The Gainesville City School Board made it official Monday evening, voting unanimously to hire Dr. Jeremy Williams as the new superintendent of the city school system.
Williams was named the sole finalist for the job two weeks ago.
Following the vote, Williams told AccessWDUN he has watched the Gainesville School System throughout his career and considers it a model for educational opportunities.
"Over the last 10 years when I worked at Pioneer RESA and then at Union County [Schools], I've always just watched to see what happens in Gainesville," Williams said. "Gainesville is the perfect opportunity for any educator to say 'this is how we transform lives' and as an educator, your number one goal is to make an opportunity for kids' betterment."
While Williams said he has admired the Gainesville School System for years, he has a great deal to learn, so he has no plans to dive in and start making changes; he says he wants to get to know people first.
"I really have an entry plan and that's to get to know the people and just listen and be an observer for the first couple of months," Williams said.
As Williams completes his tenure as Associate Superintendent for Union County Schools, he will spend 10 staff days in Gainesville this month. Then, he will be in the Gainesville office throughout the month of June before taking the helm as superintendent on July 1.
Williams is filling the post being vacated by Dr. Wanda Creel, who announced her plans to leave the job in September 2016.
Dr. Jeremy Williams (second from left) visits with Gainesville City School System officials and school board members prior to Monday's night's board work session.
Dr. Jeremy Williams (standing) introduces his family at Monday night's Gainesville City School Board work session.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2017/5/531041/gainesville-city-school-board-officially-votes-for-dr-jeremy-williams-as-new-superintendent