DeKalb Superintendent Candidates: Who They Are and Where They're From

The three finalists for DeKalb County Superintendent were released yesterday.  They are: Gloria Davis, Superintendent of Decatur (Illinois) Public Schools, Arthur R. Culver, Superintendent of Champaign (Illinois) Community Unit School District #4, and Lillie Cox, Superintendent of Hickory (North Carolina) Public Schools. 

All come from considerably smaller districts than DeKalb County, and most of the schools within those districts are smaller than those projected in the school board's 2020 Vision Plan.  Many questions remain.  Full resumes and credentials on the candidates have not yet been released, but here is a little more information about each finalist. Click on their name to see their full bios on the DeKalb County School System website.

Davis has served as superintendent since 2006. Prior to that, she was an educator for 31 years, climbing the ranks from teacher to elementary and middle school principal and then assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction in the University City School District near St. Louis, according to a bio provided by the DeKalb County School System. Decatur, Illinois, public schools serve approximately 9,000 students with two high schools (averaging 1,150 students each) and 13 elementary schools (averaging between 250 and 350 students).  There are four K-8 schools and two middle schools, all with less than 500 students.  During her tenure at Decatur, the high school graduation rate has risen to 92.4% and the dropout rate has decreased, as well. 

Culver was hired as superintendent in 2002 with a five-year contract which has been extended by the school board twice to 2013, according to his bio. Champaign, Illinois Community Unit School District #4 houses two high schools (averaging 1,300 students each), 11 elementary schools (roughly 400 students each) and three middle schools (about 650 students each). 

Cox has served as the superintendent since July 2009.  Prior to that, she worked as assistant superintendent of Alamance-Burlington Schools (beginning in 2006). She has been employed in the education field for 15 years.  Hickory, North Carolina Public Schools serves two high schools (one is public with 1326 students and the other is a career and arts magnet with 450 students).  There are five elementary schools (around 400 students each, but one has just over 600) and 2 middle schools in the district (both with about 500 students).    

To compare, DeKalb County School System has more than 102,000 students in 143 schools.

The DeKalb County Board of Education invites parents and community members to a Public Forum on Thursday night at the Administration and Instructional Complex at 6 p.m.  At that , the audience will hear from each of the , and questions will be answered.  Those wishing to submit a question should do so in writing at the AIC prior to 5:30 pm.