Fayette County is the repeat winner of the Pacesetter Award, presented at the Georgia Council for Administrators of Special Education (GCASE). Executive Director Clemene Ramsey oversees Fayette's Exceptional Children's program.

The award recognizes excellence in six areas of achievement:

- Decreasing the number of students who drop out;

-Achieving a higher percentage of graduates with regular education diplomas;

-Educating students in the least- restrictive environment;

-Transitioning students to their desired postsecondary outcomes;

- Increasing percentage of students who meet or exceed state achievement standards;

-Reducing the gap in achievement between students with disabilities and their general education peers.

"We are grateful to you, your special education director, your staff, parents and community members of your Stakeholder's Committee. With continued efforts, we will see even greater gains for students with disabilities in the future," said Ida H. Love, deputy state superintendent for the office of curriculum and instruction at the Georgia Department of Education.