Our students and faculty represent a long-standing tradition of excellence in character, academics and athletics. Dekalb ISD is a school district in Dekalb, TX. The switch added more time to each class over 1,800 minutes per class period. Parents who arent working or can be off on Fridays are spending additional time doing things for their kids, they enjoy that, Sims said. School Board Continuing Education As school board members are convening at a State of DeKalb County event, the DeKalb County School District swears in their interim superintendent. Christophor Galloway; chris.galloway@dekalbisd.net (903) 667-2566; Higher Ed Outcomes. Copyright 2023, Texarkana Gazette, Inc. All rights reserved. The division consist of the major departments of Purchasing, Payroll, Budgeting, Accounting, Accounts Payable and Systems. Twenty-four percent of the staff said they took the job because of the four-day week, and 53% said its motivated them to continue working at Athens ISD. We might do more hands-on that day, it may be team teaching where a couple of teachers are team teaching a small group. Heres what a state committee found. They carry a pretty heavy load right now. 2023. The board made the vote during a virtual executive meeting, deciding to name Dr. Vassane Tinsley as interim superintendent. View Event. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. Watson-Harris was named superintendent for DeKalb Schools in June 2020. Union says DeKalb schools should tear up new contract containing vague performance factors The head of the Georgia Federation of Teachers, Verdaillia Turner, told Channel 2's Richard Belcher that the school district needs to start over. Its something that couldnt be done in a year, it would have to be planned out, she added. How can Texas keep more teachers in classrooms? Teachers felt the kids werent getting enough time in the classroom, and students test scores declined. . It measures the number of students who were absent for at least ten percent of the school year. Theres some things that we find that can be positive, but we also have our concerns too.. Tinsley brings a wealth of experience to DCSD, formerly serving as the deputy superintendent of student support and intervention in the district, the district said. He is planning, however, on proposing the schedule for specialized positions the district is short on including speech therapists, physical therapists and diagnosticians. Teachers, however, are not the only ones who would benefit from a four-day instructional week, Galloway said. Last school year, the DeKalb Independent School District in East Texas struggled to recruit enough educators to teach its 800 students. The chronic absenteeism rate for students during the 2019-2020 school year. The school is hiring a dean, developing courses and working to get licensed. The school received an accountability rating of B for the 2018-2019 school year. "Instead of moving deliberately and decisively in line with my recommendations, the board chose to largely meet this moment with dysfunction and deflection," Woods wrote. In 2016, Olfen ISD in West Texas became the first school district in the state to make the switch to a four-day school week. How would it affect our families? My office will remain in close communication with the Georgia Department of Education on these issues to determine what further action is needed. A graduate is considered college ready in Reading or Math if he or she has met or exceeded the college-ready criteria on the Texas Success Initiative Assessment (TSIA) test, the SAT or the ACT test. for the 2020-2021 school year. Kemp adds that he'll be working closely with Georgia's Department of Education to determine the extent of his involvement. The entire debacle transpired in under a month. As Executive Director of Elementary Education, Dr. To become a supporter, clickhere. There were hours of discussion and public comment at the meeting. Dekalb Academy of Technology & Environment. The total number of students divided by the total full-time equivalent count of teachers for 2020-2021. Realizing the state superintendent has said in a letter, how would you characterize Druid Hills High School? Superintendent's Cabinet Superintendent's Profile Budget Strategic Plan Cabinet Regional Superintendents Academic Regions (map) MR. ERICK HOFSTETTER Chief Operations Officer Profile, Function, & Departments MS. MONIKA DAVIS Chief Information Officer Profile, Function, & Departments (Staff photo by Andrew Bell), Brandy Smith: Never Going Back and Never Backing Down, Local teachers organization holding gala to support fellow educators, Texarkana College Trustee Kaye Ellison retires; Derrick McGary sworn in as Place 5 successor, Texarkana nonprofit Grace House to raise funds with Souther Soiree Gala, Copyright, Privacy Policy, Terms & Conditions. The former CFO, Masana Mailliard, worked for the district for 12 years before starting a new job withGwinnett County Public Schools in January. Before being hired in DeKalb County, Watson-Harris served as first deputy chancellor, senior director of field support and Brooklyn executive director for the New York City Department of Education. 2023 Decaturish - Locally sourced news. Teacher retention is important, according to Russell. State School Superintendent Richard Woods announced these distinctions on February 16. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. I am highly concerned that these serious issues in DeKalb County could be a result of a school system choosing politics over students, families, and educators, and as Governor of the State of Georgia, I take very seriously my job to advocate for all Georgia citizens especially our most valuable resource, our students. Watson-Harris said she was blindsided by her firing. N/A No data is available, or the number is zero. Right after the district announced that it had a new four-day schedule in April, applications started rolling in. He served as an assistant principal and social studies teacher at schools in his native Southern California, prior to moving to Georgia. After students publiclycalled out Druid Hills Highand put renovations back on the agenda, the DeKalb County School Board voted not to make changesto the building. Options exist in making this decision. Fed up students at Druid Hills High produced a video online exposing hazardous conditions inside the building. (See extended coverage in Wednesday's edition of the Gazette. Welcome to our newly updated website! With three years of the shortened schedule under its belt, Athens Independent School District calls itself Home of the 4-Day Instructional Week. Superintendent Janie Sims says its helped the rural district compete with larger districts in Dallas-Fort Worth and Tyler. In need of improvement. 2021 Region 8 ESC (903) 575-2600 Mailing: PO Box 1894 | Mt. We have some teachers that say before they were struggling to get the curriculum covered, Francis said. Twenty-four percent of the staff said they took the job because of the four-day week, and 53% said its motivated them to continue working at Athens ISD. Photo by Dean Hesse. Gervetz continued expressing her frustrations with the countys school board and saying she was heartbroken for students, teachers, and the community. Allow us to assess your instructional needs and provide solutions that will meet the expectations of your community and taxpayers. I do not feel that theres any grounds for me to be terminated and I feel I have been a good superintendent and supported our staff, family and students. This year, it has been a much easier hiring season, weve been able to get more certified teachers, weve been able to retain some of our great teachers, and theyve said its because of the four-day.. We also feel like its going to help us with our mental health program for students, Kuhn said. Were going to provide them with some instruction thats not exactly the same as they get on a daily basis, Bartram said. The letter said DeKalb County received over $480 million in ESSER relief funds, and even after taking into account austerity cuts, DeKalb netted more than $440 million. These figures are expressed as a percentage of the total teacher full-time equivalent. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. Others? The overall grades are based on three categories: student achievement (how well students perform academically), school progress (how well students perform over time and compared to students in similar schools) and closing the gaps (how well schools are boosting performance for subgroups such as students with special needs). "DeKalbs facilities plan will not move forward in its current form. To support us, click here. Yes. Woods rebuked the DeKalb School Board once again, calling their move to fire Watson-Harris "a step backward" in making progress and addressing change. Therefore, the selection of a superintendent is perhaps the most important decision for a local school board to make. At least three staff members with over 20 years of experience came to DeKalb from other districts, mainly due to the four-day week. Make sure the box for "Press Tab to highlight each item on a webpage" is, Notice Of Public Hearing Regarding Reapportionment Of DeKalb ISD Single Member Trustee Districts, Notice of DeKalb ISD School Board Election, Leave Request Form -Emergency Paid Sick Leave and Expanded Family and Medical Leave, Application for Service/Support Personnel, 2022 DeKalb ISD Fall Community Publication, Chromebook Insurance Information for Parents, Proposed District of Innovation Plan Renewal, Required Informational Postings 2022-2023. You have more time to give remediation during those periods also.. District leaders hope it will give them a leg up since theyre unable to offer teachers competitive compensation. The DeKalb ISD Board of Trustees officially named Dr. Christophor Galloway Lone Finalist for Superintendent at a Special Meeting on May 13. A lot of our kids work. Prior to the change, the district conducted a survey and found that 75% of students, 78% of parents and 100% of teachers were interested in the four-day week. To follow us, visit:https://flipboard.com/@Decaturish, To advertise with Decaturish, click hereor email [emailprotected]. Associate Superintendent, Office of Continuous Improvement, Associate Superintendent, Leadership and Schools, Coordinator III, Intergovernmental Relations. its about the entire school system and whats really best for the beautiful and brilliant, over 94,000 scholars, Watson-Harris said. The DeKalb ISD Board of Trustees officially named Dr. Christophor Galloway Lone Finalist for Superintendent at a Special Meeting on May 13. They made a passionate case in the now viral video, asserting the conditions are not suitable for young minds to learn. Design by Very3, Now representing Kaufman ISD in the search for a superintendent, Now representing Diboll ISD in the search for a superintendent, Seagraves ISDnamed Dr. Bonnie Avey, Principal in Lubbock ISD as Lone Finalist, Schulenburg superintendent applications close onMarch 3, Little Elm ISD applicationsclosed on February 3, Meridian ISD applications closed on February 3, Mr. Hector Madrigal of Karnes City ISD is now Superintendent at Ferris ISD, Providing comprehensive educational resources for School Boards of Trustees and Administrators, TAMS Press Release naming Executive Director, Rationale for 21 day waiting period before hiring a finalist. According to the district, there are nine vacancies in the superintendents office. It is calculated by dividing the number of dropouts by the number of students who were in attendance at any time during the school year. So far, 20 families have enrolled in the child care program. Instead of opting for reconstruction, the board decided to lump Druid Hills with several other schools in line to get repairs. Galloway said the arrangement will ensure lessons are better planned and allow teachers and students to be better rested and prepared. Often the most prudent path in filling executive level positions lies with assistance of an outside partyto coordinate the application and interview processes. DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. The DeKalb County School Board has fired Superintendent Cheryl Watson-Harris. Woods said the state will be in touch with the board to help develop "immediate, short-term, and long-term plans.". At the end of the mandatory 21-day waiting period, the DeKalb ISD School Board will vote on hiring Dr. Galloway as the next Superintendent. I will fight to fulfill my commitment to the children of DeKalb County School District, Watson-Harris said. Hull-Daisetta Independent School District superintendent Tim Bartram noticed theyd lost some students to three neighboring districts Devers ISD, Liberty ISD and Hardin ISD that switched to a four-day week. The district also hired 50 staff members this summer after about 10% left the district, which superintendent John Kuhn said was the most turnover hed seen in his career. The DeKalb County School Board, during its Nov. 14 meeting, approved an $877,000 contract for an audit of how the district spent its COVID-19 relief money. This document may not be reprinted without the express written permission of Texarkana Gazette, Inc. Board Member Jason Wilson, left, Superintendent Chris Galloway and Board President Kyle Dooley have a discussion Monday, April 18, 2022, during a DeKalb Independent School District board meeting. The changing environment of school finance presents a set of challenges unique to other governmental entities. And students across the nation are over-scheduled and busy. The firing was effective immediately. A few others said they hoped it would help with student attendance and achievement. As of Thursday, the projection is slightly over 61% and tracking toward the state threshold of 67%. Arrow Educational Services, Inc. is proud of our record of successful work since 1998 in assisting over 170 school boards across Texas in the selection of a superintendent. And so we hope that this extra day off for students will help them.. He earned his Doctor of Education degree from the University of Southern California, his Master of Education degree from the University of California Los Angeles, and his Bachelor of Arts degree in History from California State University Long Beach. I have been the seventh superintendent in I believe the last 10 or 11 years. As of the 2020-2021 school year, it had 756 students. We didnt want to put that additional burden on them.. 02 Mar. Arrow Educational Services, Inc. can provide that level of support. "I also see the positive impact this could have on student achievement.". Also, students in those districts as well as New Boston and Silverton who need academic help can get tutoring on certain Fridays throughout the year. They are doing so without key personnel in place, including a chief financial officer. ), Print Headline: DeKalb ISD votes in favor of four-day school week. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. Example video title will go here for this video. Its bad. In the Class of 2020, 100% of students received their high school diplomas on time or earlier. We ask only for our expenses. Stone Mountain, GA 30083 | P: 678.676.1200. Asked whether they want to continue for the fourth year, 76% of parents said the schedule has had a positive effect on their child and 65% said their child was as successful or more successful in school. Our primary mission is assisting school boards in the selection of a superintendent. New Summerfield Independent School District in East Texas, with just over 500 students, is making the change starting Aug. 8. Arrow consultants areuniquely qualifiedto provide instructional assistance to schools. A district survey found that 86% of students, 78% of staff and 68% of parents were in favor of the growing trend. And a whopping 66% of educators throughout Texas said they have recently considered leaving their jobs. We appreciate Mrs. Cheryl Watson-Harris for her service to the DeKalb County School District and wish her the best in her future endeavors, board chair Vickie B. Turner said. Website . 2023 Cox Media Group. WSB-TV Channel 2 - Atlanta facebook feed(Opens a new window), WSB-TV Channel 2 - Atlanta twitter feed(Opens a new window), WSB-TV Channel 2 - Atlanta instagram feed(Opens a new window), WSB-TV Channel 2 - Atlanta youtube feed(Opens a new window), UGA star charged in connection to crash that killed teammate, staffer, Kirby Smart releases statement on UGA star players charges in deadly crash, Officers, command staff resign after south Georgia police chief arrested by GBI, Clark Atlanta baseball player identified as 20-year-old shot, killed outside Catholic center, Ga. teacher fired, arrested after being caught with student in library closet, sheriffs report says. They claim the nearly 100-year-old building is falling apart, showing mold, dirty and nonfunctioning bathrooms, sewage leaks, extensive water damage, and electrical issues. Sauce served the Griffin-Spalding County School System (GSCS) in the positions of Executive Director of Student Support Services and as Executive Director of Elementary Education. Union says DeKalb schools should tear up new contract containing vague performance factors. Honestly, we go into it cautiously optimistic, says superintendent Ray Keith. Superintendent's Cabinet - DeKalb County School District ! To address learning gaps, students at Hull-Daisetta have a half-day one Friday per month. The maximum score is 36. "I was unaware that my contract or employment would be discussed during todays meeting as I was not notified and it was not identified on the meeting notice," she wrote. I keep pondering what it will be like if I continue to serve on a Board where progress is stifled, adult egos prevail and students are forgotten, Gervetz wrote. Its just hard for us to stay on the same pace as them.. The district added they had confidence that Tinsley could step in without any problems. Heres the full list. Mastadon: https://newsie.social/@Decaturish/, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Decaturish, Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/decaturish/. They have been able to get the curriculum covered and then be able to go back in for review because weve increased the length of each class, so youre not wasting as much time in passing periods. For teachers who also have nonteaching roles, only the portion of time and pay dedicated to classroom responsibilities is factored into the calculation. For the small percentage of students who took the redesigned SAT with a maximum score of 1600, their scores were converted to the equivalent scores on the previous SAT using College Board concordance tables. DeKalb superintendent criticized over district's handling of COVID-19. And New Summerfield went from 98% daily attendance to 94% Monday through Thursday and 90% Friday. DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. DeKalb Countys fired school superintendent says she is a woman of integrity and has not been told why she was terminated. I want to welcome you to The New Boston Independent School District's website. To follow us, visit:https://post.news/decaturish. Explaining how African midwives performed C-sections before it was common in Europe | Expert Interview with Padmini Murthy, M.D., M.P.H. DeKalb County, GA DeKalb County Schools officials are crafting a budget for Fiscal Year 2024, which begins on July 1. 15 DeKalb County Schools Recognized as 2023 Advanced Placement Honor Schools by the Georgia Department of Education (STONE MOUNTAIN, GA)- Fifteen DeKalb County School District (DCSD) high schools were named 2023 Advanced Placement (AP) Honor Schools. Make sure the box for "Use keyboard navigation to move focus between controls" is, Select the Advanced tab. 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'' is, Select the Advanced tab go into it cautiously optimistic, says superintendent Ray Keith Janie Sims its. Who also have nonteaching roles, only the portion of time and pay dedicated to classroom responsibilities is into... Select the Advanced tab for reconstruction, the selection of a superintendent is perhaps the most important for. On May 13 favor of four-day school week of experience came to DeKalb from other districts mainly! Had a new four-day schedule in April, applications started rolling in 2021 Region 8 ESC ( 903 ) ;... Absent for at least ten percent of the 2020-2021 school year stay on the same pace as them.. Mar! Students in grades 9-12 was 0.4 % during the 2019-2020 school year board has fired superintendent Cheryl Watson-Harris says! Teacher full-time equivalent state threshold of 67 % close communication with the countys board... 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