Monthly Archives: July 2017

What is the Purpose of Public Schools

What is the purpose of public schools?
A story about a school in Portugal is receiving a lot of attention. The school allegedly posted this sign (in English). While probably a fake news story, it begs a very real question … What is the purpose of public schools?

The sign reads:

DEAR PARENTS,
• We would like to remind you that magic words such as hello, please, you’re welcome, I’m sorry, and thank you, all begin to be learned at home.
• It’s also at home that children learn to be honest, to be on time, diligent, show friends their sympathy, as well as show utmost respect for their elders and all teachers.
• Home is where they learn to be clean, not talk with their mouths full, and how/where to properly dispose of garbage.
• Home is also where they learn to be organized, to take good care of their belongings, and that it’s not ok to touch others.
• Here at school, on the other hand, we teach language, math, history, geography, physics, sciences, and physical education. We only reinforce the education that children receive at home from their parents.

Principal and Teacher Vacancy Report And Selection Process

Students in DeKalb will show up for school on Mon Aug 7 ( 2017-2018 Calendar), less than 4 weeks away. It is vital that we have a teacher in every classroom and a principal at every school.

Open School House Positions

  • 270 Teachers
  • 17 Principals
  • 10 Assistant Principals

Principal Vacancy Report
Due to the reassignment of 9 low performing principals and regular attrition, DeKalb Schools currently has 17 open principal positions and 10 open assistant principal positions.

School Name Position Date Posted
Chamblee High Principal 5/8/2017
DeKalb Early College Assistant Principal 4/14/2017
Dresden Elementary Principal 5/17/2017
Dunwoody High Assistant Principal 6/15/2017
Flat Rock Elementary Principal 5/17/2017
International Student Ctr Principal 6/15/2017
Kelly Lake Elementary Principal 5/26/2017
Lakeside High Assistant Principal 3/9/2017
Lithonia High Principal 5/17/2017
Miller Grove Middle Principal 4/27/2017
Montclair Elementary Principal 3/6/2017
Montclair Elementary Assistant Principal 5/2/2017
Murphey Candler Principal 4/28/2017
Narvie J. Harris Assistant Principal 6/12/2017
Oak View Elementary Principal 5/17/2017
Panola Way Elementary Principal 5/17/2017
Redan Elementary Assistant Principal 5/8/2017
Rock Chapel Elementary Principal 5/17/2017
Shadow Rock Elementary Principal 5/17/2017
Snapfinger Elementary Principal 5/4/2017
Southwest DeKalb High Assistant Principal 6/1/2017
Stephenson Middle Principal 5/17/2017
Stoneview Elementary Principal 5/17/2017
Towers High Assistant Principal 5/26/2017
Towers High Assistant Principal 5/26/2017
Warren Technical Assistant Principal 4/28/2017
Woodridge Elementary Principal 4/28/2017
Principal Interview Schedule
Superintendent Green has escalated the principal interview schedule. He will conduct and complete all principal interviews Monday, July 17 through Thursday, July 20. All new principals will be confirmed and announced before the annual Summer Leadership Conference on Monday, July 24 at Miller Grove HS.
Superintendent Green is at a Superintendent Summit this week.
Assistant Principal interviews will be handled by the Regional Superintendents.

DeKalb Schools Principal Selection Process
The Division of Human Capital Management has implemented a process that involves a variety of stakeholders from various levels such as parents, teachers, community members, internal leaders and members from the Superintendent Advisory Committee. This process includes four phases:


Phase One: Resume Review
During the Resume Review phase, internal and external members are involved with rating resumes using a rigorous rubric to determine 3-6 candidates to participate in the Professional Interview. The panel should be comprised of six members with the Human Capital Management representative serving as the facilitator. The composition of the panel includes:
• Regional Superintendent
• Principal (from outside the region)
• Representative from Curriculum and Instruction
• School Council Parent Representative
• School Council Officer
• Superintendent Advisory Council Member (if available)

Phase Two: Professional Interviews
During the Professional Interview phase, 3-6 candidates are interviewed by a group of panel members. From here, 2-3 candidates are chosen to interview with the Focus Group. The panel should be comprised of six members with the Human Capital Management representative serving as the facilitator. The composition of the panel includes:
• Regional Superintendent
• Principal (from outside the region)
• Representative from Curriculum and Instruction
• School Council Teacher Representative
• School Council Officer
• Educational Support Professional Staff Member of the Year
• Superintendent Advisory Council Member
If a member of the Superintendent’s Advisory Committee is available for the Professional Interview, he or she also serves on this panel. If not, he or she serves on the Focus Group panel.

Phase Three: School Council Focus Group Interviews
During the School Council Focus Group phase, 2-3 candidates are given the opportunity to be interviewed by external stakeholders including Parents, School Council Members, and a representative of the Superintendent’s Advisory Committee. The School Council selects the focus group members. The group must contain at least 2 parents that did not serve on either the Resume Review or Professional Interview panel. Members may also include teachers, community members, and/or high school students when applicable. All external stakeholders will provide the Superintendent with written feedback on each candidate.

Phase Four: Final Interview
In the final interview with the Superintendent of Schools, the 2-3 candidates that are selected to participate in the School Council Focus Group will be sent to the Superintendent for an interview. All information and data gathered at each phase is provided to the Superintendent to help render a decision for Principalship. The final interview involves the Superintendent and the candidate only.
The Superintendent makes the final decision.