The Brookhaven School District wasted little time in finding its next leader. Murray “Ray” Carlock was named superintendent of the Brookhaven School District Tuesday afternoon. He will start July 1.

Current Superintendent Ben Cox in November informed the school board he will be retiring this summer.

Carlock is currently superintendent of the Franklin County School District, where he helped improve the district’s accountability score from a “C” to a “B” rating. He hopes to do the same in Brookhaven, which is currently a “D” rated district.

Carlock said he applied for the job after speaking with Cox.

“He had nothing but glowing things to say about the district,” Carlock said. “The school itself and the things it does united the community in such a big way. These people become productive citizens. Parent involvement and community support makes all the difference.”

The school board was confident in Carlock’s ability to lead the district.

“We had some good applicants, but you moved to the top,” BSD Board of Trustees Chairman James Tillman said.

We would like to welcome Carlock to Brookhaven, where he will soon make his home. The school district has much to offer but also plenty of challenges. As Carlock knows, improving accountability ratings is no easy task.

He also steps into a role that’s seen much turnover in recent years. Carlock will be the third superintendent in three years. That sort of change in leadership presents its own unique set of challenges.

We wish Carlock the best in the new job, and we look forward to the great things he aims to accomplish. We also hope he plans to stick with the job for more than a couple years.