On January 7, 2019, I was sworn in to the Hall County Board of Education while placing my hand on a bible given to my father, and later to me, by my late grandmother. My grandmother was a very important part of my life when I was growing up. She helped raise me, and was, in many ways, my best friend. She had a heart for people, especially the disadvantaged and she loved an underdog. But there is something that she told me repeatedly over the course of my childhood that will never leave me. To this day I still carry this advice with me. “Son, always stay true to yourself.” As I serve, I cannot help but hear my grandmother tell me this.
Having been elected to serve the people of Hall County in this role is an honor and a privilege, and I enjoy working hard each day, for your families, to be the best public servant I can be. .
I am very excited to join the Hall Co family and I am ready to hit the ground running to build on the successes that have already been realized in our school system. Hall County Schools is a diverse community of the most caring people I have ever met. I know this because I am a product of this school system, and was blessed to have teachers, coaches and administrators all along the way who never hesitated to go the extra mile to help us learn and grow.
With 13 magnet schools, 21 programs of choice, 60 CTAE pathways, record high graduation rates, cutting edge technology and security features, 3,206 gifted students, and 5,243 students who are learning English as their second language, there is no doubt that we enjoy great schools in Hall County. However, this is not by chance or accident. This is directly due to the hard work our students, staff and leaders put in each day to be the best they can be. I am determined to continue advancing our schools and enhancing student achievement.
As a native of Hall County and a product of Hall County Schools, I have a vested interest in the success of our schools and students. Having been involved in the school system as a student, substitute teacher and volunteer youth football coach, and now as a Board Member, I cannot think back on a time in my life when I have not been involved in our schools.
Since you elected me in 2018, I have pushed forward our shared goals of school choice, supporting teachers, and advancing technical skills and workforce readiness. With your continued support on May 24, 2022, I look forward to earning additional time to work for the families of Hall County.
I hope you'll support my efforts to provide the boys and girls of Hall County high quality educational opportunities.
Check back often for updates and feel free to contact me with any thoughts, questions or concerns that you may have.
Your Friend,
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Mark Pettitt
Hall County Board of Education
