Dr. Noris Price, superintendent of the Baldwin County School District, was honored at a retirement reception May 30 for her notable career, as she prepares to retire after 40 years of service in public education.
The intimate evening reception brought together individuals from across Georgia to share their reflections on Price’s impact on students, schools, and communities throughout her career. Guests included several superintendents from around the state, State Rep. Floyd Griffin, Milledgeville Mayor Mary Parham-Copelan, Georgia College & State University President Cathy Cox, Commissioner Emily Davis, National PTA President Otha Thornton, NFL player Earnest Byner, Partners in Education, and many others whose lives and work have been shaped by Price’s leadership.
Throughout the event, speakers praised Price for her unwavering commitment to equity, innovation, and excellence in education. From her early work as a classroom teacher to her trailblazing role as one of Georgia’s most respected superintendents — leading to her pivotal Georgia Superintendent of the Year win in 2022 and finalist for National Superintendent of the Year — Price has been a tireless advocate for children, particularly those from under-served backgrounds.
In a highlight of the evening, Griffin presented Price with a resolution from the Georgia House of Representatives, and the Baldwin County Board of Education presented her with a commemorative award recognizing her transformative impact on the district since becoming superintendent in 2014.
Under her leadership, Baldwin County has increased the graduation rate from 66% to 85%, improved student performance, expanded wraparound services for students to overcome nonacademic barriers to learning, implemented innovative programs, such as the Montessori Academy, expanded fine arts programs, bolstered Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education opportunities, strengthened community partnerships, and managed the COVID-19 pandemic.
The evening served as a heartfelt sendoff to a leader whose life’s work has left a lasting imprint on Georgia’s educational landscape.