Bibb School Board Selects Interim Superintendent

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – More than two months after former Bibb County Schools’ superintendent Romain Dallemand left the district, the school board has selected its interim superintendent.

The board met Monday night behind closed doors for more than two hours before voting 8-0 to approve Steven Smith for the job.

Smith served as superintendent of Lowndes County Schools in Valdosta from 2002-2012.  He also had a brief stint as superintendent of Pulaski County Schools in Hawkinsville from 2000-2002.

Before Pulaski County, he served as principal at Central High School in Macon from 1995-2000.

Smith was one of 29 people who applied for the interim position.  Board member Dr. Wanda West says choosing  him was an easy decision.

“We felt it very much so important here near the end of the year to make certain that we had someone that has done the job, someone who’s been very successful at the job, someone who would have the respect of the community and someone that would be willing to sit down with the board and plan our next steps for this school district,” says West.  “Everybody on the board is of a posture that it is time that we come together, that we begin to envision for a greater future for the children of Bibb County.”

No word yet on when Smith will start, but acting superintendent Susanne Griffin-Ziebart’s term is set to end on Wednesday.

West says Smith will serve as interim superintendent until a permanent superintendent is selected, but she didn’t say when that might be.

Officers Chosen

Also Monday, board members approved a slate of officers going forward.

Thelma Dillard will serve as treasurer, Sue Sipe will be vice president, and Dr. Wanda West will serve as the board president.

With accreditation on the line, the board meets again Wednesday at 3 p.m.