After more than three decades with the schools system, Washington County School Superintendent Vickie Harden is stepping down. The Board of Education formally accepted her retirement at its June 12 meeting. She served Washington County Schools for 32 years.
In that same meeting, board members announced that Timothy May will take over as superintendent starting July 1.
📘 His Background: May has spent the past 23 years in education. Most recently, he worked as the district’s assistant superintendent. In that role, he led development of the district’s strategic plan and helped sharpen how lessons are taught across schools.
📍 Why It Matters: This change affects every student, teacher and parent in Washington County. A superintendent sets the tone for everything from academics to school safety. A new leader can shift priorities quickly—or carry the torch with consistency. Either way, this is someone who will shape what school looks like across the county.
🔢 By The Numbers:
- 32 years: Vickie Harden’s service to the district
- 23 years: Timothy May’s career in education
- July 1: When the new superintendent starts work
🔄 What’s Next: May will officially take over the role on July 1. A smooth transition is expected.
💡 Take Action: If you’re a parent, educator or student, now’s a good time to learn about Mr. May’s past work. Attend upcoming school board meetings or visit the district website for updates on his plans.
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Before You Dismiss This Article…
We live in a time when information feels overwhelming, but here’s what hasn’t changed: facts exist whether they comfort us or not.
When A&W launched their third-pound burger to compete with McDonald’s Quarter Pounder in the 1980s, it failed spectacularly. Not because it tasted worse, but because customers thought 1/3 was smaller than 1/4. If basic math can trip us up, imagine how easily we can misread complex news.
The press isn’t against you when it reports something you don’t want to hear. Reporters are thermometers, not the fever itself. They’re telling you what verified sources are saying, not taking sides. Good reporting should challenge you — that’s literally the job.
Next time a story makes you angry, pause. Ask yourself: What evidence backs this up? Am I reacting with my brain or my gut? What would actually change my mind? And most importantly, am I assuming bias just because the story doesn’t match what I hoped to hear.
Smart readers choose verified information over their own comfort zone.
B.T. Clark
B.T. Clark is an award-winning journalist and the Publisher of The Georgia Sun. He has 25 years of experience in journalism and served as Managing Editor of Neighbor Newspapers in metro Atlanta for 15 years and Digital Director at Times-Journal Inc. for 8 years. His work has appeared in several newspapers throughout the state including Neighbor Newspapers, The Cherokee Tribune and The Marietta Daily Journal. He is a Georgia native and a fifth-generation Georgian.
