Superintendent J. Alvin Wilbanks of Gwinnett County Schools, Georgia’s largest school district, was terminated by the County’s Board of Education. His departure was orchestrated by a 3-2 vote by the Board members convened for this purpose. However, all the details regarding Wilbanks’ severance have not been revealed to the public yet.
Wilbanks joined Gwinnett County Public Schools in 1996 and has been at the helm for more than two decades. His contract, which was set to expire in June 2022, was terminated early by the Board. Opposition was represented by only two members: Everton Blair and Steven B. Knudsen, who stood in Wilbanks favour.
Prior to the vote, Blair made a public statement expressing his disappointment about the decision. “I stand against a termination without cause,” he said. “If our aim was to transition leadership, we should have done that through a conversation with Mr. Wilbanks, not through a surprise termination.”
Community leaders and education officials across the state also expressed their concerns over the surprising decision by Gwinnett County’s School Board. Wilbanks’ work in elevating Gwinnett County Schools to national prominence has been extensively recognized, contributing to the shock over his sudden dismissal.
Pending the appointment of a new superintendent, Dr. Steve Flynt, Associate Superintendent for School Improvement and Operations, will serve as Gwinnett County’s interim superintendent. Dr. Flynt, who has held various leadership positions in Gwinnett County Public Schools, is expected to maintain stability until a permanent leader is in place.
Last modified: February 1, 2025
