Thank you to Our School Board: Vice Chair Patsy Jordan!

In this season of gratitude, we’re sharing how thankful we are for our dedicated Cherokee County School Board members!  Our School Board members’ laser focus on student learning has been strengthened to new levels over the past year.  Their work created a depth of alignment from the board room to the classroom now driving our mission to be the highest performing school district in the state.  A high performing school district starts with a high performing school board!  We asked our board members a series of questions to share more with the community about themselves, their role, and their service, and we’ll be sharing these profiles with you this month. 

Please join us in thanking Board Vice Chair Patsy Jordan!

Vice Chair Ms. Jordan is a retired educator from CCSD, with a strong educational background that includes associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and specialist degrees, along with endorsements in gifted and teacher support.  A lifelong member of the Mica/Conns Creek community in northeast Cherokee County, Ms. Jordan attended Ball Ground ES, graduated from Cherokee HS, and is serving her fourth term as District 2 school board member. 

Why did you choose to serve on the School Board?
I chose to run for the school board because I wanted to make a meaningful difference for students, teachers, and staff.  My career in education began as a Special Education paraprofessional 50 years ago.  I progressed through the ranks, serving as school secretary, central office payroll clerk, and school bus driver before returning to night school to become a certified teacher.  These experiences provided me with a thorough understanding of the challenges faced in each role and shaped my ability to make informed decisions that support the people I serve.

What part of your role on the School Board do you enjoy most?
One of the most rewarding aspects of serving as a school board member is the opportunity to visit schools, engage with staff, and connect directly with students.  As a former teacher, I deeply valued it when board members took the time to visit classrooms, and I have made it a priority to continue that tradition.  Whether I am reading to students, participating in special events, or attending drama performances from elementary through high school, these moments highlight the pride, talent, and dedication within our community.  They are celebrations not only for students, but also for parents and staff, and I am grateful to share them.  Just as importantly, I am honored to serve the people who elected me to be their voice.  Supporting my constituents, whether by addressing concerns or simply offering a listening ear, is one of the most significant responsibilities and privileges of this role.  I love the Cherokee County School District and consider it a privilege to represent the people who have placed their trust in me.  Although District 2 elects me, my service extends throughout the entire district.

What is the most challenging part of serving on the School Board?
The most challenging aspect of being a school board member is making decisions that impact numerous stakeholders, including students, parents, teachers, and the broader community.  Every choice carries weight, and often, no decision will satisfy everyone involved.  Balancing the needs of students while also considering the needs of staff, finances, and state requirements can be challenging.  It requires listening with compassion, doing thorough research, and maintaining integrity even when the decision is unpopular.  Another challenge is separating personal feelings from what is best for the entire district.  At the heart of it all, the most significant responsibility — and the greatest challenge — is ensuring that every decision keeps students at the center.

What other ways do you enjoy volunteering in the community?
Serving my community has always been close to my heart.  For 48 years, I have been a pianist at my church, and I enjoy volunteering in schools — whether reading to students, calling bingo games, or participating in special events.  I also find joy in cooking for the elderly and helping brighten their day, as well as caring for my 98-year-old mother alongside my sister.  Another passion of mine is history; I served as a past president of the Ball Ground Historical Society and continue to enjoy capturing our community’s stories through historical interviews.

What are some of the reasons you love living in our community?
I love living in the Mica community of Cherokee County, eight miles from the city of Ball Ground, because it has always been my home.  Unlike many, I have lived on the same property my entire life.  Growing up on a farm gave me a special lifestyle that I still enjoy today.  From my backyard, I can watch cows grazing and donkeys awaiting their evening treats — it’s a serene and peaceful view.  In the late afternoons, the deer wander in, and the baby calves run and play.  In the summer, it is a specialty to grow my own food and prepare it for the winter.  Life in a rural community is truly special, and I feel blessed to live it every day.

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