Local Residents React to DeKalb Superintendent's Departure

Updated: Thursday, Feb. 7, 6:17 p.m.

A statement has just been released by the DeKalb County School District:

The DeKalb County Board of Education and Superintendent Dr. Cheryl Atkinson have mutually agreed to end their relationship effective Friday, February 8, 2013. The Board and Dr. Atkinson each determined and believe that it is in the best interest of all concerned that there be a mutual separation and they wish each other well in all their future endeavors.

"I hope that the Dekalb County School board does whatever it takes to bring this county in compliance with SACS. Our Children's education is at hand here and that is what matters the most, " said Henry Louis Adams, a Stone Mountain resident and parent. "There should be no room for unethical practices in our school system. I think that they have to remember whom they work for and whom they represent. I am not sure if replacing the current superintendent and or just replacing the entire board is in order at this point. One thing for sure is that Dekalb has to restore integrity in the educational processes."

"I really think its unfortunate that she had to go but I think the school board should follow her out the door," said Stone Mountain resident Calvin Sims, who recently organized a community meeting discussing the effects of losing accreditation.

Original article:

Cheryl Atkinson's tenure as superintendent of the DeKalb County school system is apparently coming to an end.

Channel 2 Action News is reporting that DeKalb's board of education will vote on a separation agreement with Atkinson on Friday.

The board is set to meet at 4 pm.

A copy of the meeting's agenda obtained by Patch shows the item on the board's agenda, as well as an authorization for a contract for an interim superintendent.

A PDF of the meeting's agenda is attached to this article.

Speculation has been mounting over the past week that Atkinson's tenure might be coming to an end, as the DeKalb school board continues to remain accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges.

You may also be interested in reading:

Clayton Resident Details the Long-Reaching Impact of Losing Accreditation

Blog: Ten Top Reasons to Keep the DeKalb Board of Education.