Eric Arena

Eric Arena was a reluctant guest of honor May 15 for a retirement party at The Plaza in Eatonton. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Eric Arena was a reluctant guest of honor May 15 for a retirement party at The Plaza in Eatonton. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Arena retiring as Putnam schools superintendent

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, May 22, 2024
Eric Arena is retiring after more than 12 years as the superintendent of the Putnam County Charter School System (PCCSS).Several of Arena’s colleagues and friends surprised him on May 15 with a party at The Plaza Arts Center in Eatonton to recognize his contributions and wish him well in the future.
Willie Reid holds up the sign he received to honor his 56 years of service. CONTRIBTUED

Willie Reid holds up the sign he received to honor his 56 years of service. CONTRIBTUED

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BOE honors bus driver of 56 years

Bailey McCully
Wednesday, May 22, 2024
The Putnam County Board of Education honored Superintendent Eric Arena and bus driver Willie Reid on May 20 for their years of service to the Putnam County Charter School System (PCCSS).Reid received the Bus Driver of the Year award for his 56 years of driving history with PCCSS.
Austin (center) leans over Board Chair Dr. Steve Weiner’s shoulder as board members sign the approved contract. BAILEY McCULLY/Staff

Austin (center) leans over Board Chair Dr. Steve Weiner’s shoulder as board members sign the approved contract. BAILEY McCULLY/Staff

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Austin approved as next PCCSS superintendent

Bailey McCully
Thursday, February 8, 2024
The Putnam County Board of Education met Monday night and heard updates about special programs and approved Assistant Superintendent Derick Austin to take over after Superintendent Eric Arena’s retirement.
Superintendent Eric Arena recently announced he is retiring at the end of May. (Photo via Putnam County Charter School System)

Superintendent Eric Arena recently announced he is retiring at the end of May. (Photo via Putnam County Charter School System)

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Arena announces retirement; Austin to be successor

Bailey McCully
Wednesday, January 24, 2024
The Putnam County Board of Education met on Jan. 22 to hear a presentation and vote on the new district calendar and personnel changes. Becky Nipper started off the meeting by presenting an assessment of the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in the classroom.
Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

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BOE discusses additional tax exemption for seniors

Bailey McCully
Wednesday, November 15, 2023
The Putnam County Board of Education discussed the additional tax exemption in more length on Tuesday. At the work session last week, Superintendent Eric Arena presented an additional proposed tax exemption to the board.
Eatonton Messenger/Graphic

Eatonton Messenger/Graphic

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BOE breaks down 2023-24 budget costs and increases

Bailey McCully
Wednesday, August 16, 2023
The Putnam County Board of Education hosted its first Public Budget Forum on Monday. Due to there being a tax decrease, the board is required to host two forums for the public to attend and listen to a presentation of the budget before voting occurs.
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