February 28, 2022
Greensboro, Ga. — On February 15th, Greene County Board of Education Chairman Mike Lynch submitted a letter of resignation to Governor Brian Kemp—resigning from his position effective February 28, 2023. In his letter, Mr. Lynch stated “I have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, and I am getting to a stage of the disease that does not permit me to devote the quality time to the position that it requires. I have enjoyed the six+ years I have had the appointment, and I am very proud of the accomplishments of both our county’s traditional and charter schools during that period. I am also confident that the leadership that remains in place will continue the progress that has been made.”
At the BOE's regular monthly meeting on February 16th, the Board recognized Mr. Lynch for his dedicated and outstanding service and presented him with accolades. Mr. Lynch received a standing ovation from those in attendance, and during his remarks, he commented that, next to raising his children and grandchildren with his wife, his service as chairman of the BOE was the most rewarding activity in his life.
Following attorney advice and local Greene County law that calls for the BOE to make appointments to fill vacancies that occur with less than 2 years left in a term instead of holding special elections, the Board then appointed District 4 Representative Dr. Perry Lee to fill the Chairman position for the remainder of the unexpired term, and appointed community member and retired educator Dr. Maggie Kjer to fill the District 4 Representative seat for the remainder of that unexpired term.
“I am excited for this new role,” Lee said. “The board recognizes that quality education is a key component of the future success of our students. We are going to work hard to reinforce that the Greene County school system becomes the best in the state by meeting their needs as well as our teachers and staff.”
Dr. Kjer, who holds a Ph.D. in Education from Capella University, brings to the table 35 years combined experience in public education and educational support businesses. Prior to her retirement in 2021, she served as Sales Leader for Pearson, the world's largest education company, where she also served as voting member on Pearson’s Assessment Product Council as the practitioner/sales leader to guide new product development, technology, and resource investment. Prior to her time at Pearson, she worked as a Special Education administrator and teacher in the U.S. and abroad in Korea and Germany. She has also served as a reading specialist, EBD program coordinator, and curriculum committee member.
“I have great faith in the board I am leaving,” Lynch said. “Under the leadership of Dr. Lee, the district will continue to advance the progress we have made to date. I expect Dr. Kjer to contribute to that progress as well, given her experience and advanced degrees in education.”
