As the Dougherty County School Board’s newest members, Melissa Strother and Dean Phinazee have spent the last nine months at Georgia School Boards Association and local School Board meetings listening and learning.

Over that span, they were amazed at just how much there was to learn.

I’ve learned so much over the past nine months,” Strother, who replaced Carol Tharin as District 4’s representative said. “I’ve definitely gained a deeper understanding of how the system works. Before I thought it was all about the children and teachers, but I have learned there are so many people working behind the scenes with a common goal.”

Read more