When Mike Martin went to work for the Chattooga County School System in 1987, Mr. Don Hayes was the elected School Superintendent and Mr. Leroy Massey was chairman of the Board of Education.  Mr. Jack Herring was principal at Chattooga High School and Mr. Buddy Windle was the Athletic Director and Head Football Coach.  Now, after 32 years of service to Chattooga County, Mr. Martin’s last day of work is today.

Mike Martin told WZQZ News that over the years he has filled a lot of rolls in the school system:

  • Classroom teacher ( all things Social Studies)
  • Athletic Coach: Asst. Football coach for coaches (Windle, Day, May, Miller, Jackson, Williams)
  • Asst. Baseball coach (Bennett, Steve Turner) Asst. Basketball Coach(Steve Turner) Head Girls Basketball Coach, Head Track Coach.
  • Asst. Principal at Summerville Middle School for Mrs. Debbie Downer.
  • Principal of Summerville Middle School.
  • Principal Of Menlo Elementary School
  • Federal Programs Director
Marin said, “I have been a lucky fellow. I was born in Floyd County and raised right here in Chattooga County so I had the distinct privilege to have had some of the most amazing and influential teachers that anyone could wish for.  Starting with the best and greatest parents any child could ever hope to have Wallace and Ellen Martin. Ed Thompson was my elementary school principal and friend. He was responsible for (hiring) introducing me to the many others that would help shape me. Those amazing teachers included but not limited to: Marcia Boney, Ms. Toles, Mrs. Thompson, Mrs. Hill and many others that their names fail me at my advanced age.
My High School years were equally as formative and fantastic. I had teachers and legends.. Mr. Ben Mosley, Steve Peppers, Skipper Stewart, Steve Hayes, Ron Williams, Phyllis Payne. I simply loved my high school years. I would go back and do it all again. “
Martin cited several legendary names in Chattooga County Education as influences on his career: Mr. David Jones, Mr. Melvin Mosley, Mr. Jack Herring, Mr. Jim Dean, Mr. Bill Bryant, Mr. Mitch Williams, Jim Lenderman, Mr. Leroy Massey
Some of Mr. Martin’s favorite memories include:  “Everyday in the classroom with the kids; Friday night Football games; Feeling like you were making a difference for children.Watching children transform into productive adults.”  He cited some of his “fun memories” as: “Guarding the ref. Giving valentines day cards to Mitch from Bill and to Bill from Mitch. All the good times (win or lose) with all my fellow coaches. (Steve Turner, Preston Cash, Jim Day, Ron Williams, Buddy Windel, Mike Miller)”
Mr. Martin said that his retirement plans include fishing; riding his motorcycle, watching his two boys grow up and working at Sweet P’s (where he is co-owner).  He also added he might, “Find a part time job for pocket money.”
Martin said, “My retirement wish is that this community as a whole would realize what an amazing job your school system is doing and that they would embrace it and encourage it. Sing its praises. Get involved with it at every level. Sadly over my career I have heard and read al lot of negative. The school system that I have know and love is not deserving of such harsh criticism.  It is a place where our children are shaped into the adults .It is a place of honor it is a place of hard work and sacrifice by so many.  It is a place deserving of all our admiration and support. It is not perfect but many many people work towards that goal of perfection year after year. It is ONE TRIBE!”
Martin added, “I am retiring because it is time for me to step aside after 32 years. It is time for new leadership. It is time. I am a professional and I will carry out my professional duties until June 28, 2019. I leave with this: Three very important factors that you have to have to have a successful school system.
1.) Teachers(highly skilled)
2.Parent Involvement (active not passive)
3.) a system of pressure(principal) and support(success team) to facilitate academic growth.
Congratulations Mr. Martin on a retirement well-earned and a career that impacted many.