Witherspoon

THOMASVILLE — Three new leaders will join the ranks of the Thomasville City Schools system in July. 

After a closed session at Tuesday’s regular meeting, the city school board unanimously named new principals for Thomasville High School and MacIntyre Park Middle School, along with a new director for the Scholars Academy. 

Dr. Shannon Norfleet was named the new principal of the city high school. 

Superintendent Dr. Laine Reichert said Norfleet has years of experience as an “effective principal” improving schools with similar demographics as Thomasville High. 

Norfleet is the current principal of Howard High School at Bibb County Public Schools. 

Dr. Tret Witherspoon was named the new principal of MacIntyre Park Middle. 

A former Scott Elementary principal, Witherspoon is the current principal of Stringfellow Elementary School in Moultrie. 

“It was a natural fit,” Reichert said of Witherspoon.

Witherspoon told the Times-Enterprise Wednesday he felt his next challenge was in middle school education. 

“I feel like I can make a big impact at the middle school level,” he said. “I know I can make a big impact.” 

Witherspoon said he plans to begin coordinating with current MPMS Principal Tina McBride after the district’s spring break and is looking forward to building on the foundation of the city middle school. McBride will transfer to the district’s central office as the new director of student services. 

Another hiring decision was naming Jeanene Wallace as the new Scholars Academy director. 

Wallace, the director of Pathways Educational Program, which serves eight school districts, also has “years of experience” in education, Reichert said. 

“They have just built a foundation of excellence,” Wallace said of the Scholars Academy. 

Wallace said Wednesday the city school system provides a  “unique education choice for kids,”

“It just seemed like a good change in direction for me,” she added. “I’m excited. This is a brand new professional challenge.” 

Hiring discussions among the city school board began in February. Current Thomasville High Principal Chip Clatto’s  contract was not renewed and Dr. Dale Graham resigned from the Scholars Academy post. 

Reporter Jordan Barela can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1826.