Schools
Hightower Appointed To Schools Superintendent Post
Current Cherokee County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Frank Petruzielo will retire on Feb. 1, 2016.
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Canton, GA -- A sizable crowd filed into the Historic Canton High School/School Board Auditorium Friday evening to await a decision many in Cherokee County had been anticipating for two weeks: the appointment of a new superintendent to replace Dr. Frank Petruzielo in 2016.
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The Cherokee County School Board delivered on that promise, and unanimously tapped Dr. Brian Hightower to serve in the post starting Feb. 1, 2016. Board member Clark Menard was not present.
The board approved the appointment, subject to the completion and approval of a contract not exceed three years.
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Dr. Hightower currently serves as the Cherokee County School District’s deputy superintendent of School Operations, Programs and Support, a position he’s held since 2013.
His appointment came with applause and cheers from the audience, which was made up of current and former principals, school board members and school district employees.
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Dr. Hightower, who said he was “a little bit overwhelmed” with the choice and subsequent appointment, thanked his family, the school board, the district, central office staff and the public for their support.
To serve as part of the Cherokee County School District for 30 years “has turned out to be a privilege of a lifetime,” he stated.
Dr. Hightower note that the turnout for the called meeting was a testament to the strong backing the school district has from the community.
He also alluded to his soon-to-be predecessor’s presence during Friday’s meeting. In most systems and districts, the incumbent superintendent is usually not part of the action. That diversion from the norm in Cherokee County, Dr. Hightower said, speaks to Dr. Petruzielo’s “dedication to the continuity of the good things that we have going.”
The incoming superintendent also said he is looking forward to continue working with the school board, board attorney Tom Roach and members of the Superintendent’s Cabinet.
“Your vote of confidence tonight instills my resolve to ensure that we continue to be the best school district in the state of Georgia,” he added, referring to the school board.
Last but not least, Dr. Hightower commended the teachers and administrators who were part of the audience, adding their public service is the driving force behind the Cherokee County School District’s successes.
“We truly are the envy of the state,” he said. “I look forward to working with you to continue the positive momentum into the future. Our primary mission will remain to provide children in Cherokee County with a world class education.”
School Board member Mike Chapman also commended the selection of Dr. Hightower as Cherokee County’s next schools superintendent.
“I feel like you have the right education, experience...and temperament to lead our system in the future, and I look forward to working with you,” he said.
Hightower previously served as director of School Operations from 2003 to 2011 and assistant superintendent of School Operations between 2011 and 2013.
Before ascending to the central office, Hightower served as a teacher (1987-1996), assistant principal (1996-2000) and principal (2000-2003) at E.T. Booth Middle School.
Before coming to the Cherokee County School District, Hightower taught at Cass High School in Bartow County between 1986 and 1987.
Hightower received an associate’s degree in 1983 from Reinhardt University; a bachelor’s degree in education in 1986 from Kennesaw State University; a master’s degree in education in 1993 from North Georgia College and State University; an education specialist degree in 1996 from Georgia State University; and a doctorate in educational leadership in 2007 from Samford University.
He also received an education leadership certificate in 1997 from the University of West Georgia and gifted certification in 1994 from KSU.
Hightower is a member of the Professional Association of Georgia Educators and Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development.
At the local level, Hightower is sits on the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors, Cherokee YMCA Board of Directors and Chattahoochee Technical College Community Advisory Board.
He’s also a 2000 graduate of the Chamber’s Leadership Cherokee initiative. He and wife, Sue, have two adult children, Jonathan and Stephanie.
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Images via Cherokee County School District/Carrie McGowan
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