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The Troy City Schools Board of Education voted Monday to hire Cynthia Thomas as superintendent.

Thomas has been serving as interim superintendent since February, when the board agreed to a separation agreement with former superintendent Lee Hicks..

“I’m extremely honored that you all have entrusted me to carry out your vision for the school system,” Thomas said.  “Working together with the awesome administrative team, stakeholders in the community and your support, we can get it done.”

Thomas was one of four candidates who were interviewed for the positions.

Other candidates included Dr. Charla Brenta-Spurlin DeLeo, administrator and program director with the Clay County Schools in Ashland; Dr. Allen Johnson, director of student services for Boaz City Schools; and Dr. Zickeyous Byrd,  current Superintendent of the Conecuh County Board of Education.

Jonathan Cellon, board president, said the board went through an exhaustive process in the hiring decision. “We had quality candidates and we fully engaged in the process,” he said. “It was not an easy thing to do. I’m thankful for each of our board members and their efforts. We want and need to get this right and a feel like we have.

“Mrs. Thomas full earned this.”

Cellon said more than 75 members of the community reached out to provide input after the candidate interviews were shared via social media and web platforms. “We heard from a wide range of people – grandparents, teachers, parents – and ultimately that  feedback allows us to be more effective.”

Cellon, and other board members, said they were impressed with the feedback and support offered by teachers and administrators in support of Thomas.

“We heard from a lot of our teachers, and all our teachers spoke highly of (Mrs. Thomas),” he said. “ We recognize and appreciate the trust they have in (her).”

“It’s obvious Mrs. Thomas cares about this system and cares about the students, teachers and administrators,” said Roxie Kitchens, board member. “That goes a long way.”

And board member Eva Green thanked faculty and administrators for their support of the process. “I thank all the teachers and administrators for standing behind Mrs. Thomas as she took on this job in the interim.”

Cellon said the board will begin contract negotiations with Thomas immediately with the hopes of presenting a finalized contract for approval “as quickly as we can.”