Wheeler County Schools Begin Superintendent Search

The Wheeler County School System has officially begun the search for a new superintendent, as the Board of Education held a planning session regarding the process on Monday, June 3.

This search comes after longtime Superintendent Suzanne Couey formally announced on March 13 that she would be resigning from her position effective June 30 when her contract expires. When contacted by The Advance following her announcement, Couey stressed, “I want to emphasize that this decision was made on my own terms.” She did not disclose the reason for her actions, but said she reached her decision after much prayer and consideration. “The Board did not ask me to resign; I just felt it is time.”

Couey is the system’s first female superintendent and has held the position since 2017. She will remain with the school system to perform a number of essential duties including overseeing human resources, performing payroll and technology responsibilities, and grant writing.

After Couey’s announcement, the Board of Education named Wheeler County Elementary School Principal Dr. Quent Floyd to serve as the system’s interim superintendent. The action was taken at the Board’s April 8 meeting. Floyd will assume this role on July 1 and continue these duties until a new superintendent is chosen. The Board anticipates this task to be completed no later than November 1.

The Board, which is working with the King-Cooper and Associates firm to find eligible candidates for the job, set a deadline of July 12 as the last date to accept applications for the position. King-Cooper and Associates will mail vacancy announcements regarding the search, and the announcement will also be posted on various internet sites.

“It is the Board’s desire to conduct a thorough search process in selecting the next leader of the school system while maintaining the necessary confidentiality of applicants until finalists are selected,” a news release from the system stated.

“The Board will develop a leadership profile that includes the skills and competencies desired of the next superintendent. The profile will be important as the Board determines the best candidates to consider and interview for the position,” according to the statement. Interviews are expected to begin in September.