CLEVELAND, Ga. – It was a special and emotional White County Board of Education meeting on Thursday night. The board voted on several important items dealing with finance, field trips, policies, and procedures for the school system, but it was also a time to recognize the service of Superintendent Dr. Laurie Burkett, who is retiring.
March 26 was the last official meeting for Burkett, and she was recognized by the board for her 36 years in education, including her service as superintendent since 2018. Most of Burkett’s time in education has been in White County as a teacher, athletic director, assistant principal, director of human resources, and assistant superintendent.
Michele Broadwell, Director of Student Services, presented her with the Rotary Club “Service Above Self Award”.
Burkett, who teared up during the different recognitions, said after the meeting, the emotions were overwhelming, “Because I love what I do so much, and that was important to me to still love what I do when it’s time to be done. I love our community, and I love the fact that I’ve gotten to serve alongside people that I love,” said Burkett.
For all the accolades Dr. Burkett said, “I’m super grateful, and people ask me what are you going to do, what are you going to do? And I have no idea, and I’m not very anxious about it. I’m just super excited to get to have coffee in the morning and relax, and I’m sure I’ll find some things to fill my time.”
Not only is Dr. Burkett retiring, but her Administrative Assistant, Lin Pahl, who has assisted the superintendent since 2018, is retiring. The last day for the two is Tuesday, March 31.
