Clarke County School Superintendent Dr. Xernona Thomas says she is stepping down next year. Thomas announced her plans to retire at Thursday night’s Board of Education meeting. Thomas is leaving her position after serving 31 years in public education. She was named interim superintendent in December 2019 and appointed superintendent in December 2020.
After earning three degrees from the University of Georgia, Dr. Thomas began her career as a social worker in the Clarke County School District. She has also served as an assistant principal, principal and chief of staff.
According to a release from the school district, Dr. Thomas shared her decision in an email to all Clarke County School District employees Friday afternoon.
“Though my tenure may be coming to a close over the next year, I will approach each day with the same commitment that I have in the past,” Dr. Thomas wrote in a message to the Clarke County School District community. “The expectation that I hold for myself and each of you is that we give our best every day to ensure our students reach their full potential.”
The Board of Education will begin discussing the superintendent search process when it meets in December.
