Allen To Retire From Sullivan School District June 30

For the first time in eight years, the Sullivan School District will not be led by Superintendent Dr. Tom Allen, as he announced his retirement to the Board of Education in early October. 

The board, during its last meeting, offered and had the position of superintendent accepted by Assistant Superintendent Dr. Jana Thornsberry, daughter-in-law to the late Sullivan School Superintendent Dr. James Thornsberry.

Dr. Allen has spent 14 years as a superintendent, the last eight with the Sullivan School District and stated that he felt it was a good time to move on to something else in his life.

“Both my children will have graduated school when my retirement will go into effect June 30, 2019, and I just felt it was time to retire and possibly seek other professions,” said Dr. Allen. “My daughter has already graduated high school and my son will this spring.”

Dr. Allen stated this was not an easy decision to leave the Sullivan School District or board of education.

“This has been the best board of education that I have ever worked with,” said Allen. “They, from day one, have been focused on the students and all the decisions we’ve made through the years have been student focused. They have let me do my job in regards to facilities and grounds providing our students and faculty with campuses they can be proud of attending.”

Allen stated that during his tenure, they have completed many building projects such as the primary school, Memorial Plaza, renovations to other campuses for not only educational but security reasons, a new academic center in the future with the acquisition of the former Sullivan Library building, technology advancements for students and renovations of football and baseball stadiums.

“We are a top-tier district in our education and overall function in which other districts are wanting to emulate,” said Dr. Allen. “We are all very proud of that from our students, faculty, administration and board.”

With the promotion of Thornsberry to superintendent, Dr. Allen feels that the district will be in great hands and go through a smooth transition.

“This will be a smooth transition for the district as Dr. Thornsberry and I will have a good six months to work together and that’s something you don’t always see when a superintendent retires,” said Allen. “Dr. Thornsberry has worked here at Central Office for seven years as assistant superintendent and before that as assistant high school principal and middle school principal. 

Dr. Allen stated that it appears the Sullivan School District will not replace the position being vacated by Thornsberry, but will change the position back to a director position that is expected to be posted for employment soon, along with qualification and job descriptions.