THOMASVILLE — The Thomasville City Schools Board of Education, in a 4-3 vote Tuesday night, has chosen Dr. Raymond Bryant as the next superintendent.

Board members exited their executive session at Tuesday night’s regular board meeting and Chair Kejar Butler called for a show of hands on Bryant’s recommendation. She cast the deciding vote.

“Since the beginning of the process, our goal was to select a champion for all students,” Butler said, “a well-rounded individual who would prepare our students for the 21st century. Dr. Bryant has 26 years of experience in education and has proven success in improving, maintaining and sustaining high student achievement. 

Karen Kelso, Corey Sumner and Britney Glass also voted in favor of Bryant. Dr. Jim Cable, Dr. Hazel Jones and Dr. Mary Williams-Scruggs voted against it. 

Bryant previously was the chief operations officer for Henry County Schools, is a leadership consultant for the Georgia Leadership Institute for School Improvement.

He began as a teacher in the Leon County Schools before moving to Henry County. He became assistant principal in Douglas County. He eventually was made a principal in Douglas County before returning to Henry County as coordinator of elementary schools.

He also has been director of leadership services, interim assistant superintendent of leadership services, regional executive officer, and assistant superintendent of administrative services for Henry County Schools. He holds a doctorate in educational leadership from Nova Southeastern University.

Butler said she hopes he can begin his duties July 12.

School system human resources director Carla DuBose has acted as interim superintendent after Ben Wiggins was hired to become superintendent of Colquitt County Schools earlier this year.