Superintendent

August 17, 2026

Dear Hawk Nation,

As I begin my second year as Superintendent of Washington County Schools, I am once again filled with gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility. Serving the school system that shaped me as a student, teacher, coach, and administrator is more than a professional honor…it is a privilege that I do not take for granted.

As a proud 1997 graduate of Washington County High School, I know firsthand the impact this school system can have on a student’s life. Today, three of my own children walk the same halls that I once walked making the opportunity to lead this district even more meaningful to me. The other two are beginning their junior year at the University of Georgia and their freshman year at Georgia Southern, thanks in large part to the quality public education they received from Washington County Schools.

As we begin the 2026–2027 school year, I want to reflect on the progress we made together and share the priorities that will guide us moving forward.

Student achievement remains at the heart of everything we do. Last year our district saw growth in Georgia Milestones performance in Math, Social Studies, and Science. These gains reflect the hard work of our students, teachers, school leaders, and families. We celebrate that progress, but we also recognize that improvement is not the destination. Our responsibility is to continue raising expectations, strengthening instruction, and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to reach his or her full potential.

One of our most important priorities this year will be literacy. The ability to read and comprehend information is foundational to success in every subject and every stage of life. We are committed to strengthening literacy instruction across our schools and ensuring that every student develops the skills necessary to become a confident and capable reader.

We also have much to celebrate as a school system. Washington County was honored to have the District STAR Student, a tremendous recognition of academic excellence and the dedication of our students, families, and educators. We were also proud to once again earn Cognia accreditation for the next six years. This accreditation is a testament to the quality of our schools, the strength of our processes, and the commitment of the people who work every day to provide our students with an excellent education.

While we celebrate these accomplishments, we can’t become complacent. Nick Saban said that complacency is the greatest threat to excellence. Our focus will continue to be on improving teaching and learning, using data to make informed decisions, providing meaningful support to our educators, creating opportunities for every student to succeed all while never becoming complacent. 

What we teach is important but how we connect with the people we serve is just as important. This year I want us to place an even greater emphasis on building relationships. We must never underestimate the power of a teacher who takes time to know a student, a principal who listens to a parent, a coach who believes in an athlete or a staff member who encourages a child. People may not always remember every lesson we teach, but they will remember how we made them feel and if they knew we believed in them.

We will also continue to strengthen the partnership between our schools, families, and community. Our schools are at the heart of Washington County. Our greatest accomplishments happen when we work together. I am grateful for the parents, grandparents, community members, businesses, organizations, and leaders who believe in our children and invest in the future of our school system.

This year we will continue moving Washington County Schools forward. We will pursue excellence in the classroom, on the athletic field, on the stage, and in every opportunity we provide our students. Whether a student is mastering a challenging concept, discovering a passion, competing for a championship, performing before an audience, or preparing for a career…every student and every success matters.

Let’s work together to continue building Golden Pathways to achieving excellence and creating opportunities for every Washington County student to excel in academics, the arts and athletics.

Together we will make 2026–2027 our best year yet.

Go Hawks!

Timothy May