Cabell County Schools appoints Ronald Keith Thomas as superintendent

The Cabell County Schools board voted at a special meeting on March 17 to appoint Ronald Keith Thomas as superintendent, a position set to begin July 1, 2026, for a four-year term. The board approved the appointment on a voice vote after a motion to appoint the candidate and a second; no opposition was announced.

President Polly told the board the panel had reviewed six candidates in executive session and decided to pursue a contract with one person who "consistently rose to the top" of the list rather than scheduling additional interviews. A proposed written contract was distributed to board members, is available for inspection at the meeting, and will be signed by the president on behalf of the board.

The motion to appoint named Ronald Keith Thomas for a term beginning July 1, 2026, with an annual salary of $160,000 for the first two years and $165,000 for the second two years. The motion was moved by Miss Molly and seconded by Miss Neely; the motion carried on a voice vote with members responding "aye." (The meeting record does not list a roll-call tally.)

President Polly provided a brief biography of Thomas, saying he was raised in Belfry, Kentucky, worked six years in the automobile business early in his career, then earned a degree in elementary education from Marshall University and a master's in educational leadership from Salem International University. Thomas joined Cabell County Schools in 2006 as a substitute teacher at Davis Creek Elementary, taught at Southside Elementary, served as assistant principal at Milton Elementary, later served as principal at Culloden and Central City elementaries, and since 2020 has led the office of health, wellness and student support.

At the podium, Ronald Keith Thomas thanked the board and the community and said he sees education as "a shared commitment" that will require listening and collaboration. He also paid tribute to Tim Hardesty, saying, "You cannot replace a Tim Hardesty," and expressed confidence in the district's leadership team.

During board comments a member recounted a personal story about a grandson in Thomas's classroom at Southside Elementary, saying Thomas took time to support the child during a difficult period. President Polly called the anecdote a reflection of the person the board selected.

The special meeting adjourned; the president said the regularly scheduled meeting would begin in about five minutes.