Board of Education names Richard Smith as interim superintendent

BULLOCH COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) -The Bulloch County Board of Education has hired Richard Smith as interim superintendent of schools. Board Chairman Elizabeth Williams announced the decision during the board’s Feb. 26 work session.

Smith, a retired educator and superintendent, currently serves as executive director of the First District Regional Educational Service Agency. He will begin his role April 1.

The board has completed the first two phases of its search for a permanent superintendent. A community survey was conducted, and the job application period, advertised nationwide for six weeks, closed Feb. 22.

The Georgia School Boards Association collected nearly 40 applications and will deliver them to the board during the week of March 9–12. The board will then begin first- and second-round interviews, with finalists expected to be announced in April and a final candidate in late May. State law requires the board to release information to the media on up to three finalists at least 14 days before appointing a superintendent.

In November 2025, the board voted 8-0 to contract with the Georgia School Boards Association to conduct the nationwide search and assist with the selection process.

The new superintendent will succeed Charles Wilson, who announced his retirement in October after 30 years of service, including 14 years as superintendent.