DeKalb Superintendent Finalist: "We Must Work Together"

DeKalb County School System superintendent finalist Cheryl Atkinson said as head of the challenged organization that she plans to meet regularly meet with parents, teachers and principals, and won’t be afraid to make tough personnel choices within 90 days of sooner if necessary.

“I can only be as effective as the people around me,” Atkinson said. “I have no problem with saying to someone, ‘you have to go.’ ”

Atkinson addressed an audience of about 200 people in the auditorium of DeKalb schools’ complex on Mountain Industrial Boulevard during a “Meet and Greet” session Saturday morning. She also answered a few questions that had been submitted beforehand.

Atkinson emphasized the need to work together with stakeholders on critical areas such as properly equipping and inspiring children for success and supporting teachers.

“This is tough work. It’s heavy lifting and it will take time,” Atkinson said.

Atkinson said she recognizes the system’s challenges, including “a lack of public confidence and trust,” she said.

But she also said she has the experience to back her up: "I know what it's like to lead a district and have ultimate responsibility for everything because I've done it," she said.

DeKalb’s previous superintendent, Crawford Lewis, has been indicted on several charges including racketeering. Ramona Tyson has been interim superintendent since February 2010.

Among the changes Atkinson said she’d like to see include giving students access to state-of-the-art technology: “Why do we expect students to carry around pounds of books in the 21st century technology age?” she said.

She also spoke of Smart boards in every classroom, having high-quality after-school programs, and that teachers should have a “strong voice in the instructional process.”

Atkinson also said schools should offer more than the traditional sports for children; fencing and lacrosse should be part of the mix:  “Only 10 to 15 children can be on a  basketball team,” she said.

Atkinson, currently superintendent of the Lorain, Ohio schools, which has had its own struggles, said her focus is on children first.

“My experience has taught me education takes place in the classroom, not the central office,” she said.

Tapika Howard, who has children at Marbut Theme School and Chamblee Middle School, said she was encouraged by what she heard.

“I like her emphasis on togetherness,” Howard said.

Timothy A. Davis, an ESOL teacher at Stone Mountain Middle School, said Atkinson has a tough but not impossible road ahead of her.

“She’s going to be as successful as the people she surrounds herself with,” said Davis, who has been teaching for 25 years.

Davis said he was convinced of Atkinson’s sincerity about being an advocate for children. Of her abilities, he said, “I don’t have any reservations whatsoever.”