T
he Kanawha County Board of Education has begun its search for a new superintendent for Kanawha County Schools, officials said Thursday.
The search comes just weeks after current Superintendent Dr. Tom Williams announced he was retiring at the end of the 2024-25 school year.
County board members made the announcement during their January 9 curriculum meeting. Prior to the announcement, the panelists went into a 30-minute executive session to discuss the hiring process.
After the executive session, Board President Ric Cavendar said the superintendent position would be posted state-wide beginning Friday, January 10. Candidates have until 4 p.m. January 24 to apply. Board members will then review applications and select candidates for interview.
Cavender said he hopes to have a new superintendent appointed by mid-February.
“This will allow the successful candidate time to work with Dr. Williams on next year’s budget and staffing, among other things,” Cavender said Thursday.
While the panel plans to work quickly to find a new superintendent, board member Jim Crawford said they want to be careful and deliberate in their decision.
“We have got a lot of stuff on our plate,” Crawford said. He cited the construction of the new elementary school in eastern Kanawha County as one such project.
“It’s important they [the candidate] have some time with Dr. Williams,” Crawford said.
The new superintendent will begin their role effective July 1, 2025.
Williams, Kanawha County School’s current administrator, has led the school system since 2020. He previously served as deputy superintendent.
According to his bio on Kanawha County School’swebsite, Williamswas born and raised in South Charleston. He was a principal at St. Albans High School for ten years and has been employed by the school system for 38 years.
