Attorney: School system could have new superintendent as soon as April
- 7/9/10
- Categorized in: DeKalb News, Education
The DeKalb County School System could have a new superintendent by April, according to a school district’s statement attorney to school board members late last month.
But some board members said they wanted the search timeline accelerated considerably either because they believe the district has gone too long without a superintendent already or because a quick selection process would hinder unwanted, outside political influence.
“If we prolong this too long, we are going to have to take what’s left,” board Vice Chair Zepora Roberts said at a June 30 meeting. “We need to speed this up.”
Roberts said she wanted a new superintendent in place before the November election because she said outside interests would seek to politicize the job search.
The school district has been under the direction of interim Superintendent Ramona Tyson since former Superintendent Crawford Lewis resigned from the position in February as the district attorney’s investigation into school construction corruption honed in on him. Lewis and former construction chief Pat Reid were indicted in May on racketeering charges.
The board remains in the early stages of its superintendent search and has not signed off on a timeline. The timeline board members disputed was designed by Atlanta law firm Sutherland Asbill & Brennan, which works for the school district. The timeline suggests the board hire an independent search firm by Aug. 16 to find a qualified superintendent. The firm would hold meetings throughout the county, seeking citizen input regarding what characteristics they’d like to see in a superintendent.
The position would be advertised by Oct. 15, according to the timeline, and the board would settle on most likely candidates by Jan. 14. Following interviews and background checks, the board would narrow that list to between one and three candidates for the job by March 31, and the board will give final vote on April 15.
While board member H. Paul Womack didn’t say he supported the timeline, he did encourage the board to move at a slower pace to make sure the district gets the right candidate and not take “knee-jerk” action soon. Officials with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools also advised the board to take its time, he said.
Board member Don McChesney also said the board should proceed slowly.
“We really need to get the right person, and I don’t think we can get that done in three months,” he said.
Board members also discussed for the first time publicly the sort of characteristics they’d like to see in the district’s next chief. Board member Jim Redovian said the district needs a new face – someone not from inside the school district.
“The number one issue and the number one thing this district needs is a culture change,” he said.
An incoming superintendent will also need heavy administrative skills and experience in managing large budgets, he said. The search firm also shouldn’t limit itself to unemployed candidates, Redovian said. If the right candidate for DeKalb County is employed, the school board should attempt luring him away.
The next superintendent will also need “impeccable character and integrity,” board member Gene Walker said. The candidate would also need a talent for selecting principals and be free of “hidden agendas,” he said.
Board member Sarah Copelin-Wood said she wanted a more transparent superintendent who was more honest, trustworthy and communicative with different kinds of people. Also important to Copeland-Wood is someone who could boost districtwide test scores.
Board Chair Thomas Bowen agreed the next superintendent will need experience running a large school system, and it could take time to find that person. He or she might already be working somewhere else, he said.
“I want to get the right person over someone who was just available,” he said.
I do not know what school district you reside, McNair, Avondale or Cedar Grove, but, you can see the work and efforts that Sarah Copelin-Wood has put these areas.
I live in District 3, and I personally have seen Sarah Copelin-Wood's hard work and dedication. Since Sarah Copelin-Wood has been on the school board, these areas have improved 100%. If you figure that her work is part of the problem, then you haven't done anything yourself or you don't know the difference between improvement.
How do you know what Sarah Copelin-Wood reads? If you don't live in the same home with Copelin-Wood - you don't know - unless you are a peeping tom - let me inform you now - peeping tom is unlawful.
All that you want to do is make hateful and mean spirited comments, if you would place as much time and efforts in rolling up you sleeves to help educate children the Dekalb School Sysytem and the world would be a better place. It is obvious and your email it proves that you don't know Sarah Copelin-Wood.
As far as getting jobs for her family and friends you are so wrong - but what do you care - all you want to do is spread lies. You are just coward and pitfuly insecure individual who don't spend your time attending PTA meetings let alone helping to educate children - above all you are the major part of the problem, you belong to the do nothing gang who put all of your time and energy in hate mail which is apparent in you email.
The only division in South DeKalb and North DeKalb is from people like you who continue to breed hatred and segregation, just as you and your buddys are doing. That is why your email only attack only the African American school board members.
Do you know the meaning of transparency? I think not.
Anyone who reads you email will conclude as I have you are a space cadette - with little to no knowledge of anything - but hatred and segregation. Let me suggest that you get your information correct.
The budget that caused many low paid workers their jobs and a 6,12% salary cut (with no raise in 2 years, plus no retirement contributions for 1 year) is cause to move with due speed to gain new leadership. We will continue to suffer unfair hardships caused by the current regime (lewis and his agents), All of the top heavy positions that lewis re-instated after Johnny Brown, need to be eliminated! This can't happen while the same regime is in play. Cut the crap and start doing your job school board.
When folks look at the candidates for the board they should look at voting records. They should also see if the new wanta bees are new crop or serious focused individuals that have been present at meetings previously.
As for a new superintendent( and I apologize for this in advance- it will sound bad...) I am afraid the number one qualification will be skin color, which I sort of get, the population is very African American, but we need the best person period and I hope to see someone of another race considered. I am sure they apply.
That is hilarious coming from Coplin-Wood, who has used her position on the BOE to secure DCSS jobs for families and friends, has done everything in her power to keep dividing North and South Dekalb, and admittedly doesn't read any of the data, reports, info., etc. she is given to read as a board member before each BOE meeting. Sarah Copelin-Wood, you are a major part of the problem with our school system!!
"The next superintendent will also need “impeccable character and integrity,” board member Gene Walker said."
Ummm...Gene Walker, you accepted over $20,000 in campaign contributions from Sembler while you ran for BOE while you were chair of the DeKalb Development Authority, a terrible conflict of interest. What the heck do you know about integrity??