THOMASVILLE — Joseph D. Sharp will be the new principal of Thomas County Central High School when the 2008-09 school year starts.

The native of Robertsdale, Ala., has been an assistant principal at North Cobb High School in Kennesaw for three years and served as athletic director during two of them.

School board member Johnny Bannister’s sentiments — “I think he’s going to be a great principal” — were echoed by his fellow board members. They approved his hiring unanimously.

Kay Streets said that after meeting with all of Superintendent Dr. Jean Quigg’s top candidates, she liked Sharp’s positive energy, enthusiasm and record with several different improvement programs at North Cobb.

“He’s improved their standing in academics, athletics and within the community,” Streets said.

Cecil Stewart agreed with Streets’ assessment: “He’s got all the qualifications we were looking for,” adding that Sharp is on track to earn his education specialist’s degree next year.

In a prepared statement, Quigg said “Sharp’s record of excellence in academics and athletics speaks for itself. He has a wide range of experiences in small towns and larger cities that will enable him to continue the tradition of excellence at Central while moving the school forward …”

Among items on Sharp’s resume are oversight of developing a school improvement plan, starting a freshman focus academy, organizing outreach projects and leading the math and special education departments.

According to Quigg, he “believes in relevance, rigor and relationships in improving student achievement.”

“I want to meet as many people as I can,” Sharp said of his first item of business once he begins working at Thomas County Central.

Although his contract does not begin until June, Sharp plans to make himself as accessible to the faculty and staff at Central as frequently as possible.

His accessibility begins today, as he is meeting with longtime principal Frank Delaney, Quigg, department heads within the school and others.

Sharp aims to develop a strong relationship with the staff, faculty, board of education and community members.

“I want to ensure a smooth transition,” he said. “I want to get a better understanding of where (the school is) headed. This is not a one-man show. Six heads are better than one.”

There were 19 applicants. According to the superintendent, two of them came from within the school system; four were from south Georgia; two were from out-of-state — Ohio and Florida. The rest, with the exception of one from New Delhi, India, came from Georgia.

“It was a very prayerful choice,” Quigg said.