Thurman settling in as new Linden superintendent
By Mitzi Gates
Special to The Watchman
The second semester of academic year 2015-2016 is underway, and for the Linden City School System, 2016 and the new semester ushered in a new administration with Dr. Timothy Thurman as superintendent.
The Linden City Board of Education announced the selection of Dr. Thurman on Dec. 7, 2015 and Dr. Thurman, who has served as principal of Linden High School for the past twelve years, officially stepped into his new role on Jan. 4.
“The vision I have for our school system involves three primary goals: to increase the academic rigor in our curriculum so that we exceed the standards set by the Alabama State Department of Education, to increase our enrollment, and to increase our funding,” Dr. Thurman stated. “My personal goal as superintendent is to work with the Board, principals, faculty, parents, students, and community to create a shared vision for Linden City Schools based on a set of core beliefs to which all these stakeholders can commit as we continue to move forward striving for and achieving excellence in education.”
According to Board President Tamika Glover-Dial, “The Linden City Board of Education is excited about having the opportunity to work with Dr. Thurman. Because of his educational credentials, leadership experience, and proven dedication to the children of Linden City Schools, Dr. Thurman is an excellent choice for superintendent.”
Glover-Dial further explained that after a thorough superintendent search led by Dr. James Wright of the Alabama Association of School Boards, Dr. Thurman was selected as one of the five finalists invited to interview for the position. “We had four very qualified candidates interview for the position,” Mrs. Glover-Dial said, “and at the end of the process, the Board confidently agreed that Dr. Thurman was clearly the most qualified and the best choice for our next superintendent.”
A native of Marengo County, Thurman is the son of Georgia Thurman and the late Rev. Jerry Thurman. A 1992 graduate of John Essex High School, he attended Alabama State University on an athletic scholarship and earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 1997.
In 2002 while he was teaching elementary school and serving as head football coach at Francis Marion High School, he completed his master’s degree in education administration at the University of West Alabama. In 2003, he was hired as principal of Linden High School.
In 2012, Dr. Thurman completed his doctorate degree in educational leadership at Nova Southeastern University. In the summer of 2015, he was hired as the coordinator of special education, director of federal programs, and testing coordinator for Linden City Schools.
Dr. Thurman is married to LaShonna Thurman, and they have a son Tim (13) and daughter Timya (10). The Thurman family worships at Pine Grove Baptist Church, where Dr. Thurman serves as deacon.