DUBLIN, Ga. — Dublin City Schools Superintendent Fred Williams has already been named superintendent of the year for Georgia. On Thursday, Williams will learn if he can add another honor to his name: National Superintendent of the Year.
Williams is one of four finalists vying for the top honor. Getting to this stage is an achievement in its own right since Williams has already beaten out more than 13,000 candidates from around the country.
"I'm just an old offensive lineman and all I ever did was make ways for the running backs and the quarterbacks to stay in the end zone," Williams said. "That's what I'm doing for children each and every day."
But first, let’s return to the state superintendent's honor. It’s an accolade Williams is quick to share.
“You don’t get an honor like that by yourself. There are so many people, so many students, so many parents, partners in the community that come together to help a school system be successful,” Williams said.
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Fred Williams - Superintendent
Williams has worked for the district for more than 30 years.
He started out as a physical education teacher at Susie Dasher Elementary School, but he would eventually become football coach for the Dublin High School Football Team before moving into the administrative ranks.
In 2015, Williams became the district's superintendent. He focuses on exemplifying many of the lessons that he learned as a young boy: always work to serve others.
"I try not to be a role model. I try to be an example," Williams said. "Because the young people and the staff I serve, I want them to be greater and do more than I've ever done."
There are many programs the district offers at Dublin City Schools that serve students in the International City.
The Irish Gifted Academy, the Big Green Reading Machine and the Dublin City Schools College and Career Academy are just a few of the programs Williams is especially proud of.
One of the programs he hopes will be an example for other districts is the Leaping Leprechaun Learning Academy. It's a free childcare academy for district employees.
“It’s a huge benefit when your kids are right there on campus. You know where they are, they’re in quality instruction and learning,” Williams says.
The numbers don’t lie and Dublin City Schools has seen a lot of growth under Williams's leadership. The state recorded an all-time high school graduation rate of 97.7%. Williams says they have close to 2,400 students (2,390), a 5% increase over last year.
When Williams isn’t leading students, teachers and staff at Dublin City Schools, he’s preaching at Turkey Creek Missionary Baptist Church in Dublin.
“For me, my faith really helps me in the tough time, lets me know if I can take it, I can make it," Williams said. "It lets me know it’s better to serve than to be served."
Bibb County Superintendent Curtis Jones received the award in 2019.
Applicants are evaluated on: leadership, communication, professionalism and community involvement.
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