School Superintendent Finalists Named By Douglas School Board

DOUGLASVILLE, GA — The Douglas County Board of Education has narrowed its search to replace retiring schools Superintendent Gordon Pritz to three people.

Tuesday evening, the board announced the three finalists for the job. They are:

• Ray Hill
• Trent North
• Barry Williams

Hill, of Snellville, is the former superintendent of Macon County Schools. and a former principal in the Greene County and Clayton County school systems. Holding a doctorate from Clark Atlanta University, Hill has most recently been employed as a consultant and leadership coach to school systems.

North, of Carrolton, is currently principal of Carrollton Middle School. He previously served as director of community affairs with the Carrollton school system and currently serves as a county commissioner in Carroll County. North has a master's degree from the University of West Georgia and a specialist certificate from Lincoln Memorial University.

Williams, of Bremen, currently serves as executive director of special education for Douglas County schools. He was previously a principal and director of middle-grades education on Carroll County and a classroom teacher in Bremen. He holds a doctorate from the University of Alabama.

The board worked with a search team from the Georgia School Boards Association to identify the characteristics desired in the new superintendent.

Forty-four applications were received from a broad range of applicants. The applicants represented the following states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, New Mexico, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Washington, Texas, and the District of Columbia.

From these applicants, nine candidates were chosen for close review and eight were interviewed as the board worked to narrow down the field.

At least 14 calendar days before taking final action on the position, the board was required to make available to the public documents concerning as many as three persons under consideration for the job.

More information on the finalists can be found at the Douglas County school system website.

Pritz, a 40-year education veteran who has served as Douglas County school superintendent for seven years, plans to retire effective May 31.

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