The Social Circle school system is considered by many to be one of the best in the state. Granted it's a small system, but excellence still has to be learned and earned.

As far as we are concerned, school system superintendents lead the way on that search for excellence. Here at home, we believe that Dr. Gary Mathews is leading Newton County back on the path of education excellence.

We know for sure that the Social Circle school system has reached that plateau, and the reason is the leadership of superintendant Dr. Bettye Ray.

Dr. Ray has led the Social Circle school system for the past nine years and to tell you the truth, we were surprised when she offered her resignation this past week in order to be a parent and grandparent to her grandchildren.

Social Circle mayor Hal Dally has said the Social Circle schools are the crown jewel of the city. We agree.
It is going to be hard to replace a person with as much character as Dr. Ray. We respect her reasoning for her decision to retire.

People tell us that in time of need, families should always come first. Dr. Bettye Ray has proved that philosophy to be true. We wish her the very best and her shoes are going to be hard to fill.