HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Cabell County Schools’ new superintendent says he will focus on student growth and achievement when he steps into the role this summer.
Keith Thomas, who currently serves as the county’s director of Health, Wellness, and Student Support Services, was selected by Board of Education members Tuesday during a special meeting. He will step into the role following the retirement of current superintendent Tim Hardesty.
He said he felt a lot of emotion when he was told he had been chosen for the role.
“Just so humbling knowing that I have the confidence of the board of education, that I have the trust of the Cabell County school employees, students, and families to back me, just such a humbling experience and I’m honored,” Thomas told MetroNews.
Thomas said he has about 17 to 18 years of experience working in the Cabell County school system. He has served in several roles, including teacher, assistant principal, principal, and coach.
He said he wants to continue supporting students and give back to the county that has done a lot for him.
“I just want to continue that by giving back to Cabell County because the school community in Cabell County has been so good to me and the things that they’ve done and the things that they’ve taught me so I wanted to serve Cabell County in the greatest capacity that I could serve,” Thomas said.
He said he hopes the board chose him because of his experience within the school system and his character.
“The ability to work with others and as a team approach from the time, I’ve been a principal to now, I think those concepts probably helped because that’s an important aspect when it comes to being a superintendent is being able to work with others to promote growth,” Thomas said.
He said he is looking forward to collaborating with everyone because they all share a common goal.
“Just being able to work together for that one common theme student success, is just going to be a fun moment when we do it the right way and that’s everyone’s focus because we see that outcome,” Thomas said.
He will assume the role July 1.
Thomas said that, in the meantime, he will shadow Hardesty to help with the transition.
He said it will be valuable to learn from him.
“To be able to work with someone who has done so many great things, who’s so influential, who is so intelligent, and making a difference within our school community, so I’m going to try and be a sponge the next three months and learn, listen, and collaborate with him,” Thomas said.