Dylan Amerson was recently sworn in to serve District 3 for the Baldwin County Board of Education. Amerson is from Baldwin County and is humbled to serve and give back to the education system he grew up attending.
“I did not understand until I left Milledgeville, just how diverse and thorough of an education experience I had attending Baldwin County schools. I am a big supporter of public schools, and I appreciate my education I received here in Baldwin,” Amerson said.
“It is very humbling to serve the district I grew up in. I never would have thought I would be serving the school district in this way, but I am very grateful,” added Amerson. “I initially ran for the position because I wanted to be invested in my son’s education, and not only as a parent. The idea of getting to have a small piece in shaping the school district seemed like a great opportunity.”
Amerson attended Georgia College & State University and received a bachelor’s degree in outdoor education. He previously worked for the state and Great Smoky Mountains institute at Tremont as an environmental educator, and later as a wilderness field instructor in Utah. In these respective roles he was able to work hand in hand with educators, and saw what their experience was like in the classroom.
“Learning about the challenges classroom teachers face day to day gave me a nice scope in my role as a board member to support teachers, as well as previously working with educating kids,” Amerson said.
“Kids have a lot of challenges right now, and understanding that being in a classroom is different than how it was 15 years ago. Having that mindset helps us to understand how we can support kids right now and give them the best education they can receive.”
The Baldwin County School District has a diverse makeup of its student bodies, and 64% of students are economically disadvantaged.
This creates challenges that can disrupt a child’s learning environment, but Amerson recognizes the importance of providing students with resources for success in the classroom.
“Navigating technology in school and teaching kids how to use it for their education has been a big help.
Something that has been a challenge is raising literacy levels. Under the guidance of superintendent Dr.
Noris Price there has been a lot of growth in test scores, and literacy rates. Keeping all of that in mind and looking at our student population and what we can do to keep things moving in the right direction has been a large focus,” said Amerson.
Amerson looks forward to all that is to come with his new role on the board, and is eager to see what opportunities the position brings.
One of his favorite moments so far has been getting to see students in the school system recognized for what they are achieving in the classroom.
“Getting to see students come to board meeting to receive awards and accolades is a highlight for me.
Seeing how invested they are in their education, and seeing their parents there cheering them on is very special. It makes all of the hard work worth it.”