This will be my last Communicator message to you. I would like to format it like Coach K did in a book he wrote titled The Gold Standard. Coach K is currently the head men's basketball coach at Duke University and was the coach of the American Dream Team in the Olympics. Coach K is also a West Point graduate. After he finished his Army commitment he returned to West Point and coached their men's basketball team. In his book Coach K talks about creating moments and I am very fortunate that Anna Burns allowed me to have a weekly Communicator message. Today I want to share a few of my most meaningful moments.

My first Education Celebration as superintendent was a special time for me. I remember introducing myself to all of you and talking about the idea of Daring to do Better. I had no idea then that it would become our motto for the next six years. At the Kids In Need store at SHS I had the unique opportunity to stand at the end of the line and shake almost every teacher's hand. Being able to individually meet, talk with and thank you for being a part of GSCS was truly a special moment for me. I continued that tradition each year at the Kids In Need store and it has always been the best day of any school year for me.

Another special moment for me was while I was driving to Atkinson Elementary. I picked up a boy on the side of the street who was walking to school. As soon as he got in the car I asked him why he would get in the car with a stranger. His response was, "My bad! But, aren't you the superintendent? You're coming to our school today and bringing us cake. You got the cake, right?" He was right I was taking cake to Atkinson to celebrate 17 of our 18 schools making AYP. I remember being in awe of how our outstanding AYP achievement news had traveled from me to the principal, from the principal to the teacher and from the teacher to this student. AYP was something that all 10,500 of us were able to celebrate. I knew at that moment that we had turned a corner and were on our way to doing great things. Communication is important!

I remember when I was approached by a young female in Thomaston who asked me if I remembered her. I remembered she had been a student at several of our elementary schools and she had a difficult time with family issues.  Her principals, teachers and I got her into a program that could help her situation. We were all able to come together and positively impact her life.  What an amazing moment!

I remember one Christmas Communicator message titled Merry Christmas with a picture of James Lindsey on the Griffin Auditorium stage leading the chorus in a holiday celebration. James was happy and the students were competent and excelling. What a joyous moment. James left Kansas, came to Georgia, joined our organization and has done great and wonderful things. He is just one example of so many of you that have joined GSCS in the last six years that continue to excel. 

In 2009, when we were going through budget reductions I remember having to implement furlough days. Over a year later I heard of several rumors being circulated that I got a pay raise and several comments about how it wasn't fair that I did not have to take furlough days. I took pride knowing that I did take furlough days with you. I did not take the days because it was in my contract but because I thought it was the right thing to do. Some individuals may be embarrassed after discovering that I took furlough days without telling the board. I did what I believed was right when no one was looking. I wanted you to have faith and confidence in me as your superintendent.

In an effort to improve our hiring process this year we are implementing a liquidated damages fee for employees. Any GSCS employee who leaves before the end of the term is responsible for paying a fee of $750.  I heard several jokes about this lately and have been asked on several occasions when I was going to pay my fee for leaving and going to Bibb. I guess I have not changed that much since 2009 because last week I wrote my check for $750 and turned it in to HR. It is still important to me for you to know that what you do, I do and what applies to you, applies to me. We have built a great relationship through respect and following the golden rule.

I am going to miss all of you. I have learned so much from all of you and grown. I am no longer the person who left the Army and taught JROTC. I am an educator. Thank you to those who worked with me, trained me, counseled me and, in some cases, scolded me.  You all bring out the best in me and for that I will be eternally grateful.

These are just a few of my many memories. Thank you for all of the amazing memories. I wish you all the best. GSCS is a great organization and I have confidence that you will continue to do great things.It has been a privilege.

So long everybody,