Citizens of Liberty County,

For the past 16 years, you, the citizens of the Liberty County, have supported me as chairman of the Liberty County School district, and for that, I say thank you.

After 47 years in public education, I have decided to not seek re-election. Thirty-one of my 47 years in public education was teaching students in elementary, middle and high school. Being elected in 2006 as the first African American school board chair and the first African American female school board chair was a very proud moment for me and our community; however, it was never about me. I ran for office to serve the citizens of Liberty County and make our school system better for our children. I leave knowing that our schools are in a better place.

I appreciate the support of my family and friends, who always encouraged me to do my very best. Thanks to my husband, Henry, for supporting and allowing me to serve 100%. Serving as chairman required many hours away for home, but not once did he complain.

With the support of my fellow board members, past and present, we have accomplished many goals set by the board of education. A special thanks to Mr. Charlie Frasier and the late Mr. Harold Woods for always finding time to accompany me to training conferences. They ensured that I would not travel by myself for safety reasons. I will never be able to repay them for their special support.

Thanks to my campaign committee for your hard work and support. I could not have done this without you.

I have had the opportunity to work with five different superintendents, each working to make our district the best. I wish to thank each of you for your hard work and dedication to the children of the LCSS. Superintendent Dr. Perry, thanks for being the calming spirit when the district needed direction in maintaining accreditation, guiding the district through the pandemic and for your continued efforts to make our district better. I appreciate your leadership as our Superintendent. Under your leadership, our graduation rate of 93.1% is the highest that it has ever been, and our dropout rate is the lowest in our school district’s history.

As your school board chairman, I have worked hard to ensure financial stability, develop governance standards, support leadership, encourage ongoing progressive education, and review and evaluate policy implementation. I have supported the safety of students and staff through enhancing entrance to our schools with a buzz-in system. All of which was done with the support of fellow board members.

For these reasons and many more, I endorse and support Mrs. Verdell Jones as our next school board chairperson. Mrs. Jones has proven that she is knowledgeable and qualified to serve as chair. She will continue to place the needs of our children first.

Please join me and vote Verdell Jones on May 24th, a proven leader for times such as these.

Lily H. Baker, Liberty County School Board Chair