The Liberty County School System is joining in a statewide celebration this week to salute the efforts of local school board members.

The week of March 13-17, 2023, 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 Dr. Franklin Perry, superintendent of Schools. “We are very fortunate to have school board members who are committed to reaching our system goals and improving student achievement. They spend countless hours fulfilling their responsibilities and working together to continually improve our education system.”

The men and women serving the school district are: Board Chair, At Large: Verdell Jones; Board Vice-Chair, District 5: Dr. Chanté Baker Martin; District 1: Lavonia LeCounte; District 2: Marcus Scott, IV; District 3: Carol Guyett; District 4: Natalie Hines; and District 6: Donita Strickland.

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.

For more information about the Liberty County Board of Education, visit www.liberty.k12.ga.us.

The Georgia School Boards Association (GSBA) sponsors this annual celebration. For more information, about GSBA visit www.gsba.com.