Fordham named interim superintendent
In a letter sent to the community last Friday, Morgan County Charter Schools Superintendent Dr. Virgil Cole announced his plans to retire early due to health reasons related to a recent diagnosis.
Cole thanked the school system and community for the opportunity to serve and said his decision to retire early on Feb. 28, instead of the original date of May 31, was made with a heavy heart.
“Being the superintendent of Morgan County Charter Schools has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” he said. “My family and I have been welcomed with open arms by the Morgan County community, and our decision to move here before I assumed this position has proven to be one of the best decisions we've made as a family.”
The BOE released a statement, thanking Cole for his service to the school system.
“The Morgan County Charter School System extends its deepest gratitude to Dr. Cole for his dedicated leadership over the past five years,” the statement read. “During his tenure, Dr. Cole guided our schools through numerous challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and significant school projects, always prioritizing the success and well-being of our students and staff. Dr. Cole’s impact on Morgan County Charter Schools is immeasurable, and his leadership has left a lasting mark on our district. As he enters retirement, we wish him all the best and know that he will remain an active and supportive presence in the Morgan County community.”
In August, Cole announced his plans to retire at the end of the school year after serving as superintendent since 2020. On Feb. 14, the BOE selected Dr. Susan Stancil, the current chief academic officer for Oconee County Schools, as the sole finalist to be Morgan’s next superintendent.
On Monday, the BOE announced that Dr. Dennis Fordham will serve as interim superintendent until Stancil takes over as superintendent in June.
Fordham brings extensive leadership experience, having served as superintendent of Butts County Schools for eight years and the Hall County School District for nine years. Prior to those roles, he was assistant superintendent of operations in Newton County and Douglas County Schools for nine years.
Since retiring, Fordham has remained active in education, consulting for Georgia school districts on finance and leadership, instructing in the GSSA Superintendent Development Program, and leading board training sessions. A former president of the Georgia School Superintendents Association, he is a respected leader in the field.
“Morgan County Charter Schools looks forward to his guidance during this transition,” the BOE said.