Board of Education honors long-time employees, celebrates state winners 

PERRY — In the monthly meeting of the Houston County Board of Education, many long-time employees of the school district were recognized for their extensive service. All have served 30 years or more consecutively in the Houston County School District. 

“To our honorees, thank you. Your commitment to our students, our schools and this community has helped shape the success of our District,” Assistant Superintendent Dr. Walter Stephens said. “Staying in one school system for so many years says a lot about your dedication and heart you bring to your work everyday. The impact you’ve had on students, colleagues and families over the years is something that can’t really be measured, but is deeply appreciated.” 

30 Years of Service: 

Laurie Atkins, Warner Robins High School 

Theresa Bowden, Centerville Elementary 

Dr. Dana Brock, Miller Elementary 

Stacy Brown, Northside Elementary

Dr. Kayren Cannon, Perry High School

Nikki Cooper, Teaching and Learning 

Darcy Emerson, Veterans High School

Laura George, Matt Arthur Elementary

Tonya Grant, Transportation

Theresa Gutierrez, Bonaire Middle 

Jennifer Hall, Teaching and Learning 

Dr. Mike Jackson, Thomson Middle 

Vickie Jackson, Kings Chapel Elementary 

Dr. Elgin Mayfield, Teaching and Learning 

Jennifer Pritchard, Centerville Elementary 

Alesa Rodriguez, Houston County High School 

Tiffany Rumell, Houston County High School 

Kevin Smith, Perry High School

Christy Stokes, School Nutrition 

Dr. Tammy Strickland, Houston County High School

Nell Tibbs, Transportation

Dr. Tonya Wallace, Houston College and Career Academy 

35 Years of Service: 

Margaret Bagley, Transportation

Denise Boyd, Lindsey Student Support Center

Bradley Burris, Russell Elementary 

40 Years of Service:

Martha King, Northside High School 

The Board also celebrated State FFA winners from Veterans High School and All-State Art Students TaNia Spence and Allie Gibson from Perry High School. 

High School All-State Band students, Livi Herbst, Ryan O’Connell, Carson Storie and Emma Johnson of Perry High School, Elisabeth Tomberlin, Brennan Barnwell and Amelia Carrol of Veterans High School and Ignacio Redendiz of Warner Robins High School were also recognized for their achievements. 

Annette Pender, Area Manager for the School Nutrition Program, was recognized for winning the Georgia Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award. Pender was first place in the state and was also named a national finalist for the U.S. Department of Education’s RISE Award. 

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Richard Rogers said the award recognizes a school employee who provides “exemplary service to students in pre-k through high school”. 

Director of School Nutrition Meredith Potter said Pender has been with the school district for 19 years and started as an assistant manager. 

“Throughout her career, she only earned perfect health scores, and she was named Middle School Manager of the Year five years in a row,” Potter said. “Annette will go to any lengths to make a student smile as she’s willing to dress up and cut up just to bring joy to a student.” 

Potter also mentioned Pender’s partnership with the Transition Academy and said she has a heart for any student and believes all should be valued and included. She even hired students from the Transition Program to work with her, leading her to that partnership. 

“She was asked to help design a training program to prepare these students for careers in food service,” Potter said. “Annette, you show us every day the incredible difference classified staff can make in the lives of students. The size of your fan club here shows the respect you have earned and the friends you have made.” 

In new business, the Board approved procedures to fill the soon-to-be-vacant Post 5 seat following board member Helen Hughes’ resignation, effective March 31st. 

According to the agenda, the BOE will accept resumes or letters of interest until Friday, March 20, 4 p.m. Submissions must be emailed to Mrs. Claudia McDaniel at claudia.mcdaniel@hcbe.net or mailed to her at 1100 Main Street, Perry, GA 31069. 

Those living in District 5 who have submitted documents expressing interest can address the Board at the April 6 Work Session at Northside Middle School at 6 p.m.

The BOE will make a final decision at the April board meeting the next day. 

The newly chosen board member will begin after the appointment and serve the remainder of Hughes’ term. 

The next Houston County Board of Education meeting will be held Tuesday, April 7, 1 p.m., located at the board office, 1100 Main Street, Perry. The full agenda of this meeting can be found at simbli.eboardsolutions.com/SB_Meetings/ViewMeeting.aspx?S=4089&MID=133646&Tab=Agenda&enIID=cKY5AGWeRaUkSCRo5LsPKg%3D%3D