It's official: Thompson to lead Dorchester schools

CAMBRIDGE — After conducting a national search, the Dorchester County Board of Education chose one of the district’s own for the position of superintendent.

Interim Superintendent Jymil Thompson has been selected as the next Dorchester County Public Schools superintendent.

Thompson — who holds a Bachelor of Arts from Pennsylvania State University, a Master of Arts from Trinity University, a certificate of advanced studies from Howard University and a doctorate in educational leadership from Indiana Wesleyan University — has served as interim superintendent since March 2 following the joint decision by the board and former DCPS Superintendent David Bromwell that Bromwell would step down from the position.

In an interview, Thompson said once he had the opportunity to serve as interim superintendent, he decided he wanted to interview for the superintendent position. He said he is most excited about the opportunity to serve the community and be a part of something bigger than himself.

“(As superintendent) you’re just one small piece,” he said. “But I think you can be the catalyst to help change a school system and ultimately change the community.”

Thompson hopes to bring the district’s ranking up from 23rd to 15th in the state. To do that, he said the district will need to improve its instructional practices as well as the climate and culture within its schools.

Before taking on the role of interim superintendent, Thompson served as the district’s assistant superintendent. Thompson previously served as assistant principal and principal of Mace’s Lane Middle School.

Board President Mike Diaz said in a news release the board was fortunate to attract “well-qualified candidates” to the open position, but Thompson “stood out as the best fit.”

“The entire board looks forward to working alongside Dr. Thompson to ensure that all Dorchester County children have the opportunity to reach their full potential,” Diaz said.

Thompson’s official start date as superintendent is July 1. According to the news release, the board will vote to approve Thompson’s contract at its regular meeting Thursday.

Thompson said he is “all about the students” and wants to ensure the district is producing kids that can compete in all fields at a national and global level.

“Right now I don’t think we’ve done too good of a job of that,” he said. “So we’ve got room to grow, and that’s what we plan on doing over the next five years.”