THOMASVILLE — Approached about filling an unexpired term on the Thomasville City Board of Education earlier his year, Dr. Jim Cable took a couple of days to consider the possibility.

“I know the lay of the land and thought it was the logical thing for me to do,” he said.

He was the sole qualifier for the seat during a recent three-day candidate qualifying period. The deadline for write-in candidates has expired.

Cable was superintendent of the city school system from 1998 to 2003, when he retired from the position. Prior to being system head, Cable was assistant superintendent and director of curriculum.

After leaving the city school system, he took a position with the Georgia Department of Education and lived in Macon and Dahlonega. Cable returned to Thomasville about a year ago.

The new school board member said he has always thought there was a tendency for some school board members to get into administrative areas.

“The board is supposed to be policy-making board,” Cable said. “Some board members will sometimes try to cross over.”

The school board’s focus should be on student achievement and how the board’s decisions affect students, he said.

“I think that is paramount for this board,” Cable said. “I think they get it.”

He sees “a spirit of cooperation” on the school board and does not think anyone is “on a mission.” 

“I think they know what’s important,” he said.

The school board has high expectations of Superintendent Ben Wiggins, Cable said, adding, “They have high expectations for the right things — teaching and learning.”

He said Wiggins and his staff have done a great job preparing for the re-opening of school.

“We are following the advice of the CDC and the World Health Organization,” Cable said. “Plans are always subject to change based on guidance from these organizations. We will do what needs to be done to keep our students and staff safe.”

In reference to a state education-related budget cut, Cable said the school system has been prudent in taking measures to survive the cut.

“We will actually be in better shape at the end of this year than we anticipated and will be able to increase our fund equity,” he said.

Cable said it is interesting being on the other side of the board table “in this challenging time.”

“I am really pleased with the spirit of cooperation that board members have exhibited thus far,” he said. “We work together really well. It is clear to me that all board members genuinely consider student achievement as paramount.”

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