by Denise Etheridge
White County News
White County Schools Superintendent Laurie Burkett, who guided the district through a global pandemic and oversaw major facility upgrades, will retire in March 2026 after 36 years in education.
The Board of Education approved Burkett’s retirement following a closed session on Sept. 25.
Burkett was named superintendent in 2018. She succeeded Jeff Wilson, who resigned after accepting the superintendent position with Floyd County’s school system.
“It’s been the honor of a lifetime to serve our students, families and staff,” Burkett said in an email. “I’ve witnessed incredible growth, resilience and community spirit throughout the years. I am full of gratitude for the people who make our schools more. Thank you for allowing me to be part of something so special.”
School Board Chair Missy Jarrard said she appreciates the work Burkett did leading the system through the pandemic.
“Obviously, that was an unprecedented time, and with guidance from our state and county health agencies, Dr. Burkett showed leadership and confidence through a challenging time,” Jarrard said.
Jarrard stated that board members will discuss “appropriate procedural options” once Burkett retires.
“Once we have a procedural plan in place, the plan for moving forward will immediately be shared with the community,” she said.
Other school board members also commented on Burkett’s tenure as superintendent.
“A lasting memory that I have is the steady leadership and guidance she provided during the COVID Pandemic,” School Board Member Charlie Thomas recalled. “In particular, her determination that our seniors would receive their diploma in person from her, as she walked from car to car in the White County High School parking lot, accompanied by a film crew, to be able to capture the moment for the Class of 2020. This is only one example of how Dr. Burkett has demonstrated her loyalty and love for the students of White County.”
Thomas remarked that Burkett exemplifies the adage, “Leave it better than you found it.”
School Board Member Jon Estes agreed that school system programs and facilities were improved under Burkett’s leadership.
“She prioritized student engagement by spearheading a SPLOST campaign that has built some of the best athletic, music and theater facilities in north Georgia,” Estes said. “She helped secure a partnership with Medlink, which provides on-campus healthcare at our high school, as well as started Warrior Academy, a school for students who learn best in a non-traditional setting. She has managed our finances well, increasing our fund balance to a healthy level while keeping spending low. She has kept our graduation rate over 90%, nearly 10% above the state average.”
The future of White County Schools is promising due in part to Burkett’s leadership and commitment, Estes concluded.
“Dr. Burkett cares deeply,” he said. “She cares about our schools, she cares about our students, she cares about our people, she cares about integrity and education and equipping students for success. She cares, and that’s rare in a leader.”
“Laurie will be missed,” School Board Member Linda Erbele said. “She’s always had what is best for students at the top of mind, followed by what the school board employees need. She is the first to credit her people for their ideas and to honor others.”
Burkett taught in White County from July 1990 to June 1998, before spending two years in the Hall County School System. She returned to White County in July 2000. As a White County educator, she taught math and coached girls basketball. She later held positions as athletic director, assistant principal, director of human resources and assistant superintendent.