Carroll County Schools was one of two stops in Georgia Monday, September 8, 2014, for the U.S. DOE Back to School Bus Tour. U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and other leading national education figures toured the nationally recognized 12 For Life program. Additionally, a group from the tour toured the Career College and Career Academy.

During the visit, Secretary Duncan discussed the changes in education and the challenges that accompany them, while highlighting the champions of reform-teachers, parents, community members, and others-who are leading the effort to improve education for all students. Secretary Duncan shared the departments commitment to supporting innovative programs like 12 For Life as they work outside the normal educational arena to help students succeed. Specific attention was given to the school system’s partnership with the Southwire Company to make 12 for Life possible. Secretary Duncan stated, “12 For Life is a national model that we need other school districts to consider in their efforts to improve their graduation rate and decrease dropout rates.”