Darren Douthitt, a native of Ohatchee, has served as assistant superintendent of the Lee County School System in Opelika since June 2008. A 1988 graduate of Jacksonville State University, Douthitt also obtained his teaching and administrative certifications, Masters and Ed.S degrees in education and administration from the school.

He started his educational career as an English/Speech/Multicultural instructor for the Anniston City Schools from 1993-1998.

Douthitt was assistant principal in the Pell City Schools for 1998-99 before moving to Birmingham to serve as principal at the Glenn Middle School for two years.

During a stint in Montgomery, Douthitt was the Chief Administrative Officer for Carver High School in 2003-2004.

From 2004-2008, he served as principal of Talladega High School. Douthitt says he is close to completion of his doctorate in education at the University of Alabama in Birmingham.

Douthitt describes himself as a “24/7 kind of person.”

“The stakeholders in the educational system would always have access to me. It is something I have always brought to the table as a teacher and administrator,” he said.”I will be available to the community. Let’s just say if I am chosen for the position, I will be public property.”

According to Douthitt, his experience working in several different school systems has prepared him to do what it takes to lead Butler County’s schools. And Douthitt wants to see plenty of community input.

“The foundation of any good community is education, and I would sit down with community leaders and discuss the needs and requirements for success in the schools,” he said.