VCS Superintendent’s Contract Renewed, JDD Principal Named

During the June Vidalia City Schools Board of Education meeting, Chairman Tim Truxel officially presented what had been discussed in executive session weeks ago: a renewal of Superintendent Dr. J. Garrett Wilcox’s contract for another three years. This contract will be from July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2024. The motion was made by Board member Bruce Asberry and seconded in unison by the two other members present, Hal Chesser and Andy Blount. Julee Torrence was not able to attend the meeting. The Board passed the motion with no further discussion but to congratulate Wilcox.

Dr. Wilcox has been the Superintendent of Vidalia City Schools since July of 2012. Before that, he served as Principal of Vidalia Comprehensive High School for a period of four years (July 2009June 2013), serving as both the Superintendent and Principal from July 2012 until June 2013. Prior to that, Wilcox served with the Tattnall County School System in various roles, including Teacher, Assistant Principal, and Principal.

A Native of Metter, Wilcox received his B.S and Master’s degrees from Georgia Southern University prior to receiving his Doctorate from Argosy University in Educational Leadership. Wilcox is married to Blythe Matheson Wilcox, and they have three daughters, Bess, Cate, and Sally. Brandon Boston has been appointed as the new Principal at J.D. Dickerson Primary School. Boston, who has served as the Assistant Principal at J.R. Trippe Middle School for the past five years, replaces Brenda McLain, who moves to the Central Office.

Boston, a native of Laurens County, has over 15 years of educational experience, starting his teaching career as a 4th grade teacher at Northwest Elementary School in Laurens County. Boston says he is more than ready to move forward, building on the foundation laid before him. “I am eager to build on the foundation that was laid by former administrators. I am pleased to work with amazing teachers that want to see all students grow academically, socially, and emotionally.”

Wilcox stated that the system is fortunate to have quality people like Boston, “Brandon has been a constant in the system for several years now, and we are very fortunate to have him as an administrator in our system. We look forward to great things from him, the staff, and the students next year at J.D. Dickerson Primary School.” Boston is married to the former Ashley Collins, a graduate of Vidalia High School, and a 4th grade teacher at Sally Meadows. They have three children, Deidra, Brody, and Blaze, who all attend Vidalia City Schools. “We are all proud to be a part of the Vidalia City Schools and the Vidalia community,” added Boston. Boston has already hit the ground running, bringing together the JDD Leadership Team for a productive retreat recently, and said that he looks forward to working together with everyone to help JDD become even better than it is. “I will work together with all stakeholders to provide our students with the best educational experience to meet all their needs. My door is always open, and I welcome your input. I am looking forward to working with each of you as we strive for greatness at J.D. Dickerson.”

NEW PRINCPAL—Brandon Boston has been appointed as the new Principal at J.D. Dickerson Primary School. Boston, who has served as the Assistant Principal at J.R. Trippe Middle School for the past five years, replaces Brenda McLain, who moves to the Central Office.

THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE — Retiring board members of the Wheeler County Chamber of Commerce Whitney Griffin, left, and Tommy Spell, right, received plaques from Board member Rodney Brooks at a Chamber semiannual meeting last week at Little Ocmulgee State Park. The Chamber hosted a fish fry for members and President Janice Mock reported on the organization’s recent projects.Photo by Deborah Clark