Former Gainesville principal to head Ala. school system

OPELIKA, Ala. (AP) -- The Lee County school system has selected a former principal in the Gainesville City School System as its new superintendent.

James "Mac" McCoy was selected for the post Tuesday night by the Lee County Board of Education. The board voted 4-3 for McCoy.

Gainesville Schools Supt. Merrianne Dyer said Wednesday morning McCoy was principal of Gainesville Middle School for four years - 1996 through 2000.

"He left us to go to Buford as their high school principal," Dr. Dyer said.
"Mac and I worked as a team on an initiative with the Georgia Department of Education to deliver Stephen Covey Leadership institutes together - we did workshops throughout Georgia for two years."

Dyer added "He is a true servant-leader who will value Lee County's traditions while also working together to move them forward."

McCoy has served as superintendent for Commerce City Schools since 2005. In addition to his tenures with Gainesville City Schools and Buford City Schools, he was previously a principal in Carrollton and Henry County.