The Coweta County Board of Education is seeking legal guidance to determine the correct way to fill the Mitch Powell’s position on the board.

Powell, 53, died last Friday and was elected to the Coweta County Board of Education in July, 2004.

Public information officer Dean Jackson said the board appointed Steve Bedrosian to the board in the 1990s when board member Wade Corley died, but there was less than two years left on Corley’s term on the board.

Jackson said the board will seek advice from attorney Joe McNabb, and if a special election is needed, it would probably occur next March.

“He will be missed,” said Coweta County Superintendent Blake Bass. “He was an outstanding board member. It is very unusual for a first-term board member to be elected chairman… in his first year in office. I attribute that to his persona – he was a strong, decisive leader.”

According to a school system press release, Powell grew up in Newnan, attending Atkinson Elementary and Elm Street Elementary. He graduated from Newnan High School, where he was active in the drama club and lettered in four sports, including football, basketball, wrestling and track.

“Mitch Powell was a tremendous leader for the Coweta County Board of Education, and was a driving force behind the great changes that have taken place the past two years in our school system,” said Board member Frank Farmer.

Powell also served as Coweta County’s attorney.

“Mitch was one of the finest people ever to work for Coweta County,” said Coweta County Administrator Theron Gay. “He was honest and fair, and always had the best interest of the county, and citizens, at heart. He had a calming effect on often highly emotional issues we face. He was a great man, a tremendous asset to our community and a friend. He will be missed by all.”

Powell campaigned on, and implemented, a new policy to establish a sick-leave bank that would allow employees to donate accumulated sick-leave to colleagues in need of additional days. Powell also insisted that local employees always be given an opportunity to be considered for new school system job openings.

Powell also recognized a desire among his district constituents that Ruth Hill Elementary School be preserved and refurbished, to keep the school in its current location and remain viable in the community.

“Mitch Powell was a great friend. He cared about everyone in this community,” said board-member-elect Harry Mullins. “Coweta County lost a great citizen.

Among many honors and distinguished positions in the community, Powell was the city attorney of Peachtree City 1980-86, the city attorney of Newnan 1983-86, Municipal Court Judge for Peachtree City 1992-2003, Heard County Attorney 1987-2000, and Coweta County Attorney from 1988 until the present.

login to post comments