The most pressing issue facing DCSD right now is the superintendent search. Michael Thurmond’s contract ends on June 30th and the BOE is soliciting proposals from search firms. Bids will be unsealed on Wednesday and the BOE will choose a search firm. Parent Councils United (which includes the Emory LaVista Parent Council, Dunwoody Chamblee Parent Council, Tucker Parent Council, and South DeKalb Parent Council) is recommending an Independent Superintendent Search and Selection Committee of top-tier leaders be appointed. Both Atlanta and Boston school systems have chosen independent search committees. Hopefully, over the next week or so, we will hear that the BOE has appointed a committee to help choose the best search firm that will then find us the best possible superintendent to lead DCSD.
Annexation and cityhood are also pressing issue for DeKalb. The cityhood movement does not impact public schools, but the annexation movement does. Many neighborhoods in the Druid Hills Cluster (DSA is technically in the footprint of this cluster) are pushing for City of Decatur or City of Atlanta annexation. One annexation map places Druid Hills High School, Fernbank Elementary, and Briar Vista Elementary school all within City of Atlanta boundaries. Case law indicates that Atlanta would also take these physical school properties. All DeKalb residents should pay attention to the annexation issue because it will ultimately impact all of DeKalb County.
The Board of Education has not voted on the Charter System petition. It is unclear whether there will be opportunities for public input before the BOE votes.