Students across Bryan County may dread hearing the words “back to school,” but new school Superintendent Paul Brooksher says he is excited about the coming year.
 “Work is great, I come every day fired up to get in the office,” Brooksher said. “It’s really an exciting time for me and Bryan County Schools, and I look forward to it all.”
But Brooksher said if he had to name one thing he is most excited about for the year, it would be working on communication with faculty, staff and the community. He even has plans to establish a teacher and citizen’s advisory council, he said.
“Establishing relationships, building those relationships, getting to know everyone and learning about each one of their leadership styles and teaching styles,” he said. “Really working on communication — a high level of effective communication. That way we all know where we’re going and how we’re going to get there.”
Brooksher, 40, started his new position in Bryan County on July 1, after being hired in May by the Bryan County Board of Education. Brooksher replaces John Oliver, who retired at the end of June after serving in the position since 2009.
Brooksher, who last served as the director of human resources and staffing for Gwinnett County Schools, is not only looking forward to the school year, but also said he has enjoyed getting adjusted to his new position.
“Based on all the wonderful people I’ve met — be it my teachers, faculties and staff, bus drivers, custodians, maintenance workers and the community members I’ve had the opportunity to meet with — it’s been an outstanding experience as a new member of the team and community,” he said.
More than 7,500 students will return to Bryan County schools on Aug. 3 with 900 employees ready to assist them in the new school year. Brooksher said he has high expectations for the coming year:
“That all Bryan County students can achieve at the highest possible level and that our faculties and staff provide each student with equal opportunity to grow and develop, and that they do it in a very supportive and rewarding fashion.”
Read more in the July 25 Back to School edition of the News.