,000 to continue driving literacy efforts that benefit students and their families. 

“Securing this award is a public recognition of Literacy and Justice for All–a multiyear partnership between MCS and the United Way of Greater Atlanta, Rollins Center for Language and Literacy, Cobb Collaborative, Wellstar, and Learn4Life,” said MCS Chief Impact Officer Kim Blass. “This acknowledgment from the Georgia Council on Literacy underscores the transformative power of collaboration and reinforces our charge to develop innovative, inclusive literacy programs that benefit learners both inside and outside our classrooms.” 

The award funds will support co-curricular activities for kindergarten through third grade aligned with MCS’ newly adopted Wit & Wisdom curriculum, the creation of a Spanish-language Basics Trail at Tumlin Park with the Cobb Collaborative, and transportation for English-language learners attending the summer bridge program at the Emily Lembeck Early Learning Center in partnership with Los Niños Primero. 

“Literacy is the foundation of everything we do, and this recognition reflects the dedication of our teachers, students, and families,” said Superintendent Dr. Grant Rivera. “We’ve been intentional about ensuring every student reaches their fullest reading and writing potential. This is a testament to the collective effort of our schools and community.”

Along with statewide recognition, MCS will welcome Georgia Reads Coach Malcolm Mitchell to Marietta for a special MCS Reading Rally on April 1, where the community will celebrate the district’s dedication to nurturing a lifelong love of reading and learning. 

Addressing Marietta’s Literacy Needs 

According to the 2023–2024 Georgia Milestones, MCS showcased significant achievements and growth in literacy across the district. Following the release of Milestones scores, the latest data highlights the district’s leadership in establishing educational excellence and student progress. MCS currently leads the Metro Atlanta area in High Growth for the Student Growth Model and ranks 18th in Georgia.