A familiar face will soon be taking the reins as superintendent of Bartow County Schools.
The Bartow County Board of Education unanimously voted Monday night to appoint current Chief Leadership and Learning Officer Clint Terza.
With nearly 29 years in education, five in Bartow County, Terza will seamlessly transition to his new role at the end of this academic year.
“I have been so fortunate and blessed to work alongside Superintendent Page, someone I have known for about 15 years,” said Terza. “I have a high level of respect for him, as he always leads with faith, family, and an educational focus. This school system has seen an unprecedented number of historic moments under his leadership, and I hope to continue the legacy.”
Terza is a Pennsylvania native, but moved to Cobb County, Georgia, to teach in Coweta County immediately upon graduation from Clarion University.
“After surviving winters in central Pennsylvania, my wife and I thought the sunshine and job opportunities looked so much better in Georgia,” said Terza.
And he was right. He quickly landed his first job teaching fifth grade at Jefferson Parkway Elementary School and was selected as the Sallie Mae First Class Teacher.
You could very well say Terza followed in his family’s footsteps since his mother and father were both elementary school teachers.
“After a year at Jefferson Parkway Elementary, I moved to Birney Elementary in Cobb County,” said Terza. “There, I truly found my calling for educational leadership.”
Since then, Terza earned his master’s and specialist degree in Leadership and Administration and assumed the roles of administrative assistant, assistant principal, and principal at four other schools in Cobb County.
“I was the principal of Austell Intermediate School for seven years, Smitha Middle School for five years, and South Cobb High School for three years before serving in Bartow County,” said Terza.
He was also recognized by the United States Department of Education for leading a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence during that time.
In addition to the accolades, those who know Terza best, say his motivation, determination, and dedication set him apart from the rest.
“I don’t shy away from challenges,” said Terza. “One of my primary focuses is continually improving student achievement through collaboration and strong Tier I instruction.”
Outside of the classroom, you will find Terza with his wife of 26 years, Lauri, and children, Devin (23), Morgan (20), and Reese (18).
Since his children are in college now, he has a lot more time to enjoy the cinema-style theater he built, classic rock music, and cars. He maintains, “nothing beats a 63’ Corvette split window coupe!”