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Samantha Fuhrey named finalist for 2018 Georgia Superintendent of the Year
FUHREY
Staff Report
Published: Sep 22, 2017, 8:03 PM

GEORGIA - The Georgia School Superintendents Association (GSSA) announced today that Newton County School System (ncss) superintendent, Samantha Fuhrey, is one of four finalists for 2018 Georgia Superintendent of the Year.

According to John Zauner, executive director of GSSA, 20 nominations were submitted for this year’s competition. In addition to Fuhrey, Dr. Steve Barker, superintendent of Coweta County Schools; Dr. Michael Duncan, superintendent of Pike County Schools; and Wes Taylor, superintendent of Lowndes County Schools, were also named finalists.

“Each have been singled out for their leadership abilities and their excellent skill set in working with their boards, staff, and local communities,”  Zauner said. “Having outstanding communication skills seems to be a theme amongst this distinguished group of experienced educational leaders.  They all face challenges and do so with high integrity and dynamic and supportive leadership styles.  They have risen to the top of their profession for a very good reason.  They all strive to create a kinetic and innovative educational environment for students to be successful.”

“It is a tremendous honor to have been nominated and selected to be one of the four finalists among my esteemed colleagues,”  Fuhrey said. “I have an amazing team and I am proud of all that we have accomplished over the last several years. We are not where we wish to be but we are well on our way. I look forward to the continued successes of our district and community and truly appreciate this recognition.”

Mrs. Fuhrey is in her fifth year as superintendent for Newton County Schools. The first female school superintendent in county history, she has received four contract extensions from the Newton County Board of Education. In 2016, Mrs. Fuhrey was awarded the GSSA President’s Award.

She previously served as the Deputy Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction for NCSS. She has extensive leadership experience at the executive level as she previously served as the Executive Director for Secondary Education, the Director of Secondary Education, and the Director of Professional Learning for Newton County Schools. Before becoming a district administrator, Mrs. Fuhrey was the principal of Indian Creek Middle School in Newton County from 2005 to 2008 after having been promoted from assistant principal, a position she served from 2001 to 2005. Prior to her employment with Newton County Schools, Mrs. Fuhrey worked for the DeKalb County School System as an assistant principal and an English teacher.

Mrs. Fuhrey earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary English from Marywood University in 1991 and her master’s degree in educational leadership from State University of West Georgia in 2000. She added an education specialist’s degree in educational leadership from Georgia College and State University in 2006.

“Mrs. Fuhrey has proven she has the leadership qualities we want in our school superintendent,”  Almond Turner, chair of the Newton County Board of Education, said. “Her reputation as an outstanding leader in public education is known and has been recognized throughout the state. She is an excellent educator and administrator who is focused on our school system’s two non-negotiable goals—increased student achievement and more effective teaching. We are fortunate to have a superintendent who is truly devoted to making sure we provide the very best educational opportunities to the children in our school system. The board members and I are grateful for the work Mrs. Fuhrey has done and proud of her for this accomplishment. She is an outstanding leader and most definitely worthy of the Georgia Superintendent of the Year award.”
Ryan Allred honored with award for Excellence in Technology and Engineering Education at NCCA
Ryan Allred
Ryan Allred, Engineering and Technology Teacher at Newton College and Career Academy, has been recognized with the Teacher Excellence Award by the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA). - photo by Newton County Schools
Staff Report
Published: May 7, 2025, 2:37 PM

Newton County Schools (NCS) announced last week that Ryan Allred, Engineering and Technology Teacher at Newton College and Career Academy (NCCA), has been recognized with the Teacher Excellence Award by the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA). 

Allred was honored during ITEEA’s 87th Annual Conference, held April 2-5, 2025, in St. Louis, Mo. 

Sponsored by ITEEA and Goodheart-Willcox, the Teacher Excellence Award is one of the highest honors bestowed upon classroom teachers of technology and engineering education. 

It recognizes outstanding educators at the elementary, middle and high school levels for their contributions to the profession and their lasting impact on students. Each year, recipients are celebrated at the local, state and international levels for their leadership and exemplary instruction.

“Mr. Allred is an outstanding Engineering and Technology Teacher and is well-deserving of this recognition,” said Tim Schmitt, NCS director of CTAE and Workforce Innovation. “His contributions to the field within Georgia not only benefit students from Newton County but also extend across the entire state. I am honored to support Mr. Allred’s work and feel as though our CTAE programs are stronger because he is a part of the team.”

Chad Walker, principal of NCCA, also praised Allred’s dedication and leadership. 

“Mr. Allred is the epitome of excellence in teaching,” Walker said. “He consistently challenges and inspires our students to reach new heights in technology and engineering. His passion, innovation, and commitment to student success are evident every single day. We are incredibly proud to have him as part of the NCCA family and thrilled that he is being recognized on a national level.”

Byron McKay, ITEEA Awards chair, emphasized the significance of the recipients’ accomplishments.

“Reviewing this impressive list of award recipients highlights the excellence in technology and engineering education across our nation,” McKay said. “These distinguished educators provide valuable models for enhancing our own teaching methods. Additionally, professional connection with such accomplished colleagues brings meaningful recognition within our academic community.”

NCS Superintendent Dr. Duke Bradley, III, commended Allred for his outstanding achievement. 

“Mr. Allred exemplifies the spirit of innovation and excellence that we strive to cultivate throughout Newton County Schools,” Bradley said. “His work not only prepares students for future success but also elevates the quality and reputation of our district’s career and technical education programs. We are proud to celebrate his accomplishments and the powerful impact he makes every day.”

For more information about the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA), its Annual Conference, or its Awards Program, visit www.iteea.org.