Houston County Superintendent Dr. Mark Scott announces retirement, highlights major budget and salary increases
"It is with mixed emotions that I announce my retirement as Superintendent of Schools at the end of this school year," Dr. Scott said during the event at Southside Baptist Church, pausing several times as he was overcome with emotion.
WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – In an emotional announcement during the Houston County School District Opening Ceremony on Wednesday, Superintendent Dr. Mark Scott revealed his plans to retire at the end of this school year.
“It is with mixed emotions that I announce my retirement as Superintendent of Schools at the end of this school year,” Dr. Scott said during the event at Southside Baptist Church, pausing several times as he was overcome with emotion. “For over a decade, I’ve had the immense privilege of serving this incredible community. Together, we’ve faced challenges and celebrated successes and continuously strive to provide the best possible education for all students.”
Dr. Scott, who was hired as superintendent in 2014 and is completing his 40th year in education, noted numerous achievements during his tenure, including the hiring of 51 principals, the construction of new facilities and substantial improvements in the district’s financial stability.
“Together, we’ve accomplished more than I ever imagined that we could,” he said, thanking the board, administrative team, teachers, staff and community.
In addition to his retirement announcement, Dr. Scott spoke about developments for the 2024-2025 academic year, including the implementation of a 5.16% raise for all staff members, approved by the board of education this summer.
“When you add the raise, our annual step increases, teacher retirement, additional payments for state health, our board approved over $29 million more than last year toward employees’ compensation and benefits,” Dr. Scott said.
Dr. Scott said the district’s salary increases have resulted in first-year teachers earning almost 17% more than the state salary schedule. He noted that the starting salary for a first-year teacher with a bachelor’s degree is now nearly $51,000, with a total compensation package of $86,000, including benefits. Teachers with a doctorate and at least 21 years of experience can now earn nearly $107,000 annually, which is $23,000 higher than the state salary schedule.
The newly approved $570 million budget, which Dr. Scott called the largest in the district’s history, will fund 65 new positions, including teachers, custodians and clerical staff. “We are so grateful for a board that continuously provides the resources that allow growth for our students and staff,” he said.
Dr. Scott also outlined the district’s upcoming accreditation review and the initiatives aimed at achieving the Cognia System of Distinction.
“By promoting the three big ideas of a PLC (professional learning community): a focus on learning, a collaborative culture and collective responsibility, and a results orientation, we are poised to earn this designation,” he said.
Dr. Scott said the focus this academic year remains on providing the best education for all students.
“Our goal is to foster a transparent and supportive educational atmosphere where every teacher feels valued and empowered to make a difference in the lives of their students,” he said.
