Cherokee County Schools Honors Retiring Leaders

CHEROKEE COUNTY, Ga. — The Cherokee County School District celebrated four retiring leaders with a special reception last Thursday.

The Senior Staff Retirement Reception honored Cherokee Schools Police Chief Mark Kissel, Director of Facility Construction Phil Parrott, Supervisor of Curriculum Tammy Castleberry and Coordinator of Curriculum Judy Withey.

The reception welcomed current and retired colleagues, school board members, family and friends to congratulate the retirees, hear speeches from them and their supervisors, and enjoy refreshments. Each retiree was presented with a plaque of appreciation and received a copy of the children’s book that will be donated to CCSD’s media centers in their name. The event was sponsored by Credit Union of Georgia, a CCSD Partner.

“It’s a bittersweet celebration for us to thank these four for their longtime service to our community: we will miss them greatly, but wish them the best in their well-deserved retirement,” Superintendent of Schools Brian Hightower said. “Each has made a significant contribution to our School District’s success and has improved the lives of generations of students.”

Kissel established the district's Police Department upon his hiring in 1999. Under his leadership, it has grown to a nationally renowned organization and one of only five in Georgia recognized as a Certified Law Enforcement Agency. He has served in law enforcement for 49 years and looks forward to spending more time with his children, grandchildren and his fishing pole.

Parrott, who is retiring after 19 years of service, supervised $550 million of school and office construction projects as the district caught up with the county’s booming development. An avid Braves fan and golfer, he’s looking forward to enjoying more of both with his family.

Castleberry is retiring with more than 30 years of service as an educator spanning from her start as a classroom teacher to assistant principal, and then Principal of Macedonia Elementary School before joining the Office of Curriculum and Instruction. While her career as an educator is coming to an end, she said her calling as an educator is not, so she’s looking forward to what comes next.

Withey is retiring with 19 years served in Cherokee County, including as a classroom teacher and graduation coach prior to joining the Office of Curriculum and Instruction. She was joined at the celebration by her children and grandchildren and said she looks forward to spending more time with them, and sleeping in until 9 a.m.