Pictured: Dr. Fred “Bubba” Longgrear, GSSA President, Dr. Michele Taylor, Superintendent Calhoun City Schools, Dr. John Zauner, GSSA Executive Director
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Calhoun City Schools is pleased to share that the Georgia School Superintendents Association (GSSA) announced that Dr. Michele Taylor has been selected as the 2025 recipient of the prestigious Bill Barr Leadership Award, the organization’s top honor recognizing exceptional superintendents who mentor, teach, and lead others in pursuing excellence in public education. The award is named in honor of Dr. Bill Barr, the inaugural executive director of GSSA.
Dr. Taylor’s career has been defined by visionary leadership, unwavering commitment to students and educators, and a deep passion for strengthening public education across Georgia. Through her work, Dr. Taylor has demonstrated the qualities the Bill Barr Leadership Award honors: leadership with integrity, mentorship of peers and emerging leaders, and a consistent record of advancing student success.
“It is a tremendous honor to be recognized by my colleagues in GSSA,” said Dr. Taylor. “Public education is a team effort, and I share this award with the many teachers, administrators, support staff and community partners who make great things possible in our schools every day.”
Under Dr. Taylor’s leadership, her district has achieved significant gains in student achievement, stakeholder engagement and system-wide innovation. Her commitment to cultivating a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement has inspired fellow superintendents across the state to elevate their practice.
The award was presented to Dr. Taylor at the GSSA 2025 Fall Bootstrap Conference, held in Athens, Georgia on October 22-23, 2025, by Mary Elizabeth Davis, GSSA Board Member and Superintendent of Cherokee County Schools. Dr. Davis shared, “Dr. Michele Taylor is highly respected by her fellow superintendents in our State, and her thoughts, opinions, and advice are often sought. She is the ‘go-to’ leader and mentor for many of us as she embodies that which others envy and aspire to emulate: the ideals of commitment to students’ educational excellence and the courage to lead in complex and demanding times. She is committed to building relationships with other superintendents and supporting their needs. In addition to providing her own time and expertise, she is always willing to serve her profession in many different positions, as proven by her actions.”
About the Bill Barr Leadership Award: The Bill Barr Leadership Award is given annually by GSSA to one superintendent who exemplifies the qualities of mentorship, teaching others, and leading a school system with excellence. The award honors the legacy of Dr. Bill Barr, who served as executive director of GSSA and whose vision continues to shape statewide superintendent leadership.
About GSSA: The Georgia School Superintendents Association (GSSA) provides leadership development, advocacy and professional learning to Georgia’s public-school superintendents. GSSA’s mission is to support effective system leadership, advance student achievement and foster strong educational communities across the state.
Pictured: Dr. Peter Coombe, Assistant Superintendent; Rhoda Washington, Board Member; Dr. Michele Taylor, Superintendent; Cari Craig, Administrative Assistant and Dr. Jaime Garrett, Assistant Superintendent
Pictured: Dr. Noris Price, GSSA Superintendent in Residence; Dr. Michele Taylor, Superintendent of Calhoun City Schools; and Dr. Mary Elizabeth Davis, GSSA Board Member and Superintendent of Cherokee County Schools.