Group photo of Decatur County Schools 2025 retirees standing with district administrators and board members at the Retirement Banquet.

On Monday, April 28, 2025, Decatur County Schools hosted the annual Retirement Banquet at Bainbridge High School to honor the dedicated employees who are retiring after many years of service to the students, schools, and community.

The evening, sponsored by the Decatur County Association of Educators, Georgia Association of Educators, and the National Education Association, was a heartfelt celebration filled with gratitude, recognition, and reflection.

The program included a welcome from Mr. Christopher Bryant, greetings from Mayor Edward Reynolds and Mr. Pete Stephens (Chairman of the County Commissioners), and an inspiring message from featured speaker Mr. Tommy Howell, retired principal of Bainbridge High School. Special recognition was given to outstanding employees and congressional award recipients, followed by a delicious dinner and acknowledgments.

Entertainment was provided by the BHS Band Department and the Bainbridge High School Air Force JROTC, who presented the colors. The evening was presided over by Mrs. Calvine Rollins, President of DCAE.

This year, we proudly celebrated retirees from across the district, representing decades of service in education, food nutrition, transportation, and administration:

Bainbridge High School

▪ Pamella Bland, 25 years

▪ Gina Burke, 30 years

▪ Marie Jones, 30 years

▪ Kristen Littleton, 29 years

▪ Sheila McLendon, 23 years

▪ Donna Powell, 31 years

▪ Christine Pugh, 29 years

Bainbridge Middle School

▪ Teresa Bailey, 30 years

Hutto Elementary School

▪ Tammie Godwin, 30 years

▪ Angela Heard, 30 years

Jones Wheat Primary School

▪ Claud Almon, 29 years

▪ Debby Long, 30 years

▪ Debra Phillips, 29 years

▪ Tonya Reynolds, 27 years

▪ Theodora Rodgers, 25 years

West Bainbridge Elementary School

▪ Rhonda Gay, 27 years

▪ Vera Mathews, 27 years

▪ Christina Morrison, 25 years

▪ Lisa Peacock, 29 years

Decatur County Board of Education

▪ Catherine Gossett, 30 years

Food Nutrition

▪ Patricia Rambo, 26 years

Transportation

▪ Monroe Long, 10 years

▪ Sandra McComb, 38 years

▪ Charles McComb, 10 years

We extend our deepest gratitude and warmest congratulations to all our retirees. Your impact on the lives of students and families in Decatur County will be felt for years to come.

Thank you for your service.