Sonny Thomasson has announced his candidacy for Covington County Board of Education Place No. 1.

Thomasson recently retired from education after serving 36 years – 18 of which as principal of Straughn High School.

A lifelong resident of Covington County, he and his wife, Jill, have two children – Brandy and Chris, both products of the Covington County School System.

Thomasson cited his two grandsons, J.P. and Jeb Thomasson, who are students at Straughn, as reason for seeking the seat.

“I believe I am well qualified to serve because of my experience in the education field,” he said. “I also believe public education is essential for Covington County and its growth.

“The county school system has been good to me all my life, now I feel it’s my time to give back,” he said.

For the last 24 years, Thomasson has also served as mayor of the Town of Sanford. He said if elected to the county school board, he will not seek re-election in August.

He is running on the Republican ticket.