Paul Thiel, operations director for Oglethorpe County Schools, stands in front of the newly constructed Oglethorpe County Elementary School during the ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 27, 2025. After 22 years in Oglethorpe County, and 28 years in education, Thiel is retiring. (Submitted Photo)
For years, Paul Thiel’s job did not end when the school day was over.
As operations director for Oglethorpe County Schools, he oversaw everything from technology and facilities to major construction projects and was often the person to call when problems arose.
Thiel’s eye for technology and innovation started early and helped define his nearly three decades in education.
“I’m most proud of my whole 28-year career,” Thiel said. “When I started out as a 23-year-old, I was the first instructional technology specialist for the Clarke County School District.”
But after six years in Clarke, Oglethorpe County called Thiel home in 2004.
“I wanted to come back to Oglethorpe because I wanted to give back and also just try to do the best I could for the community,” Thiel said.
Thiel was also one of the first instructional technology specialists for Oglethorpe County Schools. He said when he first started in the technology department in 2006, there were only five users on the student information system.
That system is now one of the primary ways the district communicates with families for the almost 2,300 students in the school system, according to Thiel.
He said one of his biggest accomplishments was the construction of the new elementary school. Although there were issues with coordination, planning and designing, the district was able to complete the school under budget.
“(There were challenges) to say the least, but we overcame all of it,” Thiel said.
He also wanted to make sure the new school building would serve the county as it grows, so the team not only ensured it would meet the needs of students today, but also remain adaptable for future uses.
“He kept the project running smoothly and on time,” Superintendent Beverley Levine said. “Because he has experience in so many areas, he was invaluable on the project.”
He also oversaw the project to build a school-based health center, working alongside Kristina Turner and Sara Hughes.
“(The Patriot Health Hub) was a first for us,” Levine said. “He took classroom space and converted it into an amazing space for the health hub.”
During his 22 years in Oglethorpe County, Thiel’s professional philosophy was based on servant leadership.
“I kind of try to lead by example,” Thiel said. “Listen to folks and don’t ask anybody to do something that if I can ask them to do it, I can do it myself.”
Thiel has been described by his colleagues as a “jack of all trades.”
“Paul leaves some huge shoes to fill,” Levine said. “Because he is so versatile and knowledgeable in so many areas, he will be difficult to replace.”
Thiel said his position was a 24/7 responsibility, even if he was not officially on the clock.
“I’m looking forward to spending time with my family,” Thiel said. “Just kind of doing things at my own pace.”
Thiel said it has been a great honor working with Levine. He said he enjoyed watching students reach their potential and will miss seeing them every day.
“My ultimate goal when I started out in education, 28 years ago, was to try to have the biggest impact on the most number of students,” Thiel said.