Hunter to retire as superintendent at year’s end
Wetherington lone finalist to take over in Jan. 2017
The Polk County Board of Education voted at the end of their June session to approve the retirement request submitted by Dr. William Hunter, superintendent of the Polk School District, effective Dec. 31.
Board members then announced his replacement to finish off the June 14 session, and tentatively approved Cedartown High School principal Dr. Darrell Wetherington as the forthcoming superinten- dent starting in 2017, pending two weeks for contract negotiations.
He was the only finalist for the job announced by the board.
Hunter said in a statement he released to the Standard Journal Tuesday night that he wanted to shift his focus on being a “Pops” for his 9-year-old grandson Dallas, who lives in Savannah.
“When I retire in Decemeber, I will have been Polk School District Superintendent for nearly 4 years. I am proud to be a part of the accomplishments made by our students and teachers during this time,” his statement said. “Most notably, the graduation rate going from 63.5 percent ( 56 percent at Cedar town High School) to 83 percent in 2015.”
Hunter added that he was also proud to have been a part of increased lexile scores for elementary and middle school students, reducing millage rates for the past two years, getting construction projects started and finishing 11 classrooms at Eastside Elementary School, bringing a College and Career Academy into Polk County, and more.
Wetherington, who will remain at his post as principal of Cedartown High School until he officially takes over on Jan. 1, 2017, said he will be working closely with Hunter over the next six months of the transition.
“Dr. Hunter is the boss until Dec. 31, but I’m going to work closely with his help with the central office staff and schools to focus our mission
and vision,” he said. “However there’s going to be a learning curve, so I’m thankful to be able to work with him.”
He said he wanted to stay at Cedartown High through at least midyear out of loyalty to staff and students, and to be with the Class of 2017 on the first day of school. Wetherington started as principal of Cedartown High School with this year’s senior class as freshmen.
Board chair Harold McDurmon said that Hunter had been an agent of change in Polk School District, and was given a standing ovation following his announcement.
“Dr. Hunter has been one of the most influential people we’ve had in making changes in this school system,” McDurmon said. “We’re appreciative of the work he’s done for us over the past years.”
Hunter previously served as former superintendent of McIntosh and Brantley counties in south Georgia before he was selected to take over Polk School District in February 2013.