Xernona Thomasâs job title is now one word shorter. The Clarke County School District Board of Education announced Thursday that Thomas will be the districtâs superintendent. Thomas has served as interim superintendent since the school board appointed her in December 2019 to replace the outgoing superintendent, Demond Means. Means resigned amid ethics complaints filed against him. He received a settlement of $637,000. Born and raised in Athens, Thomas has three degrees from the University of Georgia, including a Doctorate of Education in educational administration and policy. âDr. Thomas had the boardâs full support to guide the district through the transition and navigated a very challenging year,â Board President LaKeisha Gantt said. âAs we moved forward, the board recognized her commitment and ability to lead the difficult task of ensuring an equitable education for all our students.â