Kenneth Bradshaw joined Hamilton County Schools as chief operations officer in May 2018. Photo courtesy of Hamilton County Schools. Contributed Photo/Times Free PressHamilton County Schools will soon be losing Chief Operations Officer Kenneth Bradshaw, who has been named the sole finalist for superintendent of Richmond County Schools in Augusta, Georgia.
Bradshaw is slated to take the position pending final contract negotiations, according to a news release.
"Hamilton County Schools is an incredible school district and I'm grateful for the opportunity to play a role in helping the system achieve its goals," Bradshaw said in a statement. "This is a bittersweet moment for me, but I am confident the district will continue to make strides toward becoming the fastest-improving school district in the state of Tennessee."
Bradshaw joined Hamilton County Schools in May 2018, brought on by Superintendent Bryan Johnson to complete his senior leadership team. He replaced longtime operations director Lee McDade, who retired at the end of the 2017-18 school year. Bradshaw served as deputy superintendent for Richmond County Schools for four years before moving to Hamilton County.
Bradshaw's focus in the past year in Hamilton County has included vetting new transportation provider First Student Inc.; revamping the district's Code of Acceptable Behavior and Discipline, and working with MGT Consulting Group to conduct an external facilities audit of the district's 74 school buildings.
"During his time with district his work has been focused on seamless operations that create a safe and healthy environment conducive to student learning," according to the news release. "During Dr. Bradshaw's tenure, the district completed and awarded a new contract for student transportation, as well as engaged in the first external facilities review and capital maintenance assessment in nearly two decades."
Johnson said Bradshaw's work was an example of the district's efforts to recruit top talent to lead the school district.
"We made a commitment to recruit top talent in our district, and Dr. Bradshaw is evidence of that," Johnson said in a statement. "One of the realities of having strong leadership is they are highly sought after. We are excited for Dr. Bradshaw and thankful for his service to make district operations as efficient and effective as possible. He has built a strong foundation during his time in Hamilton County Schools and we will continue to move his work forward to deliver a high-quality public education to Hamilton County students."
The Richmond County school board asked its attorney to reach out to Bradshaw on Aug. 8, according to a report by The Augusta Chronicle.
The board recently accepted the resignation of current Richmond County Schools Superintendent Angela Pringle.
State law required Bradshaw to be vetted by the community for two weeks, according to The Augusta Chronicle. Bradshaw previously interviewed for the superintendent position in Richmond County five years ago.
Contact Meghan Mangrum at mmangrum@timesfreepress.com or 423-757- 6592. Follow her on Twitter @memangrum.