Towns County superintendent announces retirement; Chastain named sole finalist

Towns County Schools Superintendent Dr. Darren Berrong announced Monday that he will retire effective May 31, 2027, after 12 years as superintendent and 26 years of total service to the district.

The Towns County Board of Education on the same day unanimously named Mrs. Erica Chastain the sole finalist to succeed him. Chastain would begin the role June 1, 2027, pending final board approval.

Under Georgia law, the board must allow a 14-day period for public input before it can formally hire Chastain. Board members are scheduled to vote on the appointment Dec. 7.

Chastain is a Towns County High School graduate with 26 years of experience in the school system. She began her career as an elementary school teacher, later serving as counselor at Towns County Middle School and Towns County High School. She also worked as assistant principal at the high school and principal of the middle school. For the past six years she has been district director of federal programs and facilities.

Berrong’s announcement and the board’s selection of Chastain were made public Monday, Nov.2.