Contrary to any rumors you may have heard, Darren Douthitt is still planning to assume the superintendency of the Butler County School System.

Douthitt conducted a phone interview with The Greenville Advocate on Monday afternoon.

“I am not sure how that particular rumor got started. I was actually in conferences at the Association of School Boards last week with some of your board members, and if anyone had asked, the board could have assured everyone I have not changed my mind,” Douthitt said.

Douthitt was named as the BOE’s top choice to helm the system at the March board meeting.

He said the tentative date of May 3 has been set for him to transition from his assistant superintendent’s position in Lee County to Butler County.

“I’ve talked with my family and my current boss, and it will likely be then. I will actually be in Greenville in contract negotiations with the board this week, and hopefully, we will have everything ironed out by Wednesday,” Douthitt said.

When asked what his first big step will be once he takes on the superintendency, Douthitt replied, “People getting to know me and who I am and what I stand for. And that is the children.”

He said he hoped in the first weeks of his tenure as superintendent to meet as many Butler Countians as possible.

“I hope everyone in Butler County who wants to meet me will get that chance,” Douthitt said.

“Getting to know me, my family, and me getting to know the community, that’s the first step. I think once people get to meet me and see that I am supporting their children, it makes it a lot better.”

Douthitt said he will be working on an entry plan and will also set up meetings with parents, teachers and students throughout the district prior to his proposed May arrival.

“Several people from Butler County have already made the effort to reach out to me and I appreciate it. If anyone wants to talk to me with their questions or concerns, I am happy to talk to them,” Douthitt said.

So happy, in fact, he is offering his personal cell phone to the community: 1-(256)-282-8386.

The Butler County BOE is holding a special called meeting Thursday, March 25 at 6 p.m. at the Central Office Board Room. The public is encouraged to attend.