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Decatur County Schools Superintendent Dr. Boyd English will put the student first as he starts his first year as superintendent. Dr. English and Head Football Coach Jeff Littleton spoke to the Chamber of Commerce Thursday at its Chamber Connect Luncheon. The two spoke about what to expect from Decatur County Schools and the Bainbridge High School football program this year.
“It always starts with the student,’” English said. “How can we help that student?”
English detailed the three aspects of a school system that he deems integral to success: the people, vision and facilities. The vision pertains to holding a high level of quality across the school system. English said there are three “components” to his vision for Decatur County schools: expanding opportunities for students, fostering a moral nurturing learning environment for students and offering the best quality instruction possible in a challenging way.
English said he is excited about the construction and completion of new facilities in the school system. He said that construction of the Bainbridge Middle School has a “penciled in” completion date of Sept. 2024. He also touched on the performing arts center at Bainbridge High School that opens this school year.
“We’re very excited about supporting our arts education,” English said. “It is going to be a facility that will have a capacity to hold somewhere around 550 students or spectators.”
Though he spoke about it last, English said the people come first. He plans to support the students by supporting the teachers.
“How can we help the teachers,” English said. “Teachers are the ones that are in those classrooms every day molding the young people of tomorrow.”
English said the best way to help teachers is to keep it simple. “Just supporting people and being there for people as we mold the youth of tomorrow,” English said.
Coach Littleton echoed this sentiment and explained how the football program puts the players first. “We appreciate you working with us,” Littleton said, speaking about parents of players on the team. “We’re trying to help you raise those kids.”
Littleton previewed the upcoming football season for the crowd, detailing his players and the opponents on the schedule. The Bearcats have 21 seniors and 14 returning starters for the 2023 season. Wide receiver Antavious Murphy and running back Keenan Phillips stand out from the veteran group, both receiving double-digit college offers. Littleton said this group of seniors is one of the biggest he’s had in his 11-year tenure as the Bearcats’ head coach. He mentioned that the seniors have built a tradition of making deep playoff runs. The group made it to the semi-finals of the state tournament in 2020 and the quarterfinals in 2021 and 2022.
“They’re very, very excited about continuing that and going further,” Littleton said.
The Bearcats have a new quarterback this season in senior Cam Sanders. Sanders has played Quarterback throughout his career but has yet to start at the position for BHS. Sanders played wide receiver last year and earned all-region honors at the position.