The Newton County Board of Education extended Superintendent Samantha Fuhrey’s contract for an additional year. By unanimous vote, school board members approved her contract extension at the July 19 meeting. As a result of this extension, Fuhrey’s contract now runs through the completion of the 2018-2019 school year. This is the third contract extension Fuhrey has received since the board selected her as superintendent in 2013. She was initially offered a three-year contract before assuming the duties as school superintendent on July 1, 2013.

“I am pleased to have the opportunity to continue to serve our students, families, and community,” said Fuhrey. “I’d like to thank the members of the board for their continued support; it is an honor and a privilege to work with them.”

Fuhrey previously served as the Deputy Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction for Newton County Schools. 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, 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, Fuhrey worked for the DeKalb County School System as an assistant principal and an English teacher.

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.

“Fuhrey has proven she has the leadership qualities we want in our school superintendent,” said Almond Turner, chair of the Newton County Board of Education. “Her reputation as an outstanding leader in public education is known and has been recognized throughout the state. We were extremely proud but definitely not surprised when she won the 2016 Georgia School Superintendent Association (GSSA) President’s Award. Fuhrey 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. She is truly devoted to making sure we provide the very best educational opportunities to the children in our school system, but she doesn’t stop there. What sets Fuhrey apart is her dedication and commitment to Newton County; this is her home. She is not just our school system leader; she has become a well-respected leader in our local community because she collaborates with other service organizations and agencies, our city and county elected officials, the business leaders, and more to attack the various issues impacting Newton County so it can grow and thrive. We are grateful for the work Fuhrey has done and we look forward to her leading our school system in the years to come.”