From Staff Reports
The Thomasville City Board of Education approved the hiring of Jimmy Williams, the instructor for the new “Modern Manufacturing” career tech program at Thomasville High School at the March 24 meeting.
Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, the new program will train THS students to be workforce-ready upon graduation.
Williams brings more than 30 years of manufacturing experience to this role and offers a wealth of real-world knowledge that will greatly benefit our students.
Most recently, he was employed at Georgia-Pacific for nearly 15 years. Prior to that, he was employed at Weyerhaeuser, formerly known as MacMillan Bloedel, and Coastal Lumber Company. Throughout his career, he has gained valuable experience in machine operation, production, conducting safety meetings, training new employees and forklift operation from these industries.
Williams is excited to bring his skills and industry knowledge to THS. He is committed to helping students learn, grow, and become fully prepared for entry-level employment upon graduation. His goal is to equip students with the practical skills, work habits, and confidence needed to transition directly into the workforce. The program will build strong partnerships with local industries, help meet workforce demands, and create valuable opportunities for our students.
Williams is married to Renae Williams, who is the Assistant Principal at Thomasville Middle School. Together, they have four sons and eigh grandchildren. He is an associate minister at the Thomasville Church of God in Christ, where he serves in youth and young adult ministries.
In other action from the March 24 school board meeting, the Financial Report for February 2026 was approved. Payroll totaled $948,810.79, and accounts payable totaled $495,217.14.
• Other personnel actions approved included:
(Resignations)
Edrice Love Davidson, LSA Bookkeeper at the Central Office, Retirement Resignation;
Emily Thornton, Child Nutrition Program Director/Bookkeeper at the Central Office, Retirement Resignation;
Patricia Ellen Pope, Math Teacher at THS, Retirement Resignation;
Jessica Hallford, Mental Health Service Coordinator, Resignation;
(Employment in Temporary Summer Positions)
Temporary summer employment for the summer enrichment program, June 1-24:
Lisa Nordan, Coordinator;
Erin Cheek, Teacher;
Leah Moore, Teacher;
Morgan Joiner, Teacher;
Kasey Fleming, Teacher;
Andrea Pate, Teacher;
Latoria McCall, Teacher;
Jennifer Smith, Substitute;
Emily Drinkard, Substitute;
Linda Anderson, Reading Coach;
Bethany Elam, Interventionist;
Diana Steadham, Nurse;
Evelyn Moore, Instructional Aide;
Shambria Holt, CNP Manager;
Jackolyn Grayson, CNP Assistant;
Whitney Kidd, Substitute;
Gachel Martin, Substitute;
• The school calendar for 26-27 for approved.
• Revisions to the school system Food Safety Plan were approved.
• Summer School Learning Programs for all three campuses were approved.
• The adopted state textbook list for Social Studies was approved.
• The following field trips were approved:
THS and TMS Cheerleaders, May 31 to June 3 at UCA Cheer Camp at Auburn University;
THS varsity softball team, March 20 and 21 at J.U. Blacksher Invitational in Atmore (retroactive);
THS varsity softball, April 3 and 4 at Northside Invitational in north Tuscaloosa County;
THS varsity softball, May 12-14 at AHSAA Regionals in Gulf Shores.
• The next meeting of the school board will be at 5 p.m. on April 28 in the THS library. The public is invited.