Assistant hired as new CCHS principal: Ryan Thomas will assume his new duties July 1

Carbondale Community High School will have a new principal this summer.

At a special meeting Monday evening, the CCHS Board of Education approved the hiring of Ryan Thomas, a 1998 CCHS graduate, as the school's new principal starting July 1.

Thomas will replace Daniel Booth, who was hired earlier this year as the new superintendent for Carbondale Elementary District 95. Thomas is currently assistant principal at CCHS and previously was a special education teacher in the district.

"I am honored to be trusted with the position of principal at Carbondale Community High School, one of the best high schools in the state of Illinois," Thomas said in a prepared statement. "CCHS is a wonderful place with faculty, staff and administration devoted and dedicated to serving the needs of each and every one of our students. We have an outstanding student body, and it is a privilege to work with them every day."

A public reception for Thomas will be held from 8 to 9 a.m. Thursday, March 29 at CCHS.

"I couldn't be more pleased, not only for Mr. Thomas, but also the entire Carbondale community," Booth said in a statement. "Ryan understands Carbondale Community High School from every perspective imaginable, and he will have the ability to step right in and lead from day one. I look forward to seeing the high school continue to thrive under Mr. Thomas' direction."

Thomas resides in Carbondale with his wife, Vanessa, and their three daughters.

"Ryan Thomas is a Terrier to his core," CCHS Superintendent Stephen Murphy said in a statement. "It was a rigorous interview process, and he came through as the clear choice to lead CCHS. Ryan cares deeply about our students, our faculty and our community. I have every confidence in his ability to be an outstanding educational leader in the district for many years to come."