By Margaret Schell 

D r. Marc Feuerbach (’10), superintendent of Cartersville City Schools, was named Georgia’s 2026 Superintendent of the Year. He was selected out of 180 superintendents of public-school districts statewide. His transformative approach to leadership helped the charter school system, serving around 4,700 students, achieve the highest graduation rate in its 125-year history. 

Feuerbach was also recognized for developing effective community partnerships in his district, providing access to advanced job training and food security. 

Learning to Lead 

“Leading change is not an easy process but when done right, it can lead to great results,” Feuerbach said. 

Feuerbach honed his leadership style at GCSU – including practical skills like conducting efficient meetings – and strives to model those skills through innovation and student-centered leadership. 

“This was my first introduction to running a meeting with purpose,” he said. “Over the years, I’ve taken many components from that module and implemented them when I lead meetings.” 

Education faculty Drs. Jacob Good and Cheryl Reynolds took a different approach to teaching. 

“By the end of the Educational Leadership master’s program, I realized how much the lectures, group projects and culminating activities shaped my learning,” Feuerbach said. “The importance of learning something, not for a grade but for the sake of learning it, has stuck with me for many years.” 

Feuerbach knows the importance of life-long learning and encourages others to do the same. 

“Stay curious and approach everything with humility,” he said. “Collaborate with others, recognizing that you don't have all the answers because there is much to learn from those around you.” 

The Liberal Arts advantage: Transformative, not transactional 

From his first day in class at Georgia College, Feuerbach was challenged to think critically and never assume the easy answer is the right one. 

“Leading in the public sector requires balancing the viewpoints of multiple public values people hold near and dear to their heart,” he said. “To do my job effectively, I must listen first, learn second and lead third.” 

His professors reinforced the importance of curiosity and asking questions — something he applies to his job and encourages students to do daily. 

“A transformative approach to learning makes the experience more relational,” he said. “It's not a transactional interaction focused on memorization to pass a test, but it’s focused on authenticity, engagement, reflection and real-world connections.” 

Feuerbach ensures students get personalized attention when learning while providing them with a safe, supportive, academically rich environment full of choices. Their hopes, dreams, struggles and needs are most important to Feuerbach and his team, so students develop a deep sense of belonging. 

Feuerbach is amazed by the work and dedication of the district’s teachers, support staff and school board to provide the students with the best experience possible. He feels fortunate to also play a role in the success of Cartersville City Schools. 

“I’m inspired by our students who bring their unique gifts and talents to our schools each day,” he said. “They are going to do great things in this world.” 

Header Images: Dr. Marc Feuerbach ('10) delivers his remarks at the Georgia School Superintendents Association ceremony for 2026 Georgia Superintendent of the Year; Feuerbach greets a Superintendent Advisory Council student before a meeting at Cartersville Elementary School; Feuerbach speaking during the Cartersville High School 2025 Commencement Ceremony. (Photos: Cartersville City Schools)