Clyde Jackson reflects on his first 100 days as a school board member

PERRY – Clyde Jackson has been on the Houston County School Board serving post 7 for 100 days. In his new role, he continues to learn something new from both his colleagues and the people he serves.

Jackson was elected to the school board after a tight race last year. It has now been 100 days since he swore into office, and he is still absorbing information. During this time, he has been getting to know board members, learning about policies, procedures, and budgeting. Jackson has also been listening to parents, teachers, and administrators throughout the county. 

“[I’ve been] understanding some of the issues that they have and just being a listener to the community and for the community,” he said.

An accomplishment he mentions is experiencing the groundbreaking of Veterans Middle School, his first groundbreaking ceremony. He said it was an eye-opening experience, and it is his first project as a board member. Jackson shares that he enjoyed being a part of the project and witnessing a new school being built during his first year. 

During this process, he has been able to be the first to get a behind-the-scenes look at how the school will look.

“That was interesting [and] that was awesome. Of course, it’s a major project for the community building that new Veterans Middle School,” he said.

Over the past 100 days, he has learned to understand the role and responsibilities of a board member. Jackson has learned how to interact with the superintendent, how to be a team member with a superintendent, and how to be an open listener. He has been connecting with everyone involved in the HCBOE, from the principals to teachers and the community.

Then, he will bring back concerns to the board, and they will work as a team for the betterment of the Houston County community.

Jackson hopes to continue to be an open listener and provide whatever the students need. He said he will continue to work to improve student success and support teachers and staff. Jackson wants to be able to accomplish long-term goals.

“What do they want to see as far as maybe renovations of the older schools? Make sure that they’re taken care of and just make our community just awesome and be just a listener for our community,” he said.

Jackson shared everything is running smoothly with his fellow board members and they have made him feel comfortable in his new role. The school board has welcomed Jackson with open arms.

He now looks forward to their upcoming Board Retreat, where he will anticipate learning and absorbing more information. Jackson said he will continue to listen to tenured board members who have been there to help and support him in his role. 

In his first 100 days, a lot of information has been piled onto him, but he will remain an open listener and team player for his community.