GAINESVILLE – New Gainesville City Schools Superintendent Dr. Jeremy Williams said a mutually acceptable arrangement was in place and he was stepping into his new position nearly a month ahead of schedule.
Williams said before Monday evening’s work session that he, the Gainesville City Schools Board of Education and out-going Superintendent Dr. Wanda Creel had agreed to allow him to get an early start on his new job, something he was anxious to do and something that was beneficial to Dr. Creel, as well.
“I want to thank Dr. Creel for being very welcoming of my presence here over the last month and the transition that we’ve had,” Williams said.
Because Dr. Creel’s contract does not end until June 30th, Williams refers to himself as Chief of Staff. On July 1 he will assume the title of Superintendent.
Williams said the past month has been extremely busy for himself and his family.
Relocating his family has been time consuming. Williams has served for the past five years as the Union County Associate Superintendent of Schools. “We have been very fortunate, my family and I, to start to settle in a little bit.”
“But the biggest thing,” Williams said with a big smile, “my kids got to climb on the rock as it was painted for my family. I guess that’s an official Red Elephant welcome to me and my family.”
Williams said he attended the recent Gainesville High School graduation ceremony at City Park as a spectator. “I got to be up in the stands (Bobby Gruhn Field) and see all the kids and the proud parents and proud family members.”
“I was really impressed at the turnout – even people who didn’t have kids graduating, but who wanted to see what was going on.”
