DUBLIN, Ga. — Dr. Fred Williams was named the 2024 Georgia Superintendent of the Year in late November. Now, he could win a national title for his work with Dublin City Schools.
Williams is one of the top four finalists out of over 13,000 candidates across the country contending for the title of National Superintendent of the Year.
Dr. Fred Williams started his time at the Dublin City School District working as a P.E. teacher. He has around 30 years of experience in the education field.
Williams says he's spent almost his entire career in the Dublin City School System.
He's cheered on his students on and off the field as a football coach for the Dublin Fighting Irish, and got the chance to be a principal and school superintendent.
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"This is a calling, it's not a job," Williams said. "We know in education that you have to Maslow before you bloom. If you're not meeting the needs of the whole child, there's no way that you'll be able to teach them the ABCs and 123s."
He has been Dublin City School's Lead Learner since 2015. Williams says the recognition belongs to the thousands of students, staff members and families that make up the Fighting Irish Family.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I’m proud to have the chance to represent the students, staff and families that make up Dublin City Schools on the national stage,” he said. “This recognition speaks to the work we’ve been doing day in and day out to reach our goal of high achievement and success for all students.”
The National Superintendent of the Year program, now in its 37th year, evaluated applicants across four areas: leadership, communication, professionalism and community involvement.
Dr. Williams was recognized alongside the three other finalists: Dr. John Gothard, Dr. Kimberly Rizzo Saunders, and Martha Salazar-Zamora.
Along with the National Superintendent of the Year finalists from Minnesota, New Hampshire and Texas, Dr. Williams will take part in a national briefing at the National Press Club in Washington, DC this January.
The School Superintendents Association will honor all State Superintendents of the Year and announce The National Superintendent of the Year during its annual conference in San Diego, California this February.
If Dr. Williams wins, not only will he receive the prestigious honor but a Dublin City Schools student will also earn a $10,000 college scholarship in his name.