CCSD Interim Superintendent Dr. Xernona Thomas stands outside the Clarke Central High School main entrance on Feb. 28, 2020. The CCSD Board of Education is responsible for the search and hiring of the CCSD Superintendent. “Dr. Thomas is a passionate advocate for students and families, and we value her tireless work on their behalf,” Board President Dr. LaKeisha Gantt said in the Dec. 10 press release. “There is much work to be done, and we look forward to partnering together to increase student achievement and place all students on a path towards success.” Photo by Krista Shumaker
Dr. Xernona Thomas was sworn in as the official Clarke County School District Superintendent at the Board of Education meeting on Dec. 10, after serving as the Interim CCSD Superintendent for nearly a year, being first appointed on Dec. 17, 2019.
“Dr. Thomas had the board’s full support to guide the district through the transition and navigated a very challenging year,” CCSD Board of Education President Dr. LaKeisha Gantt said in the Dec. 10 press release. “As we moved forward, the board recognized her commitment and ability to lead the difficult task of ensuring an equitable education for all our students.”
According to the CCSD press release shared on Dec. 10, Thomas has 28 years of experience in the education system and is committed to serving the CCSD community.
“I am professionally and personally committed to the success of the Clarke County School District. I was born, raised, and educated in this community,” Thomas said in the press release. “I am passionate about ensuring that every student has the opportunity to be successful, and my responsibility is to provide stability and leadership as we work to provide improved outcomes for our students.”
CCSD Chief of Human Resources Lynn Duke was not involved in the decision process of swearing in Thomas, but believes Thomas will be successful in her role.
“(Thomas is) the first female Superintendent the school district’s ever had, and I am so proud to be able to work for her,” Duke said. “She always has the students first and the staff second, and it is nice to work for someone who understands the community and gets it and so it’s an honor.”
“She always has the students first and the staff second, and it is nice to work for someone who understands the community and gets it and so it’s an honor.”
— Lynn Duke,
CCSD Chief of Human Resources
