Thomaston-Upson Board of Education Names Sole Finalist for Superintendent

The Thomaston-Upson Board of Education announced Dr. Travet “Tret” Witherspoon as the sole finalist for the position of Superintendent of Thomaston-Upson Schools.

After an extensive process to select the next superintendent, the Board identified Dr. Witherspoon as the candidate to lead the district.

Dr. Travet "Tret" Witherspoon brings more than two decades of distinguished K-12 educational leadership to Thomaston-Upson County Schools. A native of Adel, Georgia, Dr. Witherspoon has dedicated his career to transforming outcomes for students across South Georgia — from the classroom to the superintendent's cabinet — earning a reputation as an innovative, results-driven leader who centers on equity, community, and student achievement in everything he does.

Currently serving as Deputy Superintendent of Valdosta City Schools, Dr. Witherspoon oversees the district's Transportation, Facilities, School Nutrition, Technology, and Custodial Services divisions, leading high-impact operational improvements across each area.

Before joining the district-level cabinet, Dr. Witherspoon served as a principal across five schools in four Georgia districts. As principal of Stringfellow Elementary School in Colquitt County, he earned two consecutive years of "Beating the Odds" recognition from the Georgia Department of Education (2014-2017), a distinction honoring schools that achieve exceptional student growth relative to demographic expectations. He also led J.L. Lomax Elementary School off the state's Needs Improvement list, demonstrating the kind of turnaround leadership that transforms school cultures and communities.

Dr. Witherspoon holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Argosy University, a Specialist in Education in Educational Leadership also from Argosy University, a Master of Science in Education in Educational Leadership from Albany State University, and a Bachelor of Science in Middle Grades Education from Valdosta State University. He is a graduate of the Georgia School Superintendents Association District Office Professional Development Program (2023-2024) and has been accepted as a Fellow in the AASA/Howard University Urban Superintendents Academy for the 2026-2027 cohort.

Dr. Witherspoon's commitment to students extends well beyond the schoolhouse. He served on the planning committee for the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Cook County, on the Board of Directors for Backpack Buddies of Thomas County, and as a board member of the Moultrie-Colquitt County Chamber of Commerce. A graduate of the Cook County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, he is a leader who understands that strong schools are built through strong community partnerships.

Dr. Witherspoon is joined in this journey by his wife, Contina Witherspoon. He is eager to bring his vision, energy, and proven track record to Thomaston-Upson Schools and to partner with students, families, educators, and the broader community to build a future where every student thrives.

The naming of the finalist culminates over three months of search activity by the Thomaston-Upson Board of Education. In February, the Board selected Georgia Leadership Associates to assist them with the search. With the help of the search firm, the position was advertised, and applications were reviewed. The candidates were screened and vetted. Multiple lengthy interviews were conducted for a select group of applicants. With the naming of the finalist, the Board must now wait at least fourteen days before taking an official vote to employ Dr. Witherspoon as the next Superintendent of the Thomaston-Upson System. In conjunction with announcing Dr. Witherspoon as the sole finalist, the Thomaston-Upson Board of Education is officially releasing his biographical information.

“I am deeply honored to be announced as the sole finalist for Thomaston-Upson Schools. I look forward to working with the faculty and staff, families, and community to continue the tradition of excellence that defines this district,” said Dr. Witherspoon.