Coworkers, school board members, friends and family gathered Thursday afternoon, March 30, to say their official goodbye to Dr. Michael Gwatney as he begins his retirement.
The training room of the school system’s Staff Development Center was filled with well wishes, both public and private, for Gwatney. He has served the system and the county for 31 years, starting as a para pro and advancing through the ranks before being named superintendent of schools.
School board Chairman Terry Bramlett praised Gwatney for “a remarkable career, a remarkable level of performance.”
Bramlett called Gwatney, “A model of dedication and service,” talking about how he served in a position that is 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“His intentions have been for the kids first,” school board member Lewis Deweese said.
“He brought Fannin County to right here where we are today,” school board member Bobby Bearden said.
Mike Cole, the last school board member to speak, spoke of Gwatney’s vision for the system.
But just like all the speakers before him, he talked of the friendship and love he has for Gwatney and the family atmosphere created among the entire team, not only on the school board but throughout the central office.
Gwatney concluded the public portion of the event sayiing, “The things that are being said about me are this community.” He gave credit to the school board, the school system directors, everyone he called the team for the success of the system. “I’ve had the blessing of a very strong team,” he said.
Gwatney said the goal behind his service and what he has believed in for everyone in the system is to “leave it better than you found it, so that’s the challenge” for Superintendent Shannon Miller. “And I’m certain that you will,” he said, speaking directly to his successor.