The search to replace outgoing Fayette County School System Superintendent Jody Barrow is underway. The vacancy was posted April 27 by the Ga. School Boards Association (GSBA), with a May 24 closing date.

Barrow previously announced his retirement set for June 30. He was hired as superintendent in 2013, and retires after 40 years as an educator.

Beyond the standard requirements for the job, the GSBA website citing local preferences said:

– Documented history of outstanding experience as a superintendent.

– Possession of a doctorate.

– Ensures effective management of the district’s core functions; develops and oversees a comprehensive approach to facilities, transportation, resource allocation and budget management; know and can describe what efficient operation systems look like.

– Ability to provide leadership for the Board of Education to aid their understanding of the “team governance model” and the separation of authority of the board and the superintendent.

– Evidence of a high level of effectiveness in the following personal qualities: a fit for the position/community, judgment, values, creativity, emotional intelligence, awareness of future/global perspective.

Salary and benefits will be negotiated.

The announcement noted that the school system has an enrollment of 20,590 students and employees 1,722 certified and 1,153 classified staff.

As he enters his retirement, Barrow in 2019 at $371,864 was the sixth highest paid superintendent in the state, according to open.georgia.gov