Bryan County Schools announced Wednesday the Bryan County Board of Education is one of three finalists for Georgia School Board Association’s Governance Team of the Year for large districts with more than 10,000 students.

The award was created in 2018 and honors the top board/superintendent team that best demonstrates its commitment to maximizing student achievement and enhancing trust and support for public education in their community, according to a press release.

The award is given in three categories based on student enrollment: Small (1-3,000), Medium (3,001 – 10,000), and Large (10,001+) districts. “The Governance Team of the Year Award is the highest honor GSBA gives to a governance team. These finalists have demonstrated quality governance that has positively impacted their students, staff, and community. They set a standard of excellence and represent collaborative leadership principals,” said Shakila Henderson Baker, GSBA president and chair of the Newton County Board of Education.

Bryan County Board of Education met and/or exceeded the screening criteria set forth by GSBA in order to be eligible for this honor.

Once the screening is complete, a team from GSBA reviews the applications and selects three finalists. The finalists are then invited to complete the official application and participate in a series of interviews. The application and interview process focuses on the work of the governance team as a whole.

“The Bryan County Board of Education is incredibly honored to be named a top three finalist for the Governance Team of the Year. We strive to be an example of the highest and most effective level of leadership, focused on our students’ success. As leaders, we believe we must help set the expectations and model a culture of high achievement” said BOE Chairwoman Amy Murphy.

Georgia School Board Association will announce the winner of each of the three categories at the annual GSBA Winter Conference held in Atlanta this December.