The Dougherty County School Board voted 6-1 Wednesday morning to name Dr. David C. “Butch” Mosely of Climax as the district’s interim superintendent.

Mosely, who represents District 2 for the Decatur County Board of Commissioners, was one of three candidates who interviewed for the interim superintendent position. Former Dougherty County Superintendent Joshua Murfree’s last day on the job was Dec. 18.

“I like to work, and I feel that I have some skills that I can offer,” said Mosely, who was the Decatur County superintendent from 1985 through 1990. “I enjoy going into places and helping people work through problems. It keeps my mind active, and also allows me to stay abreast of the educational issues that affect the state.

“I’m definitely someone who likes working — I’m not a ‘sitter.’”

Mosely was also the superintendent for the Vidalia City Schools from 1990 through 1994, and the Glynn County Schools from 1994 through 1999. From 1999 through 2011, he served as interim superintendent for several school systems, including Coffee County, Mitchell County and Carroll County.

“You learn something new at every stop along the way,” Mosely said. “Some systems you have to solve a lot of problems, while others are running smoothly and you just have to be the leader and cheerleader and stay out of the way. Every situation is a little different.”

Mosely is a retired educator, with more than 36 years of experience. He began his career as a teacher and coach, then served as a high-school principal for 10 years before being elected the Decatur County School Superintendent in 1985.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in science and a master’s degree in science from the University of Georgia. He earned a doctor of education degree from Nova University.

“I still enjoy just watching young people interact with each other and enjoy learning,” Mosely said.

Mosely planned to be in Albany on Friday to discuss details of his new job. He said there would be no conflicts with his duties as a county commissioner. Mosely served as the interim superintendent in Coffee County in 2011, while still remaining a county commissioner.

“I don’t believe I missed a single [Decatur County] meeting when I was gone eight months to Douglas,” he said.

Mosely said he would likely get an apartment in Albany and spend five days a week there, then return home on weekends.

“This is going to be a full-time job and I’m going to give it the best effort I can,” he said.

Mosely said he was unsure how long he will remain as interim superintendent, but his hiring will give the school board time to find a permanent replacement for Murfree.

The Dougherty County Schools has faced a number of controversial problems in recent years, including a CRCT cheating scandal, school administrators lying to qualify for free lunches and the misuse of federal Title I funds.