Saturday's Internet Edition, May 17, 2008.
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Cockman began his career in Thomasville in 1984 when he served as principal of the high school. He then served as assistant superintendent for one year before being named system superintendent — a position he has held for 17 years.
Cockman turned in his resignation in January so as to give the board time to find someone new to take the helm.
“I wanted to give the board time to find a new superintendent to be ready to go next year,” he said. “Our year starts July 1st, and I wanted to announce it early enough so that a new superintendent can be on board and get acclimated.
“Honestly I feel it’s time to give others a chance to take on the leadership. I feel good about what I’ve done and about our school system and our accomplishments, but at the same time I think other leadership and new leadership will give a spark of enthusiasm and maybe some change of direction in our schools.
In addition, Cockman is eager to take some time off to spend with his family and relaxing.
“My immediate plan is to retire,” he said. “I have two grandchildren and another grandchild on the way that I’d like to spend more time with. I want take off some time to fish and golf and maybe travel.
“After that I will probably look to work part time, after I get relaxed a little while.
I hope to have enough things to fill up my days and remain productive and do something that will help our community.”
Other school officials spoke Wednesday as to how Cockman has helped to improve the school system as a whole.
“The six years I have been on the board, he has really done a fantasic job,” Susie Truell, TCS board chairman, said. “I think he has made a difference in the TCS system and has given the best education that we can afford and he will be missed. In my opinion there will never be another Daniel Cockman. I really truly wish him well.”
Assistant Superintendent Keith Tobin reiterated her sentiments.
“Dr. Cockman has been a tremendous asset to Thomasville City Schools System for the last 24 years,” Tobin said. “What’s so impressive about him is that he was determined to make sure that our students received a quality education. That’s what he’s all about.
“He’s a great advocate for our school system. In 1991, when he took over, we were on the at-risk list as far as public education. We were considered low performing and he took over and completely turned that around.”
Tobin also noted the amount of support Cockman offered to personnel in the system, calling him his mentor.
“He’s very supportive of all employees and making sure they have all the tools they need to be successful,” Tobin said. “He’s been a mentor for me and many others and he’s been an asset to the community and school.
“He definitely will be missed.”
As for filling the superintendent’s shoes, Truell says the board expects to look within the school system.
“We’re going internal. I think we have a lot of potential in our school system that know our kids and what we’ve been working towards in the school,” Truell said. “I think it has to be somebody that’s in our system because they know our children, teachers and how we work.”
Of his time with TCS, Cockman said he was most impressed with the dedication and support of all involved.
“I’m sincere about this, we’ve had really good boards of education in Thomasville,” he said. “People who are committed to children and it’s just been pleasant to work with them. I wouldn’t have stayed so long if it wasn’t a good situation.
“It’s been a really good fit for me and the school board has been very supportive.”
While not quick to speak of his accomplishments, he did note his pride in U.S. News and World Report, which named Thomasville High School as one of the top high schools in the nation.
“The crowning moment as a system was the U.S. News and World Report,” he said. “They looked at how well your doing at moving all students up.”
Most of all, Cockman emphasized his appreciation to parents and students.
“Thomasville has been blessed with a really good group of parents,’ he said. “It’s been a real pleasure to work with the children here for almost a quarter of a century.”
Cockman and his wife Janie, who is a real estate agent with Allen Tate Realtors in High Point, have four children; Josh, who teaches and coaches football at Reynolds High School in Winston-Salem; Lori, who is senior vice president of Bank of America in Charlotte; Daniel, who is a mechanical engineer with Catepillar; and Meredith, who is a biochemist.
“We had four kids graduate from Thomasville High School and we feel good about their education,” he said proudly. “It’s been a real positive experience.”
Editor Lisa Wall can be reached at 472-9500, ext. 229, or at editor@tvilletimes.com.