THOMASVILLE — The Thomasville City Board of Education selected the Georgia School Board Association to find a superintendent to replace Superintendent Ben Wiggins.

Wiggins will leave the Thomasville post April 30 to become Colquitt County School System superintendent. He has been superintendent since January 2020.

“Right now, we do not have an acting or interim superintendent,” said board Chair Kejar Butler.

The school board’s desire, she said, is to have a new superintendent in place before Wiggins’ departure.

Butler said student achievement is at the heart of the superintendent search. Butler said the school board wants to ensure each student attains academic excellence.

“We are preparing to choose a visionary, multi-talented, experienced superintendent committed to students, teachers, administrators, staff and the community,” said Dr. Hazel Jones, school board vice chairman.

Also desired in a superintendent, Butler said, is someone who can reach out and foster relationships with stakeholders in the community.

Noting a succession of superintendents in recent years, Butler said, longevity also is important in a superintendent for the city school system.

Selection of a superintendent will be a major focus of the school board in early 2021, a process that will require board members’ time, Butler said.

“We’re all committed to it,” she said.

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820