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Tabitha Lewis recently was named the executive director for Communities In Schools (CIS) of Troup County.

Prior to joining CIS, Lewis served in various positions with the state of Georgia, including the most recent as a supported employment monitor specialist with the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. Prior to that, she spent eight years with the Department of Labor/Vocational Rehabilitation.

In addition to her tenure with the state, Tabitha was also a member of the prevention staff for the 100 Black Men of West Georgia as well as a probation officer with Troup County Juvenile Court.

CIS officials plan to continue a strong presence of CIS in the local school system and the work of site coordinators in all three middle schools. Site coordinators implement the CIS model by providing customized local services that help students improve academic achievement, which helps the school district increase graduation rates.

CIS officials said that every dollar invested in CIS of Troup County created $12.70 of economic benefit for the community while serving high school students. CIS of Troup County looks forward to strategically restoring services to elementary and high schools in the future as funding and opportunity permits.

“We are excited about the direction of CIS of Troup County with site coordinators in middle schools to help the school district increase graduation rates and looking forward to Tabitha leading the way,” Rod Davis, board chair said.

Communities In Schools is the nation’s leading dropout prevention organization. CIS partners with local school districts and community organizations to connect resources and services to kids at-risk of dropping out and their families.

In Troup County, Communities In Schools serves three middle schools and more than 1,500 students. Key programs include case management services through site coordinators, mentoring, AmeriCorps Reading Tutorial program and a summer enrichment program.

For more information, visit www.cistroup.org or call 706-298-7121.