Following an executive session Tuesday night at the Vidalia City Board of Education, it was announced that at the end of this school term, Dr. Garrett Wilcox would be retiring as the Superintendent of Schools.
“As an educator, you reach that magical point where you can retire,” he said. “My first official teaching job was in Griffin, Georgia, where I taught and coached and then I was in Metter briefly. I coached in Tattnall County for eight years, and I’ve been with the Vidalia City School System for 15 years with 12 of those years as the superintendent.”
Dr. Wilcox said he plans to remain in Vidalia after he retires and looks forward to seeing what the future holds.
During his tenure as Superintendent, there have been changes in the Standard Operating Procedures that educators must follow, but he believes it has all been for the betterment of the students.
“I think the biggest change – especially for the older students – is that there are a lot more opportunities now than there were 30 years ago,” he said. “When you talk about dual enrollment and the emphasis on our local workforce, the idea is to guide kids in whatever direction they choose and let them know about the prosperous opportunities that are out there and show them that this is how they can get there.”
He also said that schools reflect the community, and he takes pride in the partnership that Vidalia City Schools have in the area.
After learning of the Superintendent’s plan for retirement, the Board declared the sole successor to be Dr. Sandy Reid, who is currently the Assistant Superintendent. A meeting will be held within a few weeks to make that final approval and begin a smooth transition in leadership.