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Election 2018 candidate profile: Lily Baker
Incumbent seeks another term as school board chair
Lily Baker

Incumbent Lily Baker and challenger Scott Carrier are facing one another in the May 22 primary. 


Lily Baker

A former coach and teacher, Baker has been chairwoman of the Liberty County Board of Education since 2006. 

Reason for running: First of all, as a professional educator, serving in the education arena as a teacher and a coach in the Liberty County School System for 28 years, I retired after a total of 31 years consecutively. Having concerns for the future of our children, I decided to be silent no more. Therefore, in 2006 I was elected as school board chairman for the Liberty County School System.  Parents, teachers, administrators, lunchroom workers, custodians, bus drivers, and other support staff concerns are still my concerns.  They are embedded in my mind because I was at one time a part of the system.  

On the other hand, it is my desire to continue serving the children and other stakeholders of our community in the capacity as chairman of the Liberty County Board of Education.  I am committed to public education.

Furthermore, as a 12-year veteran of the board of education I know the key issues that our school district is facing.  1. Student safety is and will continue to be top priority for me as an educator, parent, and grandparent.  2. To continue enhancing the educational opportunities for the students Liberty County School System.  3. Adopt and support clear policies and procedures that will continue to support public relations between the community and the school district. 

Platform: It is my desire to help restore credibility to the school board, provide a safe environment that will be conducive for student learning and teaching to focus on achieving academic success through results-driven learning, and continue supporting reducing the local tax burden.

Educational background: 2006-18, training with the following associations: National School Board Association, Georgia School Board Association, Military Impacted Schools Association and National Association for Federally Impacted Schools. Masters of education from Cambridge College, Massachusetts. Bachelor of science in health and physical education, K-12, from Fort Valley State College.

Work experience: 12 years chairman of the Liberty County Board of Education, 31 years as a classroom teacher, department head, athletic director, and coach; taught elementary, middle and high school. Department head for 25-years at Hinesville Middle and Liberty County High; teacher support specialist; anatomy and physiology instructor; three-time region girls track coach of the year (2001, 2002, 2004); teacher evaluator for more than 20 years; athletic director for four years; coach, girls track and softball, nine years; dance team advisor for the Panther’s Marching Band. 

Honors, achievements: 1988-89 master teacher award; 1997 teacher of the year, Liberty County High School; 2001 and 2002 Georgia Athletic Coaches Region 2-AAAA coach of the year; 2004 Georgia Athletic Coaches Region 2-AAAA coach of the year; 2014 Georgia School Board quality board recognition.

Family: I am married to Henry C. Baker Jr. and we have been married for 40 years. Together we have five children, Genese and Michael Lane, Chandra and Richard Collier, and Lewis Richardson.  We have eight grandchildren, Christian, Cameron, Kiana, Lance, Logan, Brenae’, Richard, and Robinson.

Philosophy: My philosophy reflects my personal beliefs, qualities, and training.  An effective teacher is the result of a leader who makes things happen while helping students translate their dreams into reality.  A leader creates change by exhibiting personal characteristics and abilities, which inspires others to accomplish their own goals.  I am a firm believe that it is the duty of each generation to make the world a better place for the next generation. I will work to continue making Liberty County Schools one of the best if not the best in the world.  I will continue to serve effectively, efficiently and economically.  


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