The Cherokee County School Board has identified Dr. Mary Elizabeth Davis as the sole finalist for the superintendent of schools position, as announced in a special meeting held on Jan. 31. A conclusive vote to formalize her appointment and outline her contract details is scheduled for Feb. 15.
Davis, the current superintendent of Henry County Schools, is expected to leverage her significant experience to spearhead the Cherokee County School District’s ongoing commitment to educational excellence.
Reflecting on her nomination, Davis shared her enthusiasm and alignment with the district’s values, stating, “I am honored to be named by the Board of Education as the finalist for the Superintendent of the Cherokee County School District. Cherokee County, known for its extraordinary commitment to educational excellence, aligns perfectly with my beliefs about the role of public education in communities today.”
Throughout her career, Davis has demonstrated a profound dedication to enhancing student achievement and fostering community involvement in education. Her tenure in Henry County was marked by notable improvements in student performance metrics and an increase in student engagement in advanced coursework. Her leadership abilities have not gone unnoticed; she was a finalist for Georgia’s Superintendent of the Year and was awarded the 2023 Georgia’s Governance Team of the Year.
Davis’s professional journey began in the classroom, giving her a solid foundation in educational principles and leadership. Prior to her work in Henry County, she served as the chief academic officer for Cobb County School District and assistant superintendent for curriculum & instruction in Gwinnett County. Her extensive experience is complemented by her background in education policy, having served in the George W. Bush administration and as an education policy advisor in the U.S. Senate.
Holding a degree in chemistry from Messiah College, along with advanced degrees in public administration, educational leadership, and educational policy from Georgia State University, Davis brings a comprehensive skill set to her new role. As she prepares to join the Cherokee County community with her family, Davis is committed to engaging with the district’s stakeholders to further elevate Cherokee County Schools’ standing as a beacon of educational leadership and excellence.