NC School Boards Association outlines options for Thomasville superintendent search

Leanne Wenner, executive director of the North Carolina School Boards Association, briefed the Thomasville City Schools Board on the district's superintendent search and presented four possible pathways: revisit the existing applicant pool, appoint another interim and re‑advertise, reauthorize the position, or proactively recruit targeted candidates. "I am Leanne Wenner. I'm the executive director of the North Carolina School Boards Association," she told the board as she outlined the pros and cons of each option and offered to answer questions in closed session about individual candidates.

Wenner said the association can prioritize finalists who were previously vetted and suggested that the board consider interviewing finalists first before reopening the full search, noting the time already spent on diligence. Board members asked about timelines and whether an interim could be placed quickly; Wenner said the association typically maintains a vetted list of retired or acting superintendents and "finding an interim does not take very long, typically." Several board members said they would forward individual recommendations to the association and discuss specifics in closed session if the board wants candidate names considered confidentially. The presentation closed with the board signaling it will provide direction to the association and consider a closed session for candidate‑specific discussion.