Letters to the Editor: Make Tyson Superintendent

Now that the DeKalb School Board has no remaining finalists for superintendent, it’s time to take a serious look at Interim Superintendent Ramona Tyson.

Her handling of the CRCT “cheating scandal,” which has rocked other metro districts, actually received praise from Kathleen Mathers, executive director of the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement.

Mark Elgart, the president of AdvancEd, also had high praise for Ms. Tyson in his letter outlining eight required actions for the school system.

Ms. Tyson put in place a redistricting plan that has eluded superintendents for 10 years; appointed an independent auditor; demoted educators involved in ethical violations: and strengthened ethics requirements. And she has eliminated a budget deficit without furloughing teachers.

Leaks of negotiations and the withdrawal of the three finalists could make it even more difficult for the DeKalb board to find a talented and capable superintendent. It’s time for the Board of Education to make an offer to the excellent superintendent it already has.

Jerrie Williams
Proud parent of Rachael 16, Hannah 13, Micah 14
Stone Mountain, GA