The Bill Barr Leadership Award, named for and designed in honor of the highly-respected first executive director of GSSA, is among the most coveted awards in public education in Georgia. Those veteran superintendents who have been named as winners each year since the award’s inception in 2000 have been the types of leaders whose names have been synonymous with mentoring others—just what the Bill Barr Leadership Award is all about. This year’s winner is no exception.
Our winner of this year’s award is a person who is respected and held in high esteem by many throughout Georgia. It is heartwarming to see what others say about him in support of his nomination. Let me give you a few examples of what they wrote:
“He is highly respected by his fellow superintendents in our State, and his thoughts, opinion, and advice are often sought.”
“His positive, knowledgeable and supportive nature have made him one of our area’s most respected superintendents, and he serves as a valuable resource and mentor both to the new and veteran superintendents.”
“His challenging early years of experience have helped many a local superintendent navigate some difficult situations, as he has had to handle as well. “
“He is always willing to assist others through mentoring formally or informally. He is described as a lead learner with a passion for building the capacity of other leaders.
There are many other statements of praise, but perhaps the key one is this: He possesses and demonstrates the unique ability to model for others key qualities which include integrity of leadership and (the) how to build relationships (skill) which characterizes the spirit and essence of this award.” There can be no higher praise for this, the 17th winner of the Bill Barr Leadership Award, Mr. Wes Taylor superintendent of Lowndes County Schools!
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