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.
How to Read and Understand the News
Truth doesn’t bend because we dislike it.
Facts don’t vanish when they make us uncomfortable.
Events happen whether we accept them or not.
Good reporting challenges us. The press isn’t choosing sides — it’s relaying what official, verified sources say. Blaming reporters for bad news is like blaming a thermometer for a fever.
Americans have a history of misunderstanding simple things. In the 1980s, A&W rolled out a 1/3-pound burger to compete with McDonald’s Quarter Pounder. It failed because too many people thought 1/3 was smaller than 1/4. If we can botch basic math, we can certainly misread the news.
Before dismissing a story, ask yourself:
- What evidence backs this?
- Am I reacting to facts or feelings?
- What would change my mind?
- Am I just shooting the messenger?
And one more: Am I assuming bias just because I don’t like the story?
Smart news consumers seek truth, not comfort.
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.
