Single Finalist for Superintendent!

At the regular meeting on June 11, 2015, the Board of Education named a single finalist.After spending three months in the process of surveying employees and the public, deliberating over the qualifications and requirements they wished to see, and interviewing 9 individuals from the 35 applicants, the Board of Education has named Dr. Shanna Presley Wilkes as the single finalist in the search for a new Superintendent.

Dr. Wilkes has served several years as a teacher from 1997 to 2008. She then became an Adjunct professor at NGCSU (North Georgia College and State University), January 2009 – 2010, and at Brenau University, August 2008 – 2011. She served as White County Middle School Assistant Principal and Academic Coach 2010 – 2012 and has recently been working as the Director of State and Federal Programs and Director of Curriculum at White County School Systems from 2012 to present. With other positions she culminates 17 years in Public Education. In addition, she also serves on several Georgia Department of Education advisory committees.

Dr. Wilkes possesses a Bachelor of Science Education from the University of Georgia, a Master of Science Education from North Georgia College, and an Educational Doctorate from the University of Phoenix.

The Board of Education has issued a Press Release stating they feel Dr. Wilkes is the best candidate for our community due to a number of skills, traits and accomplishments including her strong work ethic, history of success as a classroom teacher, ability to direct the system’s financial affairs, and wide range of experiences at all levels of education system. Board chair Michael Bramlett stated, “We were all impressed with the knowledge, skills, leadership style, enthusiasm, and accomplishments of Dr. Wilkes.”

Dr. Wilkes grew up in White County and graduated from the local White County High School. Preferring to work in a collaborative and coordinated approach, she has stated a belief in the crucial existence of open honesty and trustworthy behavior. “Trust is earned from one’s actions by showing an understanding and respect for each individual and their feelings” states Dr. Wilkes.

Dr. Wilkes now enters the 14 day period of public notice for review and consideration. Pending that review and negotiations, the Board of Education has announced its intention to name her as the new Superintendent for the Gilmer County Charter School System. If the offer is made and accepted, she will establish residence in Gilmer County with her husband, Mark, and two children, Macie (11) and Cohen (5).

Dr. Wilkes, upon being informed of the Board’s intention stated, “It is a great honor to be named as the single finalist for Superintendent of Schools by the Gilmer County Board of Education. My family and I are very excited about the challenge and opportunity. I am delighted to be joining a great team of educators and for my family to become members of what is clearly a wonderful community.”