Macon, Ga. ( Associated Press) — A central Georgia school district has found its next leader.
The Bibb County Board of Education voted 6-2 on Tuesday to nominate Dan Anthony Sims as the district’s new superintendent. The Telegraph reports that he will be starting his new post on July 1.
The vote for Sims ended a nearly seven-month search to find a replacement for Curtis Jones, who plans to retire on June 30 after seven years with the District.
East Point’s Sims was one of 33 candidates who applied for the job. Sims has been a teacher for 27 years; The Final Six served as an associate superintendent for Atlanta Public Schools.
A contract, salary and benefits were not discussed in Tuesday night’s meeting. However, district spokeswoman Stephanie Hartley said there are tentative plans to sign Sims to a contract at a regular board meeting later this month.
Sims said her family will remain in Atlanta while her daughter has completed her senior year.
“If she had to leave her school, she would divorce me,” Sims said.
Although The Sims doesn’t officially launch until July 1, it said it plans to start connecting with locals next month. A meeting and greeting with the public is scheduled for the end of June.
In a brief speech after the board voted, Sims said he would focus on continuity and thanked Jones for being “an incredible participant in the transition.”
“It has been an amazing journey that I started months ago. I knew I needed to gain as much knowledge and inner understanding about Macon, this community, and this district if I wanted to apply for this incredible and important position. … I can guarantee you that I have come to you as a prepared professional, a person who has done his homework and diligently.
Board member James Freeman said that Sims has a real vision to continue the hard work that was already done by Dr. Jones and the District to continue the progress made and I think he’ll be able to continue with the Bibbs. Excited to live in the county. That is what will make him a great superintendent who will lead us forward.”
