It’s official. An assistant superintendent of Troy City Schools is leaving the local school system to pursue another career opportunity.

Chresal Threadgill signed a contract on Tuesday to take over the reigns of Elba City Schools as the system’s new superintendent – replacing Rick Rainer who resigned from the position in early June.

Threadgill could not be reached for comment Wednesday and Troy City Schools Superintendent Lee Hicks said he couldn’t speak on the issue until the Troy City School Board takes personnel action.

Threadgill has held his current position for three years as the director of curriculum, instruction and assessment for the school system. Prior to that, Threadgill was principal of Charles Henderson Middle School, vice principal of Charles Henderson Middle School and assistant principal of Greenville Middle School.

“Mr. Threadgill has contributed so much to our school system during the years he has been here,” said school board member Roxie Kitchens. “This move is bittersweet, but I am happy for him to be able to take what he put into practice in our school system and use that success in another school system.”

School Board President Dr. Judson Edwards said he believes Threadgill has all of the personal qualities needed to be an outstanding superintendent, especially when it comes to being able to “positively influence children by sincerely caring for them.”

“I can remember coaching recreational league football and seeing Chresal at the field. Knowing he did not have kids that age, I asked him what he was doing there. He said he was there to support his kids from the middle school,” Edwards recalled. “He told me many of the kids did not have parent support and he wanted them to know he cared and wanted to see them do well. Many of these boys are now starting for Charles Henderson. That is the kind of man (Threadgill) truly is.”

According to Elba City Schools, Threadgill is expected to begin his new position on Oct. 1.

Kitchens said she hopes Troy City Schools finds an individual who is invested in the students of Troy as a replacement for Threadgill’s position.

“I hope we find someone who loves working for the children. Regardless of the fact they will be based in the central office, I hope we find someone who thinks about the children and what is best for our students while they are doing their daily job,” she said.

Those are all qualities Threadgill had during his tenure with Troy City Schools, and all qualities he will be taking with him for the benefit of Elba.

“With a shooting star like Chresal, you take all the good you can for the time he is here. Now, its time for him to share his talents with the children and parents of Elba,” Edwards said. “There is no doubt he made Troy City Schools better during his tenure and I wish nothing but the best for his career and family.”