COVINGTON, Ga. — The Newton County Board of Education unanimously voted for Chairwoman Shakila Henderson-Baker and Vice Chairwoman Abigail Coggin to remain as officers for 2020.

Henderson-Baker began her first term on the school board on Jan. 18, 2011 as the District 3 representative. She was reelected for her third term and appointed as chair in 2019.

Henderson-Baker, a Newton County native, is a graduate of Newton County High School. She graduated Fort Valley State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science. In addition, she received a Master of Science degree in psychology and counseling from Troy University.

Coggin began her first term on the school board in November 2010 as a District 5 representative. She was appointed vice chair in 2018 and was reelected for her third term in 2019.

Coggin, a life-long Newton County resident, graduated Newton County High School in 1992. She received a Bachelor's Degree in political science from Oxford College and Emory University.

“Both Mrs. Henderson-Baker and Mrs. Coggin are excellent leaders and I look forward to working with both of them in their continued capacity as board chair and vice-chair,” Samantha Fuhrey, Newton School schools superintendent, said in a statement, “We are fortunate in Newton County that each and every one of our school board members makes decisions for our school system based on what is best for our students.”