June 14, 2006- For Immediate Release
Columbia County Schools – 4781 Hereford Farm Road, Evans, GA 30809

PRICE ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT PLAN

At the Columbia County Board of Education meeting last evening, Superintendent Tommy Price notified the Board of his plan to retire at the end of the 2006-2007 school year. His retirement will mark his thirty-sixth year in education, thirty-four of those being with the Columbia County Board of Education. He has served as the Superintendent of Schools since the 1998-99 school year. Prior to that appointment, Price had served as Associate Superintendent for the previous sixteen years. Quoting Price, “It has been my good fortune to have been a part of the Columbia County School System for most of my career. The opportunities that have been afforded me here have truly enriched my life and I have been blessed with dedicated and professional Boards of Education and I am particularly appreciative to this Board as you have been supportive of me throughout my term and treated me with great respect and dignity. Additionally, I have been supported and encouraged by many professional colleagues and staff and am looking forward to continuing that relationship as I enter this phase of my career. It has been an honor and privilege to serve as Superintendent of Schools.” In announcing his retirement, he told Board members that he just thought the time was right, that he felt good about the state of the school system and the progress that is being made; but it is time for a change.

Though Price will be retiring from the superintendency in June 2007, he has agreed to serve in a transitional role for the School Board during the 2007-2008 year to assist the newly appointed superintendent.

Chairman of the Board, Wayne Bridges, states, “It is with mixed feelings that I respond to Mr. Price’s announcement that he will be retiring at the end of the year 2006-2007 school year. The Board will certainly miss his knowledge and experience that he brings to our system. He has served our system well and is, in my opinion, one of the best Superintendents in our state. Columbia County has been blessed to have him as our Superintendent. He has handled himself with professionalism and has always worked for the betterment of our system. His offer to help the Board during a time of transition is very gracious and very welcomed. It has been a privilege to serve on the Board during Mr. Price’s tenure as Superintendent, and I want to take this opportunity to thank him for his efforts and wish him all the best in the years ahead. Job well done, Mr. Price.”

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