How publicized is the superintendent hiring process?
The Superintendent and all other employees are publicized the same way. All internal employees are notified, and a statewide search is conducted.
What is the final determining factor for hire?
There are many different areas that are looked at educational degrees, experience in the field that is being applied for, and how this person will improve the education of our children. We are looking for highly qualified people in the area they are applying for.
Do you believe that all history should be taught in school? Some people feel that there is an attempt to dilute the history in our country and state.
Yes, I believe that we need the true history taught to our children.
With the addition of two new administrators in the board office, does the school system plan to increase pay rates for teachers so salaries are comparable?
Certified educators are paid by the State.
They are on a step-scale that allows increases in salary. They get pay increases when the Governor puts it in the State budget. They also get a local stipend that comes out of the local budget.
Who revises school system policies and procedures? Will you allow parents to have access to these revisions?
It is the Superintendent's responsibility to keep the Board of Education informed of policy changes or renewals. When laws change, policies change and when policies change procedures must change. When a policy changes the Superintendent brings the renewed policy to the board for review.
The new policy is tabled for 30 days for the public and the board to review. During this time changes can be made to the policy. After 30 days the new policy will be voted on by the Board and if passed takes the place of the previous policy.
Do you plan to review outdated policies and procedures?
We have a team of attorneys at Georgia School Board that check our policies to ensure that our policies and procedures reflect the current laws.
Are there monitors in the hallways of our schools?
I visit schools and I see teachers monitoring students outside bathrooms and they stand at classroom doors when changing classes.
Supervision is a safety issue and must be enforced.
Will you engage with the community at board meetings?
GA. Law O.C.G.A. §20-2-58 states the board will not respond to comments made by a speaker during public comments unless a board member asks a question.
How can we have an ear if we can’t have any direct communication?
Direct communication is the best way to let us know your concerns. There is a chain of command that by law we must follow. Your first contact is the school Principal then the Superintendent who is the CEO of the school district. Next is your board representative or the chairman.
Have we reached out to churches that are diverse so students of all backgrounds can see representation?
Good question but I believe it was answered during the forum.
What are the goals and plans for promoting diversity within our school system? Currently we have two elementary schools that have not had a minority, specifically African American teachers for over four years.
The Board of Education does not hire employees.
That is the job of the Superintendent and the Human Resource Department. The applicant is interviewed by a panel of teachers and administrators from different schools. They turn over the highest qualified individuals to the Superintendent who makes the final decision. Then the Superintendent makes a recommendation to the Board of Education of the final candidate selected in executive session. During the executive session the board members can ask questions about the selected person. If the board agrees with the person selected the board votes on the Superintendent’s recommendation in open session.
Do you think bullying and gang activity monitoring should start in elementary schools if not kindergarten?
YES, our monitoring is K-12
Do you think full-time resource officers and metal detectors should be in every school, including elementary school?
Yes, we have officers and metal detectors available at every school.
