VALDOSTA —
Edward Martin “Marty” Roesch was ceremoniously sworn in at the Valdosta Board of Education’s regular meeting on Monday as Valdosta City School’s newest superintendent.
Roesch officially started his term on Feb. 21 after former Valdosta City School’s superintendent Dr. Bill Cason abruptly announced his resignation at the Feb. 20 VBOE work session.
“I was very busy the next day responding to congratulatory phone calls, e-mails, and messages from students, parents, teachers, and members of the community,” said Roesch.
Roesch was officially sworn in at the courthouse shortly after and Monday’s swearing in by Probate Judge Terri Adams at the city schools central office was so that Roesch could share his accomplishment with friends, family and the community.
Roesch has spent his entire 25-year career in the Valdosta City School System.
“It feels great knowing that your hard work, dedication, and determination has paid off,” said Roesch.
For the past five years, Roesch served as assistant superintendent of finance. He has formerly served as a teacher at West Gordon Elementary School between 1988 and 1994, assistant principal at Newbern Middle School between 1994 and 1997, assistant principal at Valdosta High School from 1997 to 1998, and principal of Valdosta Middle School from 1998 to 2008.
“I would not be where I am without the support of my wife, Laura, and my children, Bailey and Benjamin, who have always understood it when daddy was not home in time for supper or to tuck them in at night,” said Roesch.
Roesch also gives credit to his parents, Avie and Guenter Roesch, who pushed him to pursue his advanced degrees – M.Ed. in educational leadership and a Ed.S. in educational leadership — from Valdosta State University.
While Roesch hasn’t had much time to settle into his new position, his experience within the system will help him maneuver.
“I have learned the inner workings of this school district from the ground up. I know what it is like to walk in the shoes of a teacher, assistant principal, and principal,” said Roesch
This experience will help him greatly as he works to close out the current school year while at the same time, planning for the upcoming year.
“I will be working closely with the district office staff and principals in the next few weeks to establish our school staffing and program needs for the next year,” said Roesch. “
In particular, Roesch’s time as the assistant superintendent of finance will help him as he tries to maneuver a difficult, financial year ahead.
“Preparing a balanced budget as we face the continued austerity cuts from the state will be another early challenge,” said Roesch. “I am visiting schools now and will be scheduling faculty meetings with each principal to speak to their teachers.”
Despite having to jump into his duties so quickly, Roesch has not neglected the system’s vision for the future.
“Improving the graduation rate and student performance on statewide assessments,” answered Roesch when asked about his major focus for the school system.
Roesch is confident in his ability to lead the Valdosta City Schools System because he knows he learned from the best.
“I learned from Dr. Cason that it is important to listen, make driven decisions, and to surround yourself with quality staff you can depend on,” said Roesch.
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Edward Martin ‘Marty’ Roesch was sworn in by Probate Judge Terri Adams Monday as the newest superintendent of the Valdosta City School System. Brittany D. McClure / VDT
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Roesch sworn in as Valdosta schools superintendent
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