Early County Board of Education Officially Appoints Dr. Mary A. Felton as Superintendent
For Immediate Release:
Marcie Ham: Communications Director
Release Date: July 1, 2026
Early County Board of Education Officially Appoints
Dr. Mary A. Felton as Superintendent
Blakely, GA – During a called meeting held this morning at the Early County Administrative and Training Site (ECATS), the Early County Board of Education unanimously approved the appointment of Dr. Mary A. Felton as the next Superintendent of Early County School System. The Board approved the appointment by a 5-0 vote.
Dr. Felton will officially begin serving as superintendent on July 1, 2026, under a three-year employment contract, following the Board's announcement of her as the sole finalist 14 days ago in accordance with Georgia law.
The appointment concludes a comprehensive superintendent search conducted in partnership with the Georgia School Boards Association (GSBA). Throughout the process, the Board sought input from employees and community members to help identify the qualities and leadership characteristics most important in selecting the district's next superintendent.
Dr. Felton expressed both gratitude and enthusiasm as she prepares to lead the district.
"I am truly honored by the trust the Early County Board of Education has placed in me to serve as the superintendent, and I am looking forward to serving the students, staff, families, and community of Early County," said Dr. Felton. "From the very beginning of this process, I have been impressed by the pride this community has in its schools and the genuine commitment to helping every child succeed. I look forward to listening, building relationships, and working alongside our educators, employees, Board members, parents, and community partners as we continue creating opportunities that empower every student to reach their full potential. I am excited to become part of Bobcat Nation and begin this important work together."
Dr. Felton brings more than 20 years of experience in public education and educational leadership to Early County School System. Prior to joining Early County, she served as Chief Academic Officer for Dougherty County School System and previously held leadership roles as an assistant superintendent, principal, assistant principal, literacy coach, educational specialist, classroom teacher, and university professor.