PSD names Mark Lumpkin for interim leadership role

Polk School District will be looking for new leadership after the board voted to approve the resignation of Dr. Katie Thomas at the tail end of of the Tuesday, March 4 work session for the Board of Education.

Thomas reported during her final words as Superintendent that she is leaving her post ahead of a planned hip replacement surgery.

“Thank you to everybody, it has been an honor and privilege to serve alongside of you. This is my family, and I’ve been so very grateful for everything,” she said. “I’m so proud of this school district, despite what you read and hear which has been very ugly lately, which is unfortunate because there’s so many good things going on in this district, and that is because of you (the employees.)”

As the vote was concluded, Board Chair Britt Madden took a moment to say a few positive parting words for the Superintendent.

“It’s been a pleasure working with you since 2013, when we started this whole College and Career Academy thing,” said Madden. “It is a privilege and a pleasure to be in the presence of an amazing educator.”

Most of the audience of educators and administrators on hand for the meeting gave her a standing ovation following the announcement and her opportunity to speak as the work session was wrapping up.

SUBSCRIBER VIDEO: Board of Education votes on Thomas resignation, Lumpkin as interim superintendent

Assistant Superintendent Mark Lumpkin will serve in an interim role following a second board vote to approve him for the role. He’ll begin serving immediately, with his first meeting in the position coming up on March 11.

He was thankful for the board’s trust in deciding to allow him to lead through the end of the school year, or until a new superintendent is hired.

“I am honored and humbled to be named Interim Superintendent of Polk School District. We have excellent students, faculty members, and staff in this district, and I look forward to using my experience to guide us all successfully through this next phase. Thank you all for your support,” Lumpkin said in a statement sent by text message to Polk Today.

Thomas in recent months was at the center of controversy after the replacement of Cedartown head football coach Jamie Abrams in January, and hiring of Coach Tommy Atha as his replacement. She has also faced community scrutiny on social media over spending on administrative salaries and student achievement through test scores.

In their acceptance of her resignation on Tuesday, the Board of Education approved paying out her contract through the end of the fiscal year, allowing her to use sick and vacation time to cover remaining days on the job. Her resignation from the role was effective June 30, but she is on leave through the rest of the school year.

Alongside her normal salary, medical benefits and sick and vacation time, she additionally is being paid $126,753.92 “as provided under the terms of her contract.”

Lumpkin, who was serving the district as assistant superintendent as the chief officer of Operational and Student Services, will become a temporary lead for the district until the process of deciding upon a replacement is concluded by the board.