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Clark County Public Schools has a new temporary leader.

The CCPS Board of Education voted to appoint Dr. Elmer Thomas on an interim basis during a special called meeting on Tuesday.

Thomas comes to Winchester with an impressive resume. He served as superintendent of Madison County Schools from 2013-18 and recently completed an interim stint for Danville Independent Schools. Thomas also has a combined nine years of experience as a high school principal at Boyle County and Madison Central respectively.

For one board member, Thomas’ time in Madison County made him an ideal candidate.

“Mr. Thomas was the superintendent of Madison County–twice the size of our district. That experience would be beneficial for Clark County,” said Brenda Considine.

Board chair Megan Hendricks was drawn to Thomas’ demeanor during the interview process – which took place in a two-hour closed session.

“Dr. Elmer Thomas has a reputation of steadfast leadership, the ability to unify staff, and a proven track record of success. His calm and consistent demeanor is exactly what the district needs in a leader at this time,” she said.

Thomas received a doctorate in educational leadership and policy studies from Eastern Kentucky University in 2018. He has also received a masters degree in education and a bachelors degree in Spanish with a concentration in teaching and a rank 1 secondary school principal certification from EKU.

The search for a permanent superintendent will be underway soon.

The board and Dr. Molly McComas announced a “mutual parting” during a meeting on June 28. The two parties have come to a tentative agreement to release McComas from her contract, which the board ratified during the meeting.

So what is the board looking for in a superintendent?

Hendricks offered a snapshot of what she is looking for in the district’s next leader. “I hope to see our next superintendent be a student-centered leader with strong communication and listening skills. It is critical they have a wealth of financial intelligence, along with administrative and classroom experience. Most importantly, high ethical standards and ethical leadership practices,” she said.