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STATESBORO, Ga — As Bulloch County Schools prepare for Superintendent Charles Wilson’s retirement on March 31, a provisional leader has been appointed to fill his shoes.
The Bulloch County Board of Education has selected Richard Smith, a veteran educator and the current executive director of the First District Regional Educational Service Agency (RESA), to step in as interim Superintendent. This decision was finalized on February 26.
On Thursday, Smith shared insights into his extensive background in education.
“I served as superintendent in Toombs County for approximately four years,” Smith explained. “Prior to that, I was in Bleckley County, where I spent much of my life, attending school and working there for around 25 years, including a lengthy tenure as a high school principal.”
Smith continued, “In addition to being an assistant superintendent, I wore many hats… I even coached.”
Smith also told that he initially was hesitant to take the offer.
“When they first reached out and asked if I had any interest, I told them, I said, ‘Look, I’ve got a good job. I’m not interested.’ But having ties here to Bulloch County and living in the Statesboro area…once we talked, I told them as long I could continue in my current role, I’ll be glad to help out, do whatever I could.”
Smith said he plans to just keep things going as they are.
“They’ve got great things going on here in Bulloch County,” he said. “My job will be to help them close out this school year, be prepared for when the new person comes in and get school started on July 1st for next year. I am in no way looking to make a bunch of big changes or anything like that.”
Smith said he will also help with the ongoing search for Wilson’s successor if needed.
“I have told [Board Chairwoman Elizabeth] Williams that I will be glad to assist her and the board in any way they need me to,” he said. “I have been involved in multiple searches over my career, so I’m willing to help any way they need me, to just be a resource for them.”
Smith is slated to begin the position on April 1st and serve in the role through the end of June but he did tell he is open to staying until the next superintendent starts, if that’s later in the year.
A Bulloch County Schools news release said, “[The Board is] tentatively scheduled to announce finalists in April and a final candidate in late May” and “Georgia law requires that at least 14 days before appointing a new superintendent, the Board must release to the news media information on as many as three candidates who are being considered.”