Columbia County names new superintendent in unanimous board vote
EVANS, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - It’s been a long process, but Columbia County schools have a new superintendent after whittling down from a list of three finalists.
The Board of Education voted unanimously this afternoon for Dr. Steven Flynt to take over.
Board said it was a tough decision but they feel as though they have the best candidate and are excited for what he has in store.
“We had three great finalists. And finally arrived at a decision, and found our man, found our next superintendent,” said David Dekle, board chairman.
That man is Steven Flynt. The board was supposed to vote on the finalists in their meeting Tuesday night. But the board decided to push that vote back until Thursday.
“I’m extremely honored to be even just be considered for this position the superintendent of schools for Columbia County. The Board of Education has been absolutely fantastic and going through this process,” Flynt said.
And while he is new to Columbia County, he’s not new to education. Flynt’s resume includes a Harvard education, several years serving as a principal, director of learning, and finally associate superintendent with Gwinnett County.
“My first priority is building relationships; I need to get to know the people,” he said.
As Flynt adjusts to his new home, he says he’s excited to learn and build on the district’s success.
“I’m just really honored to be able to follow such a great superintendent. I’m just so humbled. Dr. Caraway, she’s done an excellent job, and I’m just looking forward to building on the great things that she’s done,” Flynt said.
While no contractual agreement has been made yet, Flynt’s annual salary will be around $223,000, just slightly less than his predecessor
Through tears, some board expressed gratitude for outgoing Superintendent Dr. Sandra Carraway while also looking ahead for the future.
“From everything I’ve learned it’s a very close-knit community, there’s a lot going on here. I’m looking forward to bringing my family, learning more about all the offerings here, and just becoming a part of the community,” Flynt said.
Flynt says his plan to keep kids safe through the pandemic is to stick with the current plan, follow CDC guidelines, and try to keep kids in the classroom five days a week.
Current superintendent Carraway is expected to stay in her position until June 30.
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