By Chelsea Vance
The Selma Times-Journal

The Selma City School System welcomed a new employee to its staff Tuesday at its weekly board meeting.

Eric Thornton will be the new director of operations and transportation and is set to start his job Thursday. Thornton will oversee 13 buildings and 20 plus employees and will focus on repairs needed to schools in the system.

He served as the director for buildings and grounds at Alabama State University for six years. At Alabama State, he oversaw 100 employees and 72 buildings.

Thornton said he is excited as he takes on his new roles and its corresponding responsibilities.

“I am very excited. I like success, but I know success comes with preparation,” Thornton said. “I’m looking forward to meeting all personnel and discussing where we are trying to go with the Selma City School System.”

His everyday duties will include making sure all facilities are clean and have proper ventilation of heat and air. He will also fulfill work orders requested by teachers and other administers of the schools.

Thornton will initiate and enforce a preventive maintenance plan and deferred maintenance program. He said he will make sure all equipment is kept up to date and upgraded in a timely manner.

He believes that these observations will give him a start at tackling deficiencies in the operation of the school system.

Thornton will meet with his employees to go over his expectations in a meeting on Thursday.

“The first thing that we have to do is establish relationships. I want them to understand my mission and what I am trying to accomplish,” Thornton said. “We’re going to set forth some expectations, and we expect for those things to be done. We will treat each other with respect and manage fairly.”

Selma City School System Superintendent Dr. Angela Mangum said Thornton was the right choice for his new position.

“I am absolutely elated about having Mr. Thornton join the Selma City School System family. He comes with a very broad, expansive experience and knowledge base,” Mangum said. “He has years of experience, and I think will be a great asset. We are very fortunate and blessed to have him.”