The Houston County Board of Education is pleased to announce it has earned the Georgia School Boards Association’s (GSBA) 2026 Exemplary Governance Team Recognition, the highest level of achievement in GSBA’s Governance Team Recognition Program. The Board will be recognized at the 2026 GSBA Annual Conference in December.

This honor recognizes the governance team’s exceptional commitment to effective governance, continuous improvement, transparency, and collaboration, which all support strong district leadership and student success.

“Achieving Exemplary Governance Team Recognition is a testament to our Board’s commitment to working collaboratively, making informed decisions, and keeping student success at the center of everything we do,” said Dr. Richard Rogers, Superintendent of Schools. “This recognition speaks to the relationships and teamwork that make our District special. Our Board members care deeply about doing what’s right for our students and staff, and I’m grateful to work alongside each of them as we continue to move our District forward.”

To earn the Exemplary Governance Team Recognition, the Houston County Board of Education governance team successfully met the rigorous criteria established by GSBA. These criteria reflect the highest standards of effective governance, strategic leadership, accountability, and continuous improvement.

GSBA’s Governance Team Recognition Program was established in 1998 by Georgia superintendents and board members and is based on the State Board of Education’s Standards for Effective Governance. As one of the first programs of its kind in the nation, it recognizes Georgia school governance teams for their commitment to effective governance and continuous growth.

The GSBA Governance Team Recognition Program includes three levels: Quality, Distinguished, and Exemplary. Achieving the Exemplary level represents the highest level of recognition within the program and reflects a governance team’s commitment to exemplary governance practices and leadership.

For more information about GSBA’s Governance Team Recognition Program, including recognition levels and criteria, visit the GSBA Awards and Recognition webpage at gsba.com/awards/.