Dalton, GA – During the Dalton Public Schools Annual Employee Convocation, Debra Holbrook, longtime Building Supervisor at Dalton High School, was recognized as the 2025 Classified Staff Member of the Year—an honor that celebrates her exceptional dedication, service, and leadership across 45 years.
Holbrook began working for Dalton Public Schools in 1980 at just 16 years old. Determined to be part of the school system where both her parents had built their careers, she started in custodial services and has since become an indispensable figure at Dalton High.
“From 16 to 61 – how time flies,” Holbrook reflected. “I started with a promise to work hard, and all these years later, I’m still here—three supervisors, eight principals, and countless memories later.”
As a leader, Holbrook is known for her hands-on approach and deep commitment to excellence. She oversees a close-knit custodial team that consistently maintains Dalton High as one of the cleanest, most welcoming school buildings in the state.
“There’s not a task I would ask my team to do that I haven’t done myself,” she said. “We take pride in our work because we know that how our building looks reflects how much we care.”
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Holbrook is affectionately known as “Mama Deb” to many students and staff. Whether quietly offering snacks, sharing a kind word, or simply listening, she nurtures a supportive and encouraging environment every day.
“Even though I was an only child and never had children of my own, my husband and I have had the joy of raising many over the years,” she said. “Now their kids call me ‘Granny,’ and that’s a title I wear with honor.”
Her impressive list of achievements includes:
2004–2005 – Certificate of Support, Dalton High Army JROTC
2019–2020 & 2024–2025 – DHS Classified Staff Member of the Year
2020 – Dale Cook Support Educator of the Year
2021–2022 – Outstanding Support for the JROTC Program
Recipient of the Dalton Difference Coin
“Debra’s leadership and dedication have made a lasting impact on Dalton High School,” said Superintendent Dr. Steven Craft. “She sets a high standard for excellence and care, and her influence can be felt in every corner of the building. We’re incredibly proud to recognize her for a lifetime of service to our students, staff, and community.”
Also recognized during the convocation were other school-level Classified Staff Member of the Year honorees, including:
Blue Ridge School – Cassie Cochran
Brookwood School – Rosie Rivera
City Park School – Sandi Hannah
Dalton Junior High School – Aida Krnjic
Hammond Creek Middle School – Jacob Fields
Park Creek School – Nery Martinez
Roan School – Chandler Kinser
The Dalton Academy – Jessica Barbosa
Westwood School – Terah Blankenship
As part of her district-wide recognition, Holbrook received a $500 financial award. These awards were made possible through generous contributions from community sponsors including; Carnes and Company, CWC, FirstStudent, Georgia United Credit Union, Geiger Legal Group, LLC, H.E. Hodge Company, James W. Buckley and Associates, Inc, Maryville Jewelers, McCamy Law Firm, and SmithBuilt Construction Group.
In addition, each school-level Classified Staff of the Year honoree received a $300 check in celebration of their commitment to supporting learning and leadership in their buildings.
Dalton Public Schools is proud to honor Debra Holbrook and the outstanding classified professionals who play an essential role in shaping the student experience and school culture across the district.