Dr. Paul Brooksher has announced that he will step down from his position as superintendent of Bryan County Schools and retire at the end of the 2025-26 school year.

In a letter dated Friday sent out to school employees across the county, Brooksher wrote:

Dear Bryan County Schools Family,

After much reflection and many conversations with those closest to me, I am writing to share that I will be retiring from Bryan County Schools at the conclusion of this school year. This will mark the completion of my 14th year serving this remarkable district and community as Superintendent, and 31 years serving in public education. It is a decision that has been incredibly difficult to make.

When I began serving as your Superintendent on July 1, 2012, I could not have imagined the journey we would take together, nor the incredible growth and progress we would experience over the next decade. Bryan County has become one of the fastest-growing school systems in Georgia, growing by more than 3,000 students since my first day in 2012. With that growth came enormous opportunity, complex challenges, and a constant demand for innovation, improvement, and resilience.

And yet, through it all, we have remained committed to what matters most: our students.

Together, we have done much of the heavy lifting that comes with growth. We have expanded facilities, strengthened academics, created systems of support, invested in people, and built the framework needed for long-term success. We have laid an incredible foundation that I believe will serve Bryan County Schools well for many years to come.

To every employee, including but not limited to teachers, paraprofessionals, bus drivers, custodians, school nutrition staff, counselors, nurses, school leaders, central office teams, and every support role that keeps our schools running, thank you. Thank you for the work you do, the hours you give, and the way you show up day after day with heart and purpose.

Thank you also to our students, parents, and community for their continued trust, partnership, and support. Bryan County Schools is what it is today because of the people who believe in it and work relentlessly on its behalf.

A special thank you goes to our Board of Education for their investment in me, our students, and our staff. They work tirelessly to do what is best for students and employees, and I have been truly blessed to serve alongside one of the finest school boards in the State of Georgia. I know my decision came as a surprise when I shared during our December 14, 2023, board meeting that this would likely be my final contract extension.  I’m humbled by their encouragement that I reconsider my decision to retire.  However, I know it is time for another superintendent to build upon the phenomenal work we have accomplished over the past 14 years.

This has never been just a job for me. It has been a lifestyle that I have lived and loved for a very long time. My journey in education began in 1995 as a paraprofessional in special education, and it has been the honor of a lifetime to grow into the role of Superintendent and serve this incredible school district.

As I have considered this decision, I have been reminded of the importance of family and time. I recently welcomed my first grandchild, and I also have aging parents who need me in new ways. As difficult as it is to step away from something I care about so deeply, I know it is time to begin a new chapter, one that allows me to be more present with those I love most.

I will not pretend this decision has been easy. I am nervous about what lies ahead and unsure of what new adventure may be around the corner. What I do know is this: Bryan County Schools is strong, and the people of this district are second to none. The work will continue, and the future is bright because of you.

Over the coming months, the Board of Education will begin a national search for my replacement. During that time, I will remain fully committed to finishing this year strong and ensuring a smooth transition. My priority remains what it has always been: doing what is best for our students and supporting the people who serve them.

Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving alongside you. Thank you for your trust, dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to our students. This district will always be part of who I am, and I will forever be proud to say I am a member of the Bryan County Schools family.

The Board of Education also penned a letter praising Dr. Brooksher's service to Bryan County Schools:

 It is with deep appreciation and gratitude that the Board of Education acknowledges Dr. Brooksher’s intent to retire from Bryan County Schools. While most superintendents serve an average of 4 years, Dr. Brooksher is one of the longest serving Superintendents in Georgia. During his 14-year tenure, his tireless attention to doing what is best for students is unparalleled.  As a champion for teachers and staff, his leadership has been a driving factor in our district’s ability to recruit and retain high quality employees.  Dr. Brooksher has led Bryan County Schools to its highest academic success in history, becoming a top 10 school district, all while managing significant growth. 

The Board is currently undergoing a national search in conjunction with the Georgia Schools Boards Association to find Dr. Brooksher's replacement.