Welcome to the 2022-2023 school year! We are excited to serve you, your children, and the Carthage community.

We were presented with many unique challenges over the last few years. With pride, perseverance, and community spirit, we met those challenges and are stronger now than ever. As we head into the 2022-2023 school year, our primary goal is to continue safely providing face-to-face educational opportunities. Adjustments might be required to ensure we reinforce healthy practices among students and staff. To accomplish this, we will lean on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Jasper County Health Department. However, we plan to make our school experiences as normal as possible.

At Carthage R-9, each child is provided a quality education with the opportunity to take advantage of multiple academic programs. We are devoted to “Inspiring Excellence” in each student and making decisions by focusing on children’s best interest. We consider the trust parents and the community place in us challenging but also rewarding, and promise to do our best to ensure we achieve excellence.

We continue to be the “destination district” to many parents and staff. The reasons are many, but a few of them are:

• Teachers, staff and administrators care about the education of each child and are dedicated to their learning.
• Outstanding programs that give our students the opportunity to reach their full potential and personal goals, leading them to make meaningful educational and career choices.
• Opportunities for students to participate in athletics and activities, an integral component of the school experience. Parents and patrons are highly active and involved in the Carthage R-9 School District through our volunteer programs, as well as school and district committees.
• Strong community support demonstrated by the many construction projects completed during the past 10 years. Carthage High School, South Tech Center, Early Childhood Center, Intermediate Center, David Haffner Stadium, the tennis court complex, Carthage Junior High and 6th Grade Center remodel projects, and Tiger Activity Center are examples of building projects funded through donations or the local tax levy. Additionally, tornado shelters were added to the five elementary schools and a donated building was remodeled to accommodate the Beacon Autism Center and the Administration building. Most recently, the strong community support was demonstrated by the passage of a no tax rate increase bond that will result in the expansion of the South Tech Center and remodel North Tech Center. The expansion, scheduled to open in August, will result in additional programs to prepare students and adult learners for the future.

Great things occur every day in our district. We believe Carthage children receive a challenging, rigorous, and demanding education second to none. We appreciate the support of our community and look forward to a great school year.

Respectfully,
Superintendent Dr. Mark Baker
Carthage R-9 School District