Superintendent Announces Retirement After Years of Dedicated Service to BCPS

On Tuesday, September 15, 2026, during the monthly Board of Education meeting, superintendent Dr. Angela Williams announced her retirement from Burke County Public Schools (BCPS) effective June 30, 2027. Wiliams will conclude a distinguished 36-year career in education—all with BCPS—including seven years as superintendent. Prior to becoming Superintendent, Dr. Williams served as a middle school teacher, instructional coordinator, assistant principal, principal, curriculum director, and assistant superintendent. 

Dr. Williams was appointed Superintendent July 2020, becoming the second woman and first Black woman to lead BCPS. Her first year as superintendent was marked by navigating the district through the unprecedented challenges of the global pandemic. Under her leadership, school operations continued. With approximately 60% of students returning to campus in the fall, she ensured that remote learners continued to receive a high-quality education by working with leaders on remote instructional plans, providing Chromebooks and internet access in homes, partnering with civic and faith-based organizations to provide access throughout the county, and working through the district’s school nutrition and transportation departments to provide meals to families. Post-pandemic, the district shifted focus to address learning loss, including after school tutoring programs for students at no cost.

During Superintendent Williams’s tenure, BCPS made significant progress in several key areas, including student achievement,  community partnerships, and career and workforce opportunities. With an increased focus on literacy, the district adopted a robust K-12 platform for instruction and intervention, formed partnerships with early learning centers and programs throughout the county, and hosted literacy fairs and carnivals to emphasize the importance of literacy and place books in the homes of preschool children. 

Opportunities for students to explore career pathways, participate in work-based learning, earn industry credentials, and prepare for postsecondary education and employment also expanded. Student participation in Dual Enrollment more than doubled, as did the number of students applying and being approved for early graduation. Burke County High School’s graduation rate reached its highest level in ten years at 92.83% during the 24-25 school year.  

The district also experienced enhanced school safety and security while modernizing classrooms and facilities. Safety protocols and security measures—including access controls, cameras, panic alert systems, and online monitoring—were strengthened. Emergency preparedness and collaboration with local law enforcement and community partners were also enhanced, creating a learning environment where students and staff can learn, work, and thrive. Facilities plans addressing current and future instructional and safety needs, including more functional classroom spaces and athletic improvements, were advanced. Key projects included the complete renovation of Burke County Middle School in 2022; renovations to Burke County High School’s auditorium, media center, and restroom facilities in 2026; renovated guest reception areas at several schools; and the newly constructed Burke County Life Center, scheduled to begin in late fall.

Stakeholder engagement and communication also improved. With the purpose of elevating staff and student voice on the district’s direction, programs, and initiatives, BCPS’s first Superintendent Advisory Council (SAC) and Superintendent Student Advisory Council (SSAC) were established during the 2022-2023 school year and remain active. Employee recruitment, professional learning, recognition, retention, and the development of a positive and supportive organizational culture were prioritized through initiatives such as competitive salary scales, recruitment and retention packages, and tuition reimbursement and assistance. The use of technology platforms expanded, providing families and stakeholders with timely information and greater access to district and school resources. An increased focus was placed on the whole child, addressing students’ social, emotional, behavioral, and academic needs while promoting safe, supportive, and positive learning environments. Wrap-around services include two school-based health clinics and in-school mental health services for students.

Organizational effectiveness was strengthened through the conversion of manual processes—such as student registration, annual updates, and compliance training—to paperless systems. Routine processes were automated, standard operating procedures (SOPs) were developed, and digital workflows were expanded for accounts payable processing, employee applications, onboarding, employee contracts, and leave entry. Improved systems were adopted to eliminate redundancy and increase efficiency.

Dr. Williams has served on various boards throughout the CSRA, including Communities In Schools of Burke County, United Way of CSRA, Child Enrichment Inc., Burke County Chamber of Commerce, Burke County Health Foundation, Burke County Family Y, CSRA Regional Educational Service Agency (RESA), Augusta Technical College Adult Education Advisory, and Augusta University Leadership Advisory. She has also received a number of awards and honors for her work, including the 2013 Burke County Retired Educator Association (BCREA) Outstanding Educator Award, the 2022 Georgia Women’s Leadership Caucus Nikki T. Randall Servant Leadership Award, and the 2025 Georgia School Superintendent Association (GSSA) President’s Award. 

“It has been one of the greatest honors of my professional career to serve as Superintendent of Burke County Public Schools,” said Superintendent Williams. “Every accomplishment we have achieved has been the result of dedicated principals, teachers, support professionals, administrators, families, community partners, and, most importantly, our students, those who believe deeply in the future of our children. I am proud of what we have accomplished together and grateful for the opportunity to serve.”

Reflecting on the future, Dr. Williams stated that the decision to retire comes with tremendous pride in the work accomplished and confidence in the continued success of Burke County Public Schools. “Retirement is not simply the closing of a chapter; it is an opportunity to reflect on the people, experiences, challenges, and successes that have made this journey so meaningful. I will leave knowing that Burke County Public Schools has dedicated educators and employees who will continue to put students first.”

Dr. Williams will continue working with the Board of Education and district leadership to support a smooth transition in leadership and ensure that the district remains focused on its strategic priorities and commitment to student success. In 2021, she led the school district through the COGNIA District Accreditation process and is currently preparing for reaccreditation during the 2027-2028 school year. 

“While I look forward to the next chapter of my life, I will always cherish my time with Burke County Public Schools,” Williams said. “Thank you for allowing me to serve and to lead. The relationships formed and the lives touched will remain among the greatest rewards of my career. You always want to leave a place better than you found it. I believe that I’m leaving BCPS better than I found it. I am also confident that the best is yet to come.”