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ALBANY, GA. -- Dr. John Culbreath’s resume was quite impressive before becoming superintendent of the Dougherty County School System.

He has earned a bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees from Albany State College, Georgia State University, and the University of Georgia respectively.  His career in education began in the classroom as a teacher and grew to include experiences as assistant principal, principal of 3 different schools, and assistant superintendent.  When he learned about the potential superintendent position he knew he was familiar with Albany, but the only thing in 1995 that came to mind was the great flood of 1994. 

Culbreath applied and was named one of three finalists, but almost dropped out of the running because of a step in the hiring practice.  “They told me there were going to be a series of forums.  I wanted to know what they were going to be like.  If it was a debate I was going to back out because I didn't think that was necessary.  If you can’t determine by my credentials, experience, and interview if I’m the person for the job then so be it…I will not argue against others” says Culbreath.  Luckily the format was a series of opportunities for community members to ask the candidates questions.  He thought that was fair and agreed to continue in that part of the hiring process.

Dr. Culbreath was named superintendent in 1995 and earned a picture on the wall of superintendents.

On the third floor of the Dougherty County School Board building there is a wall off past and the current superintendent.  Culbreath says looking at the pictures you notice they are all white men until you get to his picture.  He laughs and says he’s heard people gasp when they see his picture.  “They don’t mean it out of anything but surprise that things changed on the wall” says Culbreath.

He says making black history is one of his proudest accomplishments.  “I was extremely proud to be the first black superintendent of Dougherty County schools but also felt a tremendous responsibility to all of the children not to let them down”.

Dr. Culbreath says being a superintendent can be challenging, but being the first black superintendent of the Dougherty County School System brought even more pressure.  “One set of expectation was that ‘he's going to straighten out all of these white people and correct the things that have been done wrong to me personally or to people like me’.  The other point of view was, ‘well he was only hired because there’s a majority black board - He’s probably incompetent until he proves himself competent’.  Those were the 2 extremes, most of the people seemed to say ‘let’s give this young man a chance - he says the right things, he’s had the right experiences, so let’s embrace what he’s talking about…things like all kids can learn’.” says Culbreath.

He says he hopes when most people think of his legacy they remember that he rebuilt three schools after the flood, built up technology in the schools, and raised the academic bar.  “I felt a responsibility to preserve the office, advance it, and then pass the baton to someone else” says Culbreath.  The school system made history again by Dr. Culbreath passing the office to the first female superintendent – Dr. Sally Whatley. 

Culbreath says the entire time he was superintendent from 1995-2001 he was always focused on the students.  “We are so proud today that what we did was the beginning of transcending race and ethnicity and let’s do what’s best for the children of the Dougherty County School System” says Culbreath.