Newspaper Page Text
EDUCATION
OPENING MARCH 1, 2013
Success varies with local
school superintendents
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
door. Atlanta Public Schools Superinten
dent Erroll Davis survived an attempted
ouster. Fulton County Schools Superinten
dent Robert Avossa, who avoided political
intrigue, makes speeches about the future.
In 2011, Reporter Newspapers wrote
that the superintendents might face a
hard road. According to the American
Association of School Administrators,
the average tenure of superintendents in
large, inner-city school districts is 3 1/2
years. The brevity of their terms, the asso
ciation says, harms school performance.
Association Executive Director Dan
Domenech called superintendents “bet
ter-paid migrant workers.”
Here’s an abbreviated history of what’s
happened since the three new superinten
dents arrived:
DeKalb County Schools
Superintendent Cheryl Atkinson
Previous job: Lorain, Ohio, school district.
What Atkinson said when she got the job: “The difficulties that
superintendents face today are the same challenges we face in the
communities.”
What happened: Atkinson faced an uphill battle from Day 1. She
was appointed in a 6-3 vote of the Board of Education. Her months as a school admin
istrator were spent managing crisis after crisis. School officials discovered funding short
falls, raised taxes, reassigned school leaders, and tinkered with its school calendar. In
December, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools placed DeKalb on accred
itation probation.
Where things stand today: On Feb. 8, DeKalb County Board of Education ap
proved a separation agreement with Atkinson and hired former Labor Commissioner
Michael Thurmond as interim superintendent.
Atlanta Public Schools
Superintendent Erroll Davis
Previous job: Chancellor of the University System of Georgia.
What Davis said when he got the job: “What I hope to achieve
in the time I’m here is certainly put out all the fires, identify the
major issues, solve as many as I can and hand over a smoothly run
ning operation to the next superintendent. I’m hopeful I can get
all that done.”
What happened: Davis was hired as an interim to replace Superintendent Beverly
Hall who left after the APS cheating scandal unfolded. He was initially hailed as the
right man for a precarious situation, but he made controversial decisions that angered
some community members. He closed schools, redistricted others, suspended teach
ers suspected of giving students answers on state tests, and turned North Atlanta High
upside down by removing its leadership.
Where things stand today: Superintendent Erroll Davis received a contract exten
sion through 2014 after the renewal was delayed. The extension allows the board to
fire Davis with 90 days’ notice if certain conditions are met.
Fulton County Schools
Superintendent Robert Avossa
Previous job: Chief strategy and accountability officer for Char-
lotte-Mecklenburg Schools in North Carolina.
What Avossa said when he got the job: “Education is a business
where you are all in it together to help kids succeed. Our goal is to
make each and every child’s life the best it can be by providing ed
ucational opportunities that unlock [his or her] potential.”
What happened: Within months of Avossa taking the job, Eddie Echols resigned
as principal of Riverwood International Charter School after school officials raised
questions about Echols’ use of a credit card, questions that later led to criminal charg
es. The Board of Education refused to renew the charter of Fulton Science Acade
my Middle School after an audit raised questions about the school’s finances. Fulton
County Schools in 2012 found a surplus in its budget and gave school system em
ployees a bonus.
Where things stand today: Avossa signed a three-year contract in 2011. He’s cur
rently visiting communities within Fulton County, discussing plans to improve the
system’s graduation rate and build new schools.
Reporter Newspapers Email updates
Be in the know
ReporterNewspapers.net
‘The Most Stunning
Daffodil Garden EverF
G ibbs Gardens’ Daffodil
Festival bursts on the scene
as more than 50 acres of
blooming daffodils create
an unforgettable feast for the senses
from March 1 through April 15.
Millions of daffodils — an
estimated 16 to 20 million blossoms
in 60 varieties — flower across
sprawling hills and fields to paint a
“gold and silver” panorama Southern
Living calls “the most spectacular
display of blooms this side of
Holland.”
Experience nature’s own spring bouquet: daffodils, forsythia, quince and spirea canopied
by hundreds of blossoming white dogwood and flowering cherry trees.
And, that’s just the beginning. Gibbs Gardens Seasons of Color are a feast for the senses
all year long. Explore our 300-acre estate — graced by 220 acres of landscaped gardens,
mature forest, spring-fed ponds, streams and waterfalls — from March 1 through Dec. 15.
1987 Gibbs Drive, Ball Ground, GA 30107
www.gibbsgardens.com • 770-893-1880
Gibbs
Landscape Go.
Winner of Over 250 Awards
mvw. < gibbslandscape. com
Creating beautiful gardens together for 33 years
We welcome you and your family to join
Brookhaven Dental Associates
Saturday Appointments
Our services are in-house
Pain-free dentistry
Preferred Provider
Finance with Care Credit®
Program
Open up new doors
with a new smile
for $ 179/mo*
$129 New Patient Offer
Save $200
*8 veneers with approval from care credit for 60 months. "Includes:
X-rays, periodontal (gum) evaluation, oral cancer screening,
oral exam & basic cleaning. Not valid with other offers or dental
insurance. Expires March 31,2013.
¥
s' |
*
Wilford Or NE z
fsidweh fyiA
-y
Dresden
O
a juVirb Or
Left to right: Susana, Bailee, Dr. Vik, Carol,
Dr. Chen, Rose, Ivy, Mikie
1407 Dresden Drive
Atlanta, GA 30319
Call Today 404-816-9336
www.BrookhavenDentalAssociates.com
SS
www.ReporterNewspapers.net | FEB. 22 —MARCH 7, 2013 | 19
