Dr. Larry Derico, Superintendent

Larry D. Derico, Ed.D., has been Superintendent of the Thomaston-Upson School System since the 2018-2019 school year. He is an alumnus of Columbus College (Bachelor of Science), Troy State University (Master of Science), Columbus State University (Specialist in Education), and South Carolina State University, where he earned a Doctor of Education degree in 2009. Dr. Derico has worked as a teacher and Assistant Principal in both the Meriwether and Thomaston-Upson School System. In 2005, he moved to the T-U District Office, where he has served as Director of Federal Programs (2005-2010), Director of Curriculum & Instruction (2010-2014), and, most recently, Assistant Superintendent (2014-May 2018).

Dr. Derico has a history of community involvement. He is an ex officio board member of the Thomaston-Upson Chamber of Commerce, a member of Industry Roundtable, and a graduate of Leadership Upson. He has previously served on the board of Unite Upson Community Collaborative, Thomaston-Upson Industrial Development Authority, the local Family, Youth, and Children's Alliance (FYCA), United Way, Upson County Archives, and Upson County Board of Elections. He is the recipient of the Georgia School Superintendent's Association's (GSSA) 2021 President's Award, the Thomaston-Upson Chamber of Commerce's 2021 Executive of the Year, and the GSSA 2024 Marvin E. Lewis Sr. Trailblazer Award.

Dr. Derico's wife, Nita, is a former elementary teacher who retired from the Thomaston-Upson School System in 2024. They have two children, a son, who is a graduate of Upson-Lee High School, and a daughter, who attends Upson-Lee High School. He and his wife are members of New Life Church and are involved in a number of outreach ministries with their church.

A Message from the Superintendent

Hello. It is an honor and a pleasure to serve our students and their families, our faculty and staff, and our greater community as Superintendent of Schools. All Thomaston-Upson schools have a shared mission, which is "Excellence in education. . . every individual, every day." Our work ultimately allows the children of this community to realize and reach their full potential and become responsible and productive citizens. I hope you will support us in our efforts by becoming involved in our schools. Whether you are a parent/guardian or a community stakeholder, we value your opinion and we appreciate your support. Together, we are stronger. Together, we will affect a culture of excellence throughout Thomaston-Upson Schools and throughout the Thomaston and Upson County community!

Sincerely,

Dr. Larry Derico
Superintendent