MCBOE Thanks Rodriguez For Service
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The Montgomery County Board of Education honored one of their own members on Monday, December 16, as the Board thanked Board Member Fernando Rodriguez III for his service to the school system.
December 16 marked the last meeting of Rodriguez’s current elected term, as newcomer Allen Williamson will take the seat in January. Rodriguez was elected in 2022, when he defeated former Board Member Debra Dobbins Gay in the race for a twoyear term.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed working with [Rodriguez],” Superintendent Ronda Hightower told the Board and meeting attendees. “I’ve said this before – you really get to learn someone’s heart and what they believe in when you get to participate in their behind closed door conversations. I can tell you confidently that Mr. Rodriguez has students first – he has a heart for students and for doing what is right for students. It has been an honor to get to serve with him.”
Board Chairman Henry Price also spoke about Rodriguez, as he remarked, “It has been an honor to serve with Mr. Rodriguez through this time. When he first came on our board two years ago, Mr. Rodriguez was the first Hispanic board member in the state of Georgia – that’s pretty impressive. Thank you for your service, Mr. Rodriguez.”
Rodriguez was presented with a gift from the district as a token of appreciation before he turned to address the audience.
“I have enjoyed my time here. I believe I have made the seat a lot better than it was when I got here,” he commented. “I believe I did the right things. My heart has always been for the kids – that’s why I ran originally. I like what we’ve done in this short amount of time and look forward to seeing it go up and up. I just hope everyone takes everyone’s ideas into consideration and just keep the kids first.” He added, “Honestly, since I have started here, things have been – to me – going perfect, Thank you to the Board, the staff, and everyone else for sticking with me and letting me learn.”
