Shirley Owens departs HDSB with 12 years of service, ‘I wanted to make a positive difference’

“I will continue to work for the betterment of our community just from a different angle,” said Holmes County District 4 school board member Shirley Owens. Owens was the first woman elected for her position in over thirty years. Currently, HDSB’s board room has 4 positions filled by women. Following the results of Holmes County’s primary election on August 20, Owens and challenger Derek Worley’s race was too close to call. With a 6 vote difference, Worley will become a new face in the HDSB boardroom. 

“Even in the most challenging of times, our county has always been passionate about education and supportive of doing what is best for students,” added Owens. Within her 12 years of service in Holmes County, she served under three superintendents, Eddie Dixon, Terry Mears, and Buddy Brown. Owens shared her deep gratitude for all 3 men for their dedication to all students over the years. 

Owens’ fellow board members can testify to her impact. “She recently told us a story about a child she taught when she was a teacher years ago. This student reached out to her recently and told her she was his saving grace,” said District 1 board member, Charley Wilson. “Shirley Owens is a classy lady with a servant’s heart. I appreciate all the time and effort that she has given to our great school district,” said District 3 board member Natalie Miller. In addition, District 2 board member Wilburn Baker stated, “There is no doubt you have made a difference in the lives of many students that has prepared them for a brighter future.”

Owens stated, “The best thing about my 12 years was the personal joy I had of seeing our students excel whether it be in academics, art , athletics, robotics, and other areas.” However, one goal she wished she was in office to witness would be an “A-District” honor. Owens hopes the board will continuously seek that goal. Owens ended her statement with, “ I will continue to cover this school district in prayer.” 

“But the most important thing she does is bathe her decisions in prayer and cover our schools in prayers for God’s protection. I am thankful for her decades of service to students, as a teacher and a Board member,” said close friend and District 5 school board member Leesa Lee.