By GINA KINSLOW
TOMPKINSVILLE — An administrator with the Monroe County School District has been named interim superintendent.
Liz Willett, director of assessment and instructional supervisor, was recently appointed by the Monroe County Board of Education to the post.
She will begin her new duties on Dec. 20.
Willett fills a vacancy left by superintendent George Wilson, who is resigning effective Dec. 19 to take a position as associate executive director of the Green River Regional Educational Cooperative in Bowling Green.
“It’s a rather bittersweet appointment for me. I hate to see Mr. Wilson leave, but he has an opportunity that is a good one for him,” Willett said. “I will do my best to make sure things keep running here until we get a permanent superintendent.”
A local search committee will be appointed to assist in the search. The committee will be composed of parent, teacher, school administration, central office personnel and board of education representatives, said Todd Burgess, school board chairman.
The school board will be working with the Kentucky School Board Association to find someone to fill the superintendent’s position on a more permanent basis, he said.
The search is expected to take six months.
“It will be up in the spring or summer,” Burgess said. “We’ve got six months to interview and try to pick out the best person for the job.”
Willett referred to Wilson as a “good leader” and said such a person always makes sure things are in order before he leaves.
“We’ve got all the pieces in place,” she said. “We’ve got outstanding leadership in our schools. The team out here at the central office, we work well together.”
She also said Wilson has been “an extraordinary presence” in the school district during his eight-year tenure.
“We’re just happy he has this opportunity and we are going to do the best we can to keep things going in the direction that they have been going,” she said.
Wilson also commended Willett.
“Outstanding choice in my opinion — smart, energetic, puts the needs of kids first. She’s got a stellar career both as a teacher and an administrator. Excellent choice,” he said.
Prior to becoming the district’s director of assessment and instructional supervisor, Willett served as assistant principal and principal of Monroe County High School. She also taught at Monroe County High School and Tompkinsville High School, according to the school district’s Web site.
