(Cleveland)- The White County Board of Education has made their intentions official by approving Dr. Laurie Burkett as Superintendent of the school system. The board two weeks ago named Burkett as a single finalist for the job and Tuesday night after the required waiting period vote unanimously to approve her for the position.
Burkett has a long history with the school system holding numerous administrative positions, she said “this is a special place and special people, I’m humbled” Holding back some emotional tears she said, “ it really takes me back to the very beginning when I first started coaching basketball and I kinda feel like that’s my job as superintendent to pull a team of people together and going toward a common goal and so it feels like I’m going back to my coaching days again, which I’m passionate about.”
Burkett has two major challenges facing her as superintendent, one hiring a replacement for her old position as Assistant Superintendent. She said she will post immediately for that position, which she described as Assistant Superintendent Over Operations. That person will be over Finance, Nutrition Services, Transportation, Facilities and Safety. She said we need to focus a lot of attention on safety.
The other challenge is finding a new Finance Director. Current Director Trish Fussell announced her resignation effective at the end of July. Fussell has accepted a position with the University of Georgia.
Additionally, the board appointed Adam Thomas – as White County High School Math teacher (replacing Jeff White) and Head Varsity Boys and Girls Tennis Coach effective with the start of the new school year. contingent upon has release from the current contract with Hall County.
photo wrwh.com
