New principals likely to be hired Tuesday

Facing unprecedented turnover in key administrative positions due to the retirement of veteran educators, Grady County School Superintendent-elect Dr. Kermit Gilliard is moving closer to finding replacements for key vacancies within the county schools.
Interviews of candidates for principal of Cairo High School and Shiver Elementary School were wrapped up this week and Dr. Gilliard is contemplating an appointment of a new principal of Whigham Elementary School.
Gilliard himself has served as interim principal of CHS since last September following the resignation of Principal David McCurry who was hired as the superintendent of Chattahoochee County Schools. Whigham Principal Sherry Moncrief and Shiver Principal Patsy Clark announced earlier this year their plans to retire at the end of the current school term.
Joining Moncrief and Clark will be Assistant Superintendent Demetrius Cox who is also retiring. Grady County School Superintendent Lee M. Bailey did not ask for a contract renewal when his current contract expires at the end of this term, but he is not retiring and has not ruled out assuming another role in education, but he will be leaving Grady County Schools after serving two years as its superintendent.
The school board has selected Dr. Gilliard to assume the superintendency in July and is expected to formalize that decision and approve an employment agreement at the school board meeting next Tuesday night.
Dr. Gilliard, through Superintendent Bailey, is expected to make recommendations for new principals at CHS, Shiver and Whigham next Tuesday night.
The superintendent-elect also has selected Laura Elliott and Kevin Strickland to serve as assistant superintendents in his administration and that recommendation will also be made to the board next Tuesday night.
Another key position yet to be filled is a replacement for Cairo High School Band Director Michael Thomas, who recently announced he has accepted the band director’s job at Thomas County Central High School.
“Applications continue to come in daily. The deadline for application is Monday. I will be working with Mr. Joe A. David, III (renowned former CHS band director) to review applications and we will schedule interviews as soon as possible,” Dr. Gilliard said.
Dr. Gilliard has received 13 applications from prospective new band directors as of Tuesday afternoon and was anticipating at least two more before Monday’s deadline.
“I am pleased with the level of interest and I am confident we will be able to attract a great new band director,” Dr. Gilliard said.