On Aug. 13, during the monthly Board of Education meeting, Baldwin County Superintendent Dr. Noris Price announced her retirement from the Baldwin County School District effective June 30, 2025. Price will conclude a distinguished career of 40 years in education, including 10 years as superintendent of the Baldwin County School District.
Dr. Price has served as the superintendent of Baldwin County since July 1, 2014. Under her leadership, the district has implemented instructional initiatives and strategies that have improved student performance and increased the high school graduation rate from 66% to 89%. Under her tenure, the district expanded wrap-around services to students by opening a school-based health clinic, a parent laundry resource center, food pantries, clothing closets, dinner in the after-school program, and mental health services. Additionally, she has successfully obtained over $12 million in grant funds for the Baldwin County Schools and led the school district through the COGNIA District Accreditation process.
Price navigated the Baldwin County School District through the uncharted waters of the global pandemic crisis. The pandemic had a profound effect on public education, and under her leadership, school operations continued. She ensured that students continued to receive a high-quality education during the pandemic by providing laptops, access to the internet, nutritious meals, including weekends, and telehealth services. Post-pandemic, she focused on developing strategies to address learning gaps, even implementing a tutoring program for students to utilize at no cost.
The district strengthened its high school programming by creating a robust Wall-to-Wall College and Career Academy designed for all students. This year, the implementation of the International Baccalaureate Program will allow students to earn an international high school diploma. The district also bolstered a Montessori Program, serving 6-week-old babies to grade 5, which provides families with an educational choice. Additionally, the expansion of art and athletic programming has provided students with a well-rounded education.
During Price’s time in Baldwin, the Board of Education was named 2023 Governance Team of the Year and has been recognized as an Exemplary Board for the past seven years. Financially, the board has maintained a healthy fund balance and earned stellar reports from annual state audits with no findings. The passing of the ESPLOST has afforded the school district the opportunity to focus on student achievement by providing 21st-century learning environments.
Across her 40-year career, Price has served as an elementary school teacher, assistant principal, principal, associate superintendent, deputy superintendent, and adjunct professor. She has received numerous awards and honors, including the 2022 Georgia Superintendent of the Year, Finalist for the 2022 National Superintendent of the Year, Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree from Nova Southeastern University, Communities in Schools National “All in for Students” Award, Wilmington College Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters and Distinguished Educator Award, and the Nova Southeastern University Distinguished Alumni Award.
Price is the president of the Georgia School Superintendents Association. She has served on various boards, including the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) National Board of Directors, the AASA National Governing Board, eBoard Solutions (EBS) Board of Directors, Community Foundation of Central Georgia, Communities In Schools of Milledgeville- Baldwin County Board of Directors, United Way of Central Georgia Board of Trustees, the Development Authority of the City of Milledgeville- Baldwin County, First Lady Marty Kemp Georgia Children’s Cabinet, and the Georgia State University Principals Center Advisory Board.
In a statement at the Aug. 13 board meeting, Price expressed gratitude for her years in Baldwin County.
“It has been an honor to serve as superintendent of the Baldwin County School District. I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together and confident that the district will continue to pursue its mission and vision for student success and thrive for years to come,” said Price. “Being part of this wonderful organization and community has been incredibly fulfilling. I will always cherish the memories we have created and the milestones we have reached together. Thank you for the opportunity of a lifetime.”
Board Chair Shannon D. Hill, thanked Dr. Price for her dedication to the students, staff, and community of Baldwin County.
“It has been an honor to work alongside our Superintendent Dr. Price during her tenure. Her passion for education and her unwavering focus on student success has made a profound impact on our district. Her legacy will be felt for years to come, and I am grateful for all she has done for our schools,” Hill said.
Board Vice Chair Lyn Chandler stated, “I am grateful for your leadership and wisdom. You ought to be commended for your commitment to removing barriers for children to be successful. I have never seen a more determined, committed individual. Thank you for your service and dedication to our district. We wish you the best, and we will miss you.”
Price will remain in her current role until the end of the 2024-25 school year. In the coming months, the Board of Education will begin the search for a new superintendent.
- Contributed