The Assistant Superintendent for the Evans County School System and longtime ally of former Superintendent Martin Waters is leaving at the end of March.
According to an undated resignation letter from Dr. Robert Costlow, his tenure with the county will end on March 31, 2026. He noted the resignation was “due to retirement.” The letter was stamped ‘Received’ on February 4, 2026 and the Board accepted his resignation at the most recent regular Board meeting.
Costlow was among those caught up in the activities leading to financial mismanagement flags by state auditors in 2025. In that audit, the school system was admonished for failing to adhere to state rules and regulations for procurement and other financial transactions.
The Board of Education was flagged for “Improper Lodging Expenditures,” which then-Superintendent Martin Waters attributed to a cost savings with the booking of an AirBnB for two conference employees on St. Simons Island. Air BnBs are not permitted under state travel policies, which includes school system staff..
Waters was pressed about the matter during an open meeting and stated that the conference attendees include him and Costlow.
Additionally, Costlow was among three employees – the other two being Waters and Claxton High School principal Paul Mizell – noted to play “an administrative round of golf” on the taxpayer dime, offered by Waters “to show appreciation to staff and have an informal time to discuss the upcoming school year.” Waters said they had no documentation to illustrate the ‘clear business purpose,’ as required by state regulations, prompting the flag by auditors.
Costlow also appeared in the independent audit conducted after Waters’ departure in May 2025. That audit revealed that Costlow was overpaid $5,184.48 in FY 2025 and $6,672 in FY 2024 in compensation not permitted under policy and where no documentation of Board approval exists. The audit did not go back further than that.
Other noteworthy mentions in the audit: Auditor Caroline James reported to the Board of Education that she could not find any documentation of Board approval for Costlow’s move from the position of Human Resources Director to Assistant Superintendent or documentation that supported moving the position from 230 days to 240 days, which impacts the earned annual leave for Costlow.
Costlow also received a $3,500 Athletic Supplement without Board approval.
According to records, Costlow earned $139,958.50 in FY 2025 with another $5,174.94 in travel expenses. That was an increase from $127,819.22 in FY 2024 and $124,378.86 in FY 2023.
In his February resignation letter, Costlow said he “sincerely appreciated the opportunity the Evans County Board of Education” has given him to serve the students and staff of Evans County.
