News Release

Contact: Cindy Ball
770-860-4226 cball@rockdale.k12.ga.us For Immediate Release April 19, 2018
Rockdale County Schools Superintendent Search Update
Conyers, Ga. – The Rockdale County Board of Education continues to make progress in naming a new superintendent. Over the last several months, under the guidance of the Georgia School Boards Association as search provider, the Board
completed a survey of its expectations for the next superintendent, posted and reviewed the results of a survey of the community and school district staff to seek input as to the characteristics desired in a new superintendent, adopted qualifications for the position, approved and disseminated a recruitment brochure, reviewed applications, and interviewed candidates that appeared to have closely met qualifications.

Seventy-seven (77) individuals viewed or started an application for the Rockdale Superintendent position.  Applications were received from a broad range of applicants from across the country.  From these, thirty-seven (37) individuals fully completed and submitted an application and provided all required supporting documentation by the posted deadline. Following review and vetting of all submitted applications, four (4) candidates were disqualified for failing to meet required qualifications; two (2) candidates withdrew; nine (9) candidates were selected for close review by the board and six (6) candidates were selected for interview, as the Board sought to determine those candidates best qualified for the position.

Following deliberations by the Board, one (1) candidate, Dr. Terry O. Oatts, currently Assistant Superintendent for Student Achievement, Fayette County Schools, has been determined to be the best qualified for the position and has been voted by the Board as the sole finalist for the position.  In accordance with GA law, documents for Dr. Oatts will be made available for public inspection and copying.  Information on this candidate will be available at the Board office and posted on the district website at  www.rockdaleschools.org, effective Friday, April 20, 2018 and for the following 14 days prior to the Board taking a final action on the position.

Chairman Jim McBrayer says, “On behalf of the Board of Education, I want to express our sincere appreciation to Mrs. Shirley Chesser for the tremendous work she has done as interim superintendent.  Mrs. Chesser will continue in her role as Chief Academic Officer as we strive to fulfill our core mission of student success.”

The Board will provide further updates regarding Dr. Oatts, as well as activities and events planned for welcoming him to the Rockdale community and his official reporting date.

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