The Pickens County Board of Education met last week and, as would be expected, had their yearly nominations as well as extending a contract to Superintendent Lula Perry.The board chose to keep the appointments as they had been in 2013 by electing Board Chair to Wendy Lowe and Vice-Chair to Byron Long. With Lowe and Byron abstaining from their respective votes, they both were chosen 4-0 to continue in their roles.

Lowe stated,

“Really it is an honor to serve with Peggy, Mike, Byron, Dan and to work with Dr. Perry. We all work so well together and it’s an honor to be chosen to preside over the meetings. Truly many misunderstand the role of the Board Chair, it’s mainly a facilitation and communication position, the Board works as a whole on every decision. I am looking forward to continuing the work we have already begun. I have thoroughly enjoyed this past year and an excited about what the future holds for Pickens County Schools.”

In another item of business, the board voted unanimously to keep Superintendent Dr. Lula Perry on-board. Perry was awarded a three year contract with an annual salary of $120,412.50.

“We felt like she’s done an excellent job and we wanted to make that position more permanent so we are extending her contract through 2017,”

Board Chair Wendy Lowe stated.

The contractual obligation seems to be a good investment judging by the amount of work the entire district has undertaken since she started last summer. Improved communication, transparency, district-wide improvements and moving forward with construction projects are a few of the hallmarks of her performance thus far. Hard work and determination were heralded by board members Peggy Andrews, Mike Cowart and Byron Long after her contract discussion.

Long stated that Perry’s work has been refreshing after past struggles, reiterating that her energy brings new hope to them.

Perry thanked the board for their votes of confidence.

“I greatly appreciate everything from the bottom of my heart and I will do the very best I can for our children,”

Perry said.

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