By TIA MITCHELL Two years ago, the Duval County School Board passed up Ed Pratt- Dannals when choosing a superintendent. Now, the board members think that Pratt-Dannals' easygoing style makes him the ideal person to lead the school system after the rocky tenure of Superintendent Joseph Wise.

By Lindsay Melvin lindsaymelvin@commercialappealcom Hours after taking the helm of Memphis City Schools, interim Superintendent Dan Ward stepped out of retirement and into the public glare of his first press conference.

AIKEN - Several new faces in Aiken County schools will be instrumental in shaping the district as it transitions to new leadership. Bill Gallman officially moved into the corner office as interim superintendent Monday. He'll manage the school district until at least October.

By BETH REESE CRAVEY When Ben Wortham arrived in 1968 for his first teaching job, Clay County had 8,000 students in 10 schools and his annual salary was a whopping $6,800. He thought he was rich. "I couldn't imagine how I could get rid of all that money," he said, with a chuckle.

By J. Scott Trubey When the new superintendent of Columbia County schools takes the reins July 1, his current assistant superintendent for student support will become his top deputy.