Washington County School District Announces It’s Next Superintendent
The Washington County Board of Education announced during their Thursday, March 7 meeting that Dr. Rickey L. Edmond has been selected as the next Superintendent effective July 1, 2019, upon the retirement of Dr. Donna Hinton.
In selecting Dr. Edmond, the Board has worked for several months to ensure that high caliber candidates were reviewed in order to determine ones best qualified for this key community position. An extensive search process with guidance from the Georgia School Boards Association Search Director, Dr. Samuel King, allowed the Board to identify the characteristics desired in the new superintendent; adopt qualifications for the position; approve a recruitment announcement; review applications; and interview candidates that appeared to have closely met the qualifications. The Board received thirty-one applications from a broad range of applicants. From these applicants, eleven candidates were selected for an interview. After discussions, some candidates returned for another round of interviews as the Board sought to determine the applicants best qualified for the position.
The Board announced three finalists on February 20, 2019. In accordance with Georgia law, after announcing the finalists, the Board must wait at least 14 days before it can name the Superintendent. Documents on the finalists were made available to the public for inspection during this period.
The Board exercised its due diligence throughout the process yielding a candidate that will provide the leadership to take our District to the next level. To ensure a smooth transition, the Board has arranged for Dr. Edmond to work with Dr. Hinton, school officials, and the Board as he prepares for his permanent entry.
The Board would like to thank the public for its input, support, and encouragement throughout this process. The Board remains firmly committed to its students, teachers and staff, school administrators, the district office staff, and the stakeholders of the Washington County Public Schools. The Board is also very committed to Dr. Edmond as he transitions to becoming our Superintendent. With the continued support of all the stakeholders, the Board believes the schools are poised to reach the next level of success.
— Dr. Ricky L. Edmond’s Biography —
Dr. Rickey L. Edmond has gained increased levels of responsibility throughout his career in public education. His experience, education, training, and demonstrated accomplishments have prepared him to become a District School Superintendent.
Dr. Edmond has been employed by the Lincoln County (GA) School District for the past three years as Assistant Superintendent of Federal Programs and Special Education. His major accomplishments include implementing a highly effective new teacher induction program, supporting the district’s STEM/STEAM certification, supporting compliant IDEA practices for students with disabilities and providing Title I funding to principals and teachers with a specific focus of improving college and career readiness. He also supported and helped secure funding for leadership teams at the school level to implement Positive Behavior Interventions and Support (PBIS). He works with the Superintendent on School Safety and to advance the District’s Cyber Security initiative. Dr. Edmond serves as the District Public Relations Representative and represents the School District on the Lincoln County Historical Society Board and the Lincoln County Development Authority.
Immediately prior to Lincoln County, Dr. Edmond was employed for 13 years as the Macon County High School Principal. In this role, Dr. Edmond increased parent and family engagement, increased community stakeholder engagement, increased funding through grants and worked with the Superintendent and other leaders to achieve District Improvement goals. Macon County High School had several impressive accomplishments including a 4-star rating (out of 5) for School Climate, improved SAT Scores Award, improved CCRPI scores, improved graduation rates from 56% to 76% under CCRPI, won the Title I High Progress Reward School by Georgia Department of Education, won most improved Social Studies EOCT Scores, and improved Science scores by 34%. The high school established a partnership with Weyerhaeuser and South Georgia Technical College in implementing a pulp industry curriculum for high school students as well as a summer internship program. He also served as the Macon County Principals Leadership Coach.
Earlier in his career, Dr. Edmond served as Assistant Principal and Head Basketball Coach in both Baldwin and Laurens Counties. He taught high school science broad field courses for several years in Laurens County. Dr. Edmond received a Bachelor’s degree with a major in biology from Presbyterian College. He received an Education Add-on from Brewton Parker College and obtained both a Master’s degree and Specialist’s degree from Georgia College & State University in Administration and Supervision. He received his Doctorate from Walden University in Teaching and Learning.
Dr. Edmond’s interests and hobbies are many. They include advocating for health, fitness and wellness, spending time with his family, supporting his church, and watching and playing sports including kayaking, golf, football and basketball. He is a freelance playwright, a motivational speaker and performs in local drama productions. Dr. Edmond serves as a mentor for at-risk males. He reads professional literature on educational law and curriculum trends. He is a narrator of stories (Story Teller) and supports community activities.