“He looked at me and said, ‘You give us an opportunity to teach kids what we love, we’ll get it done.’ Do you see the shift? ‘You’re giving us a chance? You’re giving us a chance to teach all kids physics? We’ll get it done.’ That’s what I mean about passion, so the part about me is how do we create that passion, because if there’s no fire in us, then how can I expect to put a fire in you?” – Dr. Phillip Lanoue, Clarke County School District Superintendent
By SUSANNA CONINE-NAKANO
Clarke County School District Superintendent Dr. Philip Lanoue was named Georgia Superintendent of the Year after being nominated for the second consecutive year.
Clarke County School District Superintendent Dr. Philip Lanoue was named Georgia Superintendent of the Year after being nominated for the second consecutive year. Lanoue was selected from a pool of 30 nominees and four finalists. Lanoue will go on to represent Georgia in the School Superintendents Association national competition.
On Dec.5, Lanoue accepted won Georgia superintendent of the year and will now represent Ga. in the national competition. Photos courtesy of Robbie Hooker.
“This is the greatest honor I have received in my 35 years as an educator, and it is one I am proud to share with the Clarke County School District community,” Lanoue said in a press release on Dec. 5. “Our teachers, students, parents, school leaders and community members have come together in our belief that all students can achieve.”
Under Lanoue’s leadership, the Clarke County School District has undergone reforms and other initiatives. Lanoue’s projects include the Non-Negotiable Practices for High Student Performance, the Athens Community Career Academy and others among his achievements as superintendent.
“Dr. Lanoue is more than deserving to be the Superintendent of the Year. He has improved the graduation rate, student achievement and the morale of the Clarke County School District. He is well-respected in the community, and the differences he has made will be lasting,” CCSD Board of Education president Charles Worthy said in a press release on Sept. 9.
Lanoue was nominated by the CCSD Board of Education. However, he credits all those involved in CCSD for his successes, and for the award specifically.
“This recognition is really about the work of our teachers, students, parents, school leaders and community members,” Lanoue said. “It’s something I am pleased to share with our entire community, as we have come together in our belief that all students can achieve.”
Lanoue has worked closely with Athens Technical College to revitalize the Athens Community Career Academy. Photo courtesy of Bertis Downs.
Lanoue was nominated by the Clarke County School District Board of Education. The Board strongly recommended Lanoue and recognized his strong leadership, character, and vision in the application nominating him.
“This recognition is really about the work of our teachers, students, parents, school leaders and community members. It’s something I am pleased to share with our entire community, as we have come together in our belief that all students can achieve,” Lanoue said in the release.