While Sherri Partee’s official job title with the Newton County School System (NCSS) is director of public relations, she views her role as being the system’s “head cheerleader.” 

Whether it is students winning awards, earning millions of dollars in scholarship money or taking college courses while in high school, Partee enjoys highlighting students’ accomplishments the most among her duties. 

“I’m a reporter by nature, so to have the incredible opportunity to work with our students and promote the great things they are accomplishing each and every day is amazing,” Partee said. “The students in our schools are just so talented and have incredible potential. It’s absolutely amazing to be around them every day.  To have the honor to tell their story means the world to me.”

Partee has served the NCSS in this capacity for the past 23 years. 

In addition to highlighting student and staff achievements, Partee also runs the district website and social media channels. She plans events like teacher of the year, employee retirement dinners and partners in education program. 

People may even see Partee a few Friday nights at Sharp Stadium in the fall taking photos during high school football games. 

Plus, she sends out messages from the district to the parents concerning important updates such as inclement weather or fall break holiday coming up. 

Partee does not overlook the value of making such calls either. 

“I take that role seriously because the parents are depending on me and are often waiting on me to provide that important information as soon as possible,” Partee said. “When I’ve met people out and about, I often get, ‘Oh, you’re the lady who calls my house.’ What’s cute is they can repeat my call intros word-for-word because I’ve been making them for 23 years now.” 

Away from the NCSS, Partee is involved with her church, Covington First United Methodist. She and her husband Vic enjoy spending time with their families. Partee likes to go to the beach whenever possible as well. 

Her hobbies include watching football, tennis and baseball. In fact, Partee said she’s a “big baseball fan,” with Cal Ripken Jr. being her favorite player. 

Originally from Maryland, Partee graduated from Salisbury State University in 1994. A fellow graduate from the class of 1994 was Dan Quinn, the former Atlanta Falcons head coach. 

Partee said that graduating with Quinn was her “celebrity story,” though they did not know each other. 

Now being a long standing member of Newton County, Partee is grateful for all the area has to offer. That is why she doesn’t foresee moving anytime soon. 

“It’s something about Newton County. When I retire, I see myself staying here. I had the chance to move back home to Maryland a few years back and I was just, ‘Newton County is home now. I’ve made lifelong friends here now. My family is here.’ 

“It’s just a special place to be…it really is.”