Board of Education honors Dr. Mark Scott in his final meeting as Superintendent of Schools 

PERRY — It marks the end of an era for the Houston County School District as they celebrated the retirement of a key figure at the most recent Board of Education meeting.

The board honored Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mark Scott for extensive service to the Houston County School District, as he is set to retire at the end of the month.  

Scott received a plaque that read, “In grateful appreciation for your leadership, vision and years of service dedicated to the Houston County Board of Education and the students of Houston County, Superintendent of Schools, 2014-2025.”

Scott also received a lazy susan constructed by the Fab Lab with an etching of the board office, a building he has worked at for 11 years.

“Hopefully, when he gets home and he sees this building, he’ll have lots of memories, special memories and good memories,” Board Chair Helen Hughes said. “Thank you again for all that you’ve done for our school system. I always say, ‘When a person leaves, you want to leave it better than when you came,’ and he can certainly say that.”

The Board also heard from visitors, including Matt Arthur Primary, Pearl Stephens Elementary, Perry High School and Tucker Elementary. Each school principal brought their Teacher of the Year and their star students. 

“We always look forward to meeting our students and staff members throughout the school year, hearing about our accomplishments and hearing about the things you are learning in school and the activities you’re participating in,” Hughes said. “Thank you so much for the good examples that you’re setting for others. We appreciate all of you being here today.” 

The Board then recognized the Houston County Sharks for winning the State Championship in basketball and football. 

“[The Sharks] are certainly one of the groups that we’re most proud of, who continues to shine every year,” Scott said, who also received a token of the Sharks’ appreciation with a football signed by each member of the team. 

FCCLA State Winners from Bonaire Middle, Feagin Mill Middle, Perry Middle, Warner Robins Middle, Northside High, Perry High and Veterans High School were celebrated in the meeting, along with a Technology Students Association State Winner from Mossy Creek Middle School. 

In board comments, Dr. Mark Ivory read a passage from the famous Dr. Seuss book “Oh the Places You’ll Go,” and advised students that the path ahead may not always be easy.

“You’re going to stumble and fall, but I know that we’ve prepared you, your teachers have, the Board have and the community have prepared you for hard times,” he said. Just be diligent, work hard and don’t quit.” 

In Scott’s final Superintendent’s Report, he recognized Teacher Appreciation Week. 

“I cannot thank our teachers enough for what they do each and every day,” he said. “We’re blessed in this community to live in a place that loves and supports public education, but we’re also blessed to live in a community that has outstanding teachers that care about our students.” 

Scott also congratulated the many region champions, including the Houston County High School Varsity baseball team. In soccer, HCHS girls, Veterans High School boys and Perry High School boys and girls soccer teams all won regionals as well. 

The HCHS boys and Warner Robins High School girls won regionals in track and field, while Perry High School and Houston County High School were named All-Sports Champions for their region. 

Feagin Mill 7th grade baseball and Perry Middle School 8th grade baseball were recognized for winning their county championships, along with the Bonaire Middle School boys and Perry Middle School girls track and field teams.  

To end the report, Scott mentioned a few key dates to look out for, including the last day of school, which lands on May 21. This will be a half day for students. Scott also announced graduation dates and times. 

After the report, Scott gave some closing remarks. 

“It’s been a pleasure to serve with this great group of people and with the executive cabinet,” he said. “I plan to be around the community and hope to see a lot of Sharks games in the future. Thank you for your support, and I look forward to continuing to see the great things happening in Houston County schools.” 

The next Houston County Board of Education meeting will be held on June 10 at 1 p.m., located at 1100 Main Street in Perry. 

The full agenda of the meeting can be found at simbli.eboardsolutions.com/SB_Meetings/ViewMeeting.aspx?S=4089&MID=125451&Tab=Agenda&enIID=qplusBGYOOcnvlh9CD5nV0plusQg%3D%3D