The DeKalb County Board of Education marked Ramona Tyson’s last board meeting as superintendent with a handful of proclamations, an award and a surprise appearance from DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond.
The school board spent the first hour of its monthly meeting — still held via Zoom due to the coronavirus pandemic — praising Tyson, who is set to retire at the end of the month after about 33 years with the district.
School board chairman Marshall Orson kicked things off by reading a proclamation acknowledging June 8, 2020, as Ramona Tyson Day for the district.
“That is just one small token of our appreciate of what you have meant to us and more importantly to the students and staff of this district,” Orson said after reading the proclamation.
Thurmond, who served as interim superintendent from 2013 to 2015, logged in to present a proclamation to Tyson from the county, which designated the day as Superintendent Ramona Tyson Day.
“She was the wind beneath my wings for the 2 and a half years I served as superintendent,” Thurmond said. “In fact, I think she was superintendent then. I just played one on TV.”
Other proclamations came from the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners, the office of U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson Jr., which also is sending a flag that has flown over the U.S. Capitol. A video also was played featuring parents, staffers and former board members, including former DeKalb County Board of Education Chairman Melvin Johnson.
“I had no idea this was coming, so you have to understand I am humbled by your graciousness,” Tyson said.
Tyson ruminated over her career, how she went from walking the stage at the University of Georgia to teach a summer class two days later. She thanked her children — including one who graduated amid the pandemic — and her husband, who she called her “speed-bump” for keeping her grounded. She also thanked the board for its support.
“To the seven of you with all of your individual personalities ... you bring something to this board that people don’t understand,” Tyson said. “But when a superintendent has a board that supports them, you can move mountains. I want to thank you for your support.”
About the Author
