Newton County School System will participate in a statewide celebration from March 10-14 to honor the dedicated efforts of our local school board members. In recognition of their invaluable contributions, the week of March 10-14, 2024, has been designated as School Board Appreciation Week in Georgia. This weeklong observance is aimed at highlighting the vital role played by local boards of education.
“Our school board members are the backbone of our school system, providing steadfast leadership and a deep commitment to student success. Their work extends far beyond board meetings; they are champions for our schools, ensuring that every decision reflects the best interests of our students, staff, and community,” said Superintendent Dr. Duke Bradley, III. “Their service is not just about governance—it’s about making a lasting impact on the future of Newton County.”
Bradley added, “As we celebrate School Board Appreciation Week, I want to personally thank each of our board members for their dedication, wisdom, and passion for education. They take on immense responsibilities—navigating complex issues, setting policies, and making decisions that shape the learning experiences of our students. Their leadership is essential to our district’s success, and I am grateful for their steadfast focus on ensuring that every child in Newton County Schools has access to a high-quality education.”
Recognizing the years of service, the individuals serving our school district are as follows:
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District 1, Mr. Trey Bailey, nine years;
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District 2, Mr. Eddie Johnson, sixteen years;
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District 3, Mrs. Shakila Henderson-Baker, fourteen years;
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District 4, Mr. Anderson Bailey, four years; and
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District 5, Mrs. Abigail Coggin, fourteen years.
As constitutional officers of Georgia, school board members shoulder the responsibility of formulating educational policies, hiring school personnel, providing infrastructure and equipment, managing transportation systems, and allocating school funds. Serving as advocates for children in local public schools, school board members, as community leaders, must carefully study, evaluate, and decide on actions that are in the best interest of the students.
The celebration is sponsored by the Georgia School Boards Association (GSBA), which is dedicated to ensuring excellence in the governance of local school systems by offering leadership, advocacy, and services while representing the collective resolve of Georgia’s 180 elected boards of education. For more information, please visit www.gsba.com.