Governor Deal forms committee to select new Dooly Co. Board of Education

VIENNA, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – “Coming from a rural community, that’s what’s going to be the door opener for them,” said State Representative Patty Bent

Students might be able to walk to the door, but getting through takes knowledge.

“To really explore this world through education,” said Bentley. “So education is very important.”

That’s why Governor Nathan Deal disbanded the Dooly County Board of Education and selected District 139 State Representative Patty Bentley and four others to create a new one.

“They know how important education is across this state,” said Bentley.

The former board’s five members weren’t as effective as the state hoped.

“When the accreditation of the system started to go downhill, that’s what really brought in a closer look from the State Department of Education,” said Bentley.

Bentley was told it wasn’t a good situation.

“Board members not working well together, not working well with the community,” said Bentley.

So progress had slowed way down.

“I thank those board members for their time of service, for offering themselves up for public office, so I do thank them for that,” said Bentley.

Now Bentley and the committee must keep moving toward opening that educational doorway.

“I’m looking forward to working with other committee members as we work hard to find good individuals that are willing to put children first and work hard for all children–people that are going to be fair and consistent for all children in that school system,” said Bentley.

It starts with an application process so the committee can go over some good candidates.

“There’s a nomination link that individuals can go online and submit if they’re interested in being considered for a nomination,” said Bentley.

They’ll go over that information and have recommendations to the Governor hopefully by the start of the new year–all to open that door for students.

“We are looking forward to working hard to change the scenario, change the narrative to get some better outcomes for Dooly County,” said Bentley.

If you need more information about the application process, give the Dooly County Board of Education a call at (229) 268-4761.