Long County School System Superintendent Dr. Robert Waters has received the President’s Award from the Georgia School Superintendent’s Association.

Long County Board of Education Chairwoman Janet Watford made that announcement during a special ceremony Wednesday. She said that to be selected for this award, a superintendent has to demonstrate outstanding leadership in their school system and the community.

“His leadership of our entire system is to be commended, and we are proud of his recognition by the Georgia School Superintendent Association,” Watford said. “His transparency in providing information to board members and the community attests to his beliefs of remaining focused on the needs of the students in Long County.”

Waters, who was visibly surprised by the announcement, thanked Watford for the recognition and said the award is a reflection of the hard work from all of the members of the education team in Long County.  

He also thanked the board, the community, employees and students.

“All of you have made me receiving this very easy,” Waters said.

During Waters’ time as superintendent, Watford told other board members, the school system has received an additional $26.7 million from state and federal funding. She also said that despite the growth in Long County, the millage rate has stayed at 13.5.

Watford said Waters was nominated for the award by Dr. Whit Myers, executive director for the 1st District Regional Educational Service Agency, RESA. Myers also offered a lot of praise for Waters.

“Dr. Waters listens and observes, consistently making decisions in the best interests of students and staff; he exhibits great patience and concern in dealing with those he leads,” Myers said. “However, when circumstances require grit and resolve, he brings those to bear but without discarding empathy and compassion.”

In addition to working for the people in Long County, Myers said, Waters also serves as the chairman of the 1st District RESA Board of Control, supporting and mentoring his fellow superintendents and colleagues across the state.

“As a fellow educator, it has certainly been a pleasure working with Dr. Waters and his leadership team,” Watford said. “He has done an excellent job representing our school system in the community as well as at the state level.”