Bulloch County Board of Education Begins Search for Next Superintendent

Richard Smith steps in as interim superintendent as Charles Wilson retires after over a decade of leadership.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 3:41am

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An abstract, impressionistic scene of a school hallway or classroom, with blurred shapes and muted colors creating a sense of warmth and nostalgia.The Bulloch County school district embarks on a search for a new superintendent, with an interim leader guiding the transition.Statesboro Today

The Bulloch County Board of Education has launched a search for the school district's next superintendent following the retirement of Charles Wilson, who led the district for more than 10 years. In the meantime, Richard Smith, a veteran educator who previously served as superintendent in Toombs County, has stepped into the role of interim superintendent to help guide the district through the transition.

Why it matters

The selection of a new superintendent is a critical decision for the Bulloch County school district, as the superintendent plays a pivotal role in setting the vision, priorities, and policies that impact thousands of students, teachers, and families. The interim period provides an opportunity for stability and continuity as the board conducts a nationwide search to find the right long-term leader.

The details

Richard Smith, who spent 38 years as an educator, officially began his role as interim superintendent this week. On his first day, he met with every principal in the district. Smith said he came out of retirement to help Bulloch County after the board asked him to guide the district through the transition. As a Bulloch County resident, Smith felt a personal connection to the opportunity to give back. The board began interviewing candidates for the permanent superintendent position last week, with the goal of keeping applicants anonymous until the pool is narrowed. Smith said he is not pursuing the permanent job and is instead focused on ensuring a smooth transition, closing out the current school year successfully, and preparing for the start of the next school year in September.

  • Richard Smith officially began as interim superintendent this week.
  • The Bulloch County Board of Education began interviewing candidates for the permanent superintendent position last week.

The players

Richard Smith

A veteran educator who previously served as superintendent in Toombs County, Smith has stepped into the role of interim superintendent for the Bulloch County school district.

Charles Wilson

The former superintendent of the Bulloch County school district, who retired after leading the district for more than a decade.

Bulloch County Board of Education

The governing body responsible for overseeing the Bulloch County school district and conducting the search for the next superintendent.

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What they’re saying

“It was a great day, got to know, got to meet some of them for the first time, I am just really excited about the good work going on here.”

— Richard Smith, Interim Superintendent

“I've had so many people pour into me and if I can give back, I am always willing to look at those opportunities.”

— Richard Smith, Interim Superintendent

“I am here to help in any way I can and just make that transition as smooth as possible.”

— Richard Smith, Interim Superintendent

What’s next

The Bulloch County Board of Education's interview process for the permanent superintendent position is expected to take several weeks, and the search is being conducted nationwide.

The takeaway

The selection of a new superintendent is a critical decision for the Bulloch County school district, and the interim period under Richard Smith's leadership provides an opportunity for stability and continuity as the board conducts a thorough search to find the right long-term leader to guide the district's vision, priorities, and policies.