Carroll County Board honors 24 retiring employees; superintendent recognized as final retiree

The Carroll County Board of Education opened its May meeting with a ceremony honoring 24 retiring employees across the district.

Chair Miller introduced the evening’s hosts and turned the program over to Jerry Griffiths to lead the recognition. The Lady Lions Singers from Central High School, led by director Ruthie Phillips, performed for attendees; Jerry Griffiths thanked the students and their director and asked the audience to applaud their performance.

District leaders described a "24-strong" baton tradition: retirees came forward by cluster, shook hands with board and cabinet members, and received retirement gifts. Neil Ruby called the names of retirees across district office units and school clusters; the transcript lists retirees including Sherry Pollard, Barbara Turner, Connie Smith, Sheila Baxter, Anne Fisher, Charles Johnson, Peggy Prothro, Brenda Taylor and others, and concluded with the superintendent as the final retiree, identified in the public remarks as Scott Cowart.

Jerry Griffiths praised the contributions of teachers, paraprofessionals, nutrition and transportation staff, and administrators, saying their daily work helps prepare students for success. The board paused for a brief five-minute intermission after the recognition before resuming the business meeting.

The public portion of the meeting then continued with routine agenda items and reports.