Newton County School System (NCSS) is joining in a statewide celebration during the week of March 13-17 to salute the efforts of local school board members. The week of March 13-17, 2024, has been proclaimed School Board Appreciation Week in Georgia. The weeklong observance calls attention to the contributions of local boards of education.    

“Citizens elect board members to represent the community’s voice on education matters and to set the vision for the school district,” said Samantha Fuhrey, superintendent of Newton County Schools. “Our board spends countless hours fulfilling its responsibilities and working together to continually improve our education system. As the men and women citizens elect to represent them in education matters, local school boards represent a continuing commitment to local citizen control and decision-making in education.”

Fuhrey added, “We are very fortunate to have school board members who are deeply committed to improving student outcomes. Our school board members have truly supported our school system’s non-negotiable goals of increased student achievement and more effective teaching with our ultimate mission in mind—providing educational excellence for all students. Their number one concern has and always will be the children who attend Newton County’s public schools.”

The men and women serving our school district and their years of service are:

•      District 1, Mr. Trey Bailey, one year;
•      District 2, Mr. Eddie Johnson, eight years;
•      District 3, Mrs. Shakila Henderson-Baker, six years;
•      District 4, Mr. Almond Turner, 20 years; and
•      District 5, Mrs. Abigail Coggin, six years

As constitutional officers of Georgia, school board members are responsible for setting educational policies, employing school personnel, providing buildings and equipment, operating a transportation system and disbursing school funds. As community leaders, school board members serve as advocates for the children in local public schools and must study, evaluate and decide what actions are in the best interest of those students.

The Georgia School Boards Association (GSBA) sponsors the celebration. The mission of GSBA is to ensure excellence in the governance of local school systems by providing leadership, advocacy and services, and by representing the collective resolve of Georgia’s 180 elected boards of education. Please visit www.gsba.com for more information.