FORSYTH COUNTY — The Forsyth County school system will be represented at talks on education policy issues facing the state over the next year.

Superintendent Jeff Bearden has been named to Gov. Nathan Deal’s Education Advisory Board of superintendents.

According to an email from Bearden, he was “honored to have been selected.”

“I look forward to any opportunity when I can collaborate with leaders across the state to improve public education in Georgia because we have so much to learn from each other,” he wrote.

“Since joining the district in September, I have spent the majority of my time in our schools and meeting member of our community, so I am excited to share the important work of these essential partners who make Forsyth County Schools a leader in education.”

Bearden, previously superintendent of Rome City Schools, started in Forsyth on Sept. 2. He succeeded Buster Evans, who left Forsyth in July after nearly seven years to become assistant commissioner of education with the Department of Corrections.

Prior to serving in Rome, Bearden served for two years as superintendent of Fayette County Schools, a system to which Forsyth often is compared.

The four advisory boards, which also include principals, teachers and school board members from each congressional district, will meet with the governor and his staff throughout the year to provide input on potential policies.

“Throughout my term, the members of these advisory boards have provided invaluable feedback on policy issues including improving the percentage of Georgia’s students reading on grade level by the third grade and encouraging innovation in STEM education,” Deal said in a press release. “By listening to those on the frontlines, we can make better policy decisions for our educators and students.

“I’m grateful to these highly regarded professionals who are giving of their time and talents. Our children are our greatest resources, and I look forward to discussing how we can continue to improve educational outcomes for all.”