This is the sole finalist to be the next Chattahoochee County superintendent
%20(1).jpg "Kimothy Hadley")
The Chattahoochee County School District is one step away from ending its superintendent search.
During a called meeting Saturday, the Chattahoochee County Board of Education unanimously voted to select Kimothy Hadley as the sole finalist to be the system’s new leader.
Hadley is the associate superintendent in the Sumter County School District, where he has worked for 25 years.
After announcing the sole finalist to be superintendent, Georgia law requires school boards to allow at least 14 days for public comment before voting on final approval. That vote is scheduled during the ChattCo board’s called meeting May 20 at 6 p.m.
Hadley would succeed Kristie Brooks, who has been ChattCo’s superintendent for six years. The Ledger-Enquirer reported in March that she was selected as the sole finalist to be superintendent of the Baldwin County School District.
Why ChattCo school board selected Kimothy Hadley as superintendent
ChattCo school board chairman Aaron Shillig told the Ledger-Enquirer in an emailed interview Tuesday, “As a board, we discussed the best person for the job and collectively came to the conclusion that he was the person for ChattCo to fill the large shoes that Dr. Brooks is leaving.”
The board members chose Hadley among 20 applicants, including seven they interviewed, Shillig said.
“The BOE is excited to have Kimothy be our action arm in the district,” Shillig said. “We are looking forward to working with him to keep ChattCo moving in its current direction, the direction of providing the best education, support and opportunity for all kids and staff involved in the district.”
Shillig said he was impressed with Hadley taking time to learn about ChattCo by researching online and visiting the county.
“His knowledge of the district, his humility and his desire to take what we have accomplished thus far and drive us forward to new heights,” Shillig said.
If the board hires Hadley, he would start working June 2 for ChattCo alongside Brooks to help with the leadership transition. Then he officially would become superintendent July 1.
Why Kimothy Hadley wants to be ChattCo’s superintendent
In an emailed interview with the Ledger-Enquirer, Hadley said Thursday, “I am humbled and excited to have the opportunity to work as superintendent for the faculty, staff, students, parents and community of ChattCo. I am thankful to the Chattahoochee County Board of Education for selecting me.”
Hadley applied for the position because “I want to be a part of instilling pride and igniting passion to reach infinite possibilities the ChattCo Way.”
His top priority during his first year as ChattCo’s superintendent will be “ensuring innovative, real-world teaching and learning occur, allowing our students to be globally competitive.”
Hadley described his leadership style as collaborative.
“I believe in working alongside district/school leaders across multiple departments to achieve shared goals, fostering open communication, shared decision-making and collective problem-solving,” he said.
More about Kimothy Hadley’s background
Hadley has been Sumter County’s associate superintendent since January 2022. His previous positions, all in Sumter County, were as a principal from 2008-21, an assistant principal from 2005-08 and a middle school health and physical education teacher while also coaching football and track from 2000-05.
He earned a bachelor’s degree (2000) and a master’s degree (2002) in health and physical education from Georgia Southwestern State University, then an add-on master’s degree (2004) and an education specialist degree (2007) in administration and leadership from Troy University-Phenix City.
Asked what else he wants to tell the L-E’s readers, Hadley said, “I am married to Tawnya Hadley, and we have one child, Kahria Lenzie Hadley. I am an active member of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Americus, GA, where I serve as a Deacon, on the Education and Scholarship Committee staff, and Youth Department. Additionally, I am a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.”
This story was originally published May 6, 2025 at 1:41 PM.
