Murray County Schools school resource officers, Board of Education members honored

Brady Hix, The Daily Citizen, Dalton, Ga.
·4 min read

Mar. 14—While partnering with the Murray County Sheriff's Office and the Chatsworth Police Department, Murray County Schools reached a significant milestone this year, said Superintendent Steve Loughridge.

"This is the first year that we've had an SRO (school resource officer) in every school building," Loughridge said. "We've made a commitment and we're certainly glad to have them."

At a recent Murray County Board of Education meeting, officers from the sheriff's office and the police department were recognized with certificates of appreciation in observance of National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day, which was declared for Feb. 15 this year.

Loughridge said the SRO program in the Murray County Schools system is a "deterrent to any type of violence."

"Many SROs interact with students and they become friends, so we're just thankful for them and for (Murray County Sheriff) Jimmy (Davenport) and (Chatsworth Police Chief) Josh (Etheridge) and all that they do to help us."

SROs recognized from the Murray County Sheriff's Office included Seth Harrison, Karen Farrow, Robert Leonard, Jeff Pritchard, Ethan Robinson, Charles Long, Gerald Webb, Daniel Cobb, Kelly Vanoy and SRO Supervisor Scott Casey.

Chatsworth Police Department SROs recognized included Ryan Marshall, Chad Hales, Derek Godfrey and Greyson Renz.

"In going to meetings with other superintendents, I will say not many school systems have an SRO in every school," Loughridge said. "But we do here. It's the No. 1 item on our savings plan."

Loughridge said the work done in partnership with the sheriff's office and the police department has not gone unnoticed.

"All these individuals work tirelessly to keep our children and staff safe in all of our buildings and locations," he said. "So thanks to each and every one of you. We appreciate it."

Certificates of appreciation did not stop there as Murray County Board of Education members were also recognized at the meeting.

In early February, Gov. Brian Kemp declared March 11-15 as this year's School Board Appreciation Week in the state.

The Murray County school board has seven members: Chairman Greg Shoemaker, representing the Northwest district; Tanner Davis, Ramhurst district; Renda Baggett, Bullpen district; Aaron Phillips, Eton district; Conrad Puryear, Chatsworth district; Dewayne Powers, Spring Place district; and Kelli Reed, district at large.

"Georgians serving on school boards have demonstrated a strong commitment to quality public education by securing necessary resources, promoting academic standards and fostering partnerships within communities," Kemp said in a proclamation.

Loughridge said he appreciates each member of the school board.

"Because sometimes it is a very thankless job," he said. "We appreciate their help and support for all of our schools."

A collaboration that is key to the success of each school system in the state, Kemp's proclamation said.

"Georgians elected to boards of education collaborate with school systems, parents, businesses and community leaders so that students can become educated, productive members of our state and nation," the proclamation said.

Baggett took a few moments to recognize a group she said are often overlooked — students in special education programs and classes.

Baggett referenced an excerpt from the writings of Emily Solberg.

"Don't forget the kids who are doing the extra work, the kids whose days don't end with a final bell, the kids whose breaks don't follow a school calendar," Baggett read. "The kids who need extra help and support, the kids who are struggling to overcome barriers, whether physical, mental or emotional. The kids who don't ... take the traditional path. These kids are working hard too ... even if their successes seem smaller or maybe even completely unnoticeable to most.

"Most likely, there won't be any awards for them at the end of the year, or special recognition for how far they've come. Don't forget to acknowledge their efforts, because what might be a small hurdle on the track for most kids could be a herculean task for a kid who has to try 10 times harder just to make it to the starting line. These kids might not succeed in traditional ways, but there's nothing unexceptional about them because they work harder for every win and they don't take a single bit for granted."