A native of Butler County, Dr. Newton served as superintendent of Baldwin County Schools from 1985-98. He received his undergraduate degree from Troy University, his master's degree from Auburn University and AA certification from the University of Alabama. He was awarded an honorary doctorate in 1994 by the University of Mobile. His teaching, coaching and administrative career began at Jordan Vocational High School in Columbus, GA and included service at Davidson and Vigor high schools in Mobile County. He served as deputy superintendent of the Mobile County School System from 1976-85. After serving in Mobile County, he served Baldwin County from 1985 until his retirement in 1998.  Under his leadership and supervision, the employees grew from 1,500 to 2,500 making the school system the largest employer in Baldwin County, which in turn lowered the pupil-teacher ratio. The budget more than tripled under his guidance. Twenty new schools were constructed and over 800 new classrooms were added! For the first time in history, Baldwin County had the State Elementary Teacher of the Year and the State Secondary Teacher of the Year.  He left behind many programs that have become models for other Alabama school systems, such as block scheduling, Project Jubilee, KIDS, and Talents Unlimited. J. Larry Newton had a great impact on not only Baldwin County Schools, but the county as well.  We thank him for his daily service by honoring his name at J. Larry Newton School.