Wes Taylor, the only finalist for the position of Lowndes County School superintendent.

The Lowndes County Board of Education announced that Wes Taylor, principal of Lowndes High School, is the final candidate for the position of superintendent of the Lowndes County School System.

In July, board members will vote to officially offer Taylor the position at a called meeting. Dr. Steve Smith, the current superintendent, will continue to work part-time in his position until June 30, 2012.

Taylor is said to have been chosen as the only finalist for the position due to his experience, achievements, character and familiarity with the school system. In 2010, he was named Georgia Principal of the Year, followed by being named the National Principal of the Year.

Taylor said, although his role will not begin until July of 2012, he is honored and thankful that the Board of Education trusts him and wants him to lead the school system.

“I see this new role as an opportunity to work more closely with the school system as a whole,” said Taylor.

Taylor added that he would like to provide first-class, quality education for students across the school system.

“Given the time line, I think that it is prudent on their (the Lowndes County Board of Education’s) part for me to work closely with Dr. Smith with his upcoming retirement,” said Taylor.

Taylor said that he is excited to learn as much as he can from Smith before he officially retires in 2012.

Vice Chairman of the Lowndes County Board of Education Fred Wetherington said five candidates were interviewed. All met board members’ expectations, but the board unanimously believed they had the strongest candidate in Taylor.

Wetherington said if the board had not been unanimous in its top choice during the executive session Monday night, further steps would have been taken to find a superintendent.