Everything is now in place for Superintendent-in-waiting Dr. Katie Thomas to take over when the time comes in June.

With the approval of the Polk County Board of Education on February 9, the contract between the district and Thomas for her to serve as the Superintendent is now in place. She’ll take over when Superintendent Laurie Atkins retires in June.

The approval of the contract came after an executive session after normal business on the evening, and additional approval of personnel items at the close of business on the night.

Thomas was announced as the new superintendent during the January 5 session following a search conducted in November and interviews with her and Travis Thomas in Carroll County.

The particulars of the contract have not yet been provided.

She’ll remain as Assistant Superintendent and the CEO of the College and Career Academy until she takes over when Atkins retires at the end of the school year.