News 12 at 6 o'clock, November 10, 2009

COLUMBIA CTY, Ga.---In today's economy, some local schools are looking for more support. Many are turning to business partnerships.

Cedar Ridge Elementary has had these partnerships since the school opened a few years ago. But now, teachers say without these businesses partnering for education, the school wouldn't be able to do as much as they'd like.

Teacher Kimberly Sams loves to congratulate her third grade students for a job well done. One of her favorite ways is through school celebrations, like pizza parties.

"They get excited. They actually get to celebrate with their friends their achievements," said Sams.

Those incentives don't come cheap, though. That's why Sams is also the school's chairperson for business partnerships. She doesn't know how the school would run without them.

"With the economy the way it is, and all the budget cuts that we have...we wouldn't have all the wonderful programs we have going on here," said Sams.

Business partners contribute in all kinds of ways. Cedar Ridge was able to get a marquee outside the school only because of contributions. And decorations for the school's Veteran's Day celebration were given by one of the partners.

Cedar Ridge had 26 partners total for all of last year, and the school has already passed that number this year, with 28.

The school system as a whole has seen increases as well. In the 2007-2008 school year, there were 250 partnerships. In 2008-2009, they had 378.

This year, with teachers furloughed two days, Sams says many partners want to treat the teachers. For example, Jon 'Ric Medical Spa Day Spa and Salon will host a banquet later this year.

"They should be appreciated because they are there at all times," says business owner Lucille Tiernan. "They are mother, teacher, everything to those kids while they're in that school teaching them."

Tuesday the school board had 16 partnerships to approve at their meeting. They've already approved 59 partnerships so far this year, and hope to beat the 378 from last year.

The Richmond County School System has similar business partnerships. The school board leaves it up to the schools to decide who to partner with.

In Aiken County, a non-profit group called Public Education Partners works with the community to gather resources and programs.