Only time will tell exactly what kind of superintendent Lawrence Wayne Vickers will be, but if his past is any indication, the Demopolis Board of Education made an inspired choice.

Vickers has experience at every grade level as a principal. During his years in the Alabama education system, he has been blessed with the opportunity to work on innovative projects aimed at empowering students.

Thus far, Vickers has proven to be a humble man who is genuinely excited about the opportunity not only to serve the Demopolis City School System as superintendent but to move his family to our fair city.

Vickers and his wife, Pam, have two children &045; Jordan, 9, and Will, 5. He said Friday that his oldest son is already asking for &8220;Tiger gear&8221; and is excited about playing little league not at his current home in Tuscaloosa but here in Demopolis.

It is this kind of family commitment and community-awareness that made Vickers an attractive choice to the school board. Member after member has commented on Vickers’ devotion to his family and his eagerness to get involved.

Not yet fully on the job and before the ink had dried on his contract, Vickers was talking about working alongside retiring Superintendent Dr. Wesley Hill and the school board as they chose a new principal for Westside Elementary School. And Vickers, who will work out a transition time with the Tuscaloosa County School District next week, headed back to his home with plenty of homework under his arm as he begins studying the district and its recent history.

The most telling sign that Vickers was the right choice was the expedience with which the board came to a decision. When they voted on Thursday night to offer Vickers the job, all five members seemed confident, excited and pleased.

Wayne Vickers has big shoes to fill, but he seems the right choice for the job.