NAHUNTA — Having a legacy is not about leaving something for people, but leaving something in people.
It was an emotional night for all involved as Board of Education board members spoke from their hearts about what retiring Superintendent Dr. Kim Morgan meant to them and the legacy she built during her tenure at the Monday, June 15 BOE meeting.
Dr. Morgan has worked for the Brantley County School System for 32 1/2 years rising through the ranks from teacher, to administrator and the final 10 1/2 years serving in the role of superintendent.
“We’ve got a very special recognition tonight,” said Dr. Angela Haney, Director of Curriculum & Instruction and System Assessment Coordinator. “I have known Kim as a fellow teacher, an instructional coach, an administrator, a central office leader, and a friend. In every role, she brought dedication, professionalism, and genuine commitment to serving the students and staff of Brantley County Schools.
“Her favorite saying is, ‘they don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care,’ and she lives by that creed. I’ve been a witness to the relationship she’s built and the positive impact she’s made on countless educators, students and families, and her contributions to this district will be felt long after retirement.
“As you (Dr. Morgan) begin this new chapter, we’re grateful for your years of service and wish you many wonderful days ahead, making memories with Cohen and enjoying projects that you’ve been wanting to pursue, exploring places you’ve been wanting to visit.” Board Chairman Mike Kersey followed and explained the flower bouquet consisting 22 red roses and 10 orange roses.
“The 22 red roses represent the blood, sweat and tears she’s put in before she became superintendent,” said Kersey. “
The orange roses hopefully represent the many sunsets and sunrises that you’ll be able to experience without the stressors of this job. The accolades can go on and on.
“We (board) appreciate everything you’ve done ... we can never repay you. We (school system) average about probably 200 to 210 to 220 graduates a year. That’s 2,400-2,500 students during her tenure receiving a diploma and that is outstanding. Thank you for your leadership and guidance.”
Board member Teresa Lairsey said their friendship started 20 years ago at Hoboken Elementary.
“I’ve just had the privilege to watch you serve with grace, dignity, kindness and leadership that just surpasses most people,” said Lairsey. “Your heart for human beings is just incredible.
“You always try to see the good of every single one of us, every single one of your staff, and you always have, and every one of the children.”
Lairsey also praised Dr. Morgan for her leadership through three catastrophic events — COVID 19, Hurricane Helene and this year’s wildfires.
“Her first thought was the children,” continued Lairsey. “How can I get to the children? How can I make sure our children are fed? You never see her panic ... you never see her freak out.
“She gets with her team, puts her arms around her people, and she asks, ‘How can we get to these babies? How can we get to their needs?’
“You (Dr. Morgan) have left behind a legacy that will be talked about for generations and generations. You have exceeded, and I’m glad to call you a friend, and I’m glad to have sat on this board for many years with you. I love you. Thank you.”
Board member Kathy Hendrix thanked Dr. Morgan for allowing her to be liason between the community and the Board of Education before her recent four-year term.
“Before I came on the board, I would come to her and I would ask for guidance,” said Hendrix. “I would ask for an answer. Ten years later, I’m still asking for answers, and she goes over and beyond.
“Her solutions always comes down to the children and whatever is best for the children. She has that compassion for children and that desire to want them.
“I appreciate you taking me under your wing and making this seat feel real special.”
Long-time board member David Herrin concluded the board’s heart-felt sentiments.
“One hundred years from now, it won’t matter what your bank account was, won’t matter what kind of house you lived in, or the kind of car that you drove,” said Herrin, “but the world will be different because you were important in the life of a bunch of children. We thank you for that.
“You are the sixth superintendent we’ve hired since we quit electing superintendents. Out of those six superintendents I’ve been able to work with the last close to 20 years, that I’ve been on the board, you’re the only one that’s made it to retirement here.
“I appreciate you. It’s been a good time, and there ain’t nobody else I’d rather go into battle with than you, and I’ve enjoyed it. God bless you.”
Dr. Morgan thanked the board for the kind words and previous boards she’s worked with.
“Thank you to this board and the other board members that I’ve been able to work with and partner with over the last 10 and a half years,” she said as her voice cracked while fighting tears. “Being a board member is not an easy seat. It is not a seat that they take lightly, and it’s been an honor and a pleasure to get a lot of great work done with this board and with the former boards.
“Also, I want to say thank you to my family sitting here. They shared me a lot ... a lot of hours, and my husband (Craig), in particular. He’s very excited about me being at home just a little more often.
“And then the staff that’s here, and all the over 500 something employees, they are the magic, they are what makes Brantley County Schools. I’m just so thankful for all of them.
“What an honor tonight. Thank you all for all the kind words and everything you said. This has been the career and honor of a life time.”
