Agenda Item
c. PERSONNEL RECOMMENDATION FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION
Summary: Presented by: Dr. Tekshia Ward-Smith, Administrator, Division of Human Resources , 678.676.1200.
Request: It is requested that the Board of Education approve the hiring recommendation of Mrs. Ateshia Lester to the new position of Area Superintendent for Elementary Area 3 schools.
Details: Dr. Tekshia Ward-Smith, Administrator, Division of Human Resources , 678.676.1200.
Contact: Dr. Tekshia Ward-Smith, Administrator, Division of Human Resources , 678.676.1200.
Effective: Effective after Board approval.
DeKalb County School District
Position Specification
Title: Area Superintendent
DIVISION: School Leadership GRADE/SCHEDULE: RGS
DEPARTMENT: School Leadership WORKDAYS: 246
REPORTS TO: Chief of Schools FLSA STATUS: Exempt
RETIREMENT: Teachers Retirement System APPROVED (HR): July 1, 2023
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF JOB
Under limited supervision, provides direct supervision and support to principals to ensure the achievement
and maintenance of premier educational programs and services in all local schools. Supervises a support
leadership team comprised of Executive Administrators, Culture and Climate Coordinators and other area
office staff. Provides leadership relative to the implementation of the DeKalb County School District’s (DCSD)
educational philosophy, goals, and objectives.
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Essential Functions:
The following duties are representative of this position. The omission of specific statements of duties does not
exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification.
The Regional Superintendent is expected to perform any other tasks, duties, and responsibilities assigned to
support the educational goals and objectives in concurrence with implementing the DeKalb County School
District Strategic Plan.
• Supports and supervises the establishment and sustainability of high-performing instructional
programs that ensure learning for all by emphasizing, monitoring, and supporting:
o collaborative processes for developing, implementing, and promoting a shared vision,
mission, and instructional program focused on quality teaching and learning for all
o systematic practices for ensuring implementation of explicit and rigorous curriculum
standards in all aspects of the instructional program
o collaborative processes for engaging instructional staff in the implementation of evidence-
based, innovative practices that support effective teaching, learning, and assessment for
all
• Supports a positive culture and climate in schools that is conducive to learning by:
o providing support to school leaders and educators in professional development
o encouraging schools to advocate for parental involvement by building relationships with
students and parents
• Determines the types of interaction that provide the most appropriate support for principals in the
context of specific situations while effectively implementing a well-developed evaluation system
that emphasizes instructional leadership by:
o discerning the appropriate mode of support to develop the capacity of principals while
addressing specific needs
o providing effective and appropriate feedback to support the continued development of the
principal as an instructional leader
o using multiple forms of data to identify priorities for effective evaluation of principals
Disclaimer: Information contained within this position specification only summarizes information for interested individuals. The statements herein are intended to describe the
general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills
required of a person in this position. If there is a discrepancy between the information in this position specification, the current documents obtained in the Division of Human Resources
will always govern. The DeKalb County School District reserves the right to modify, alter or discontinue these reference materials for any reason.
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Area Superintendent
• Supports and supervises the development and implementation of inclusive partnerships
characterized by productive relationships and mutual accountability to support learning for all by:
o establishing and maintaining learning-centered partnerships that provide a basis of support
and mutual accountability for student learning
o emphasizing, monitoring, and supporting collaborative processes for establishing effective
communities of practice that support collegial learning among school leaders
o establishing and maintaining collaborative processes for brokering resources to ensure that
timely and appropriate support from all central office divisions is available for each school
o emphasizing, monitoring, and supporting collaborative processes for establishing effective
partnerships with family and community stakeholders that fully engage diverse groups in
meaningful collaboration to support learning and achievement
• Supports and supervises the effective use of data for continuous improvement and decision-making
by emphasizing, monitoring, and supporting collaborative processes for engaging instructional staff
and stakeholders in:
o effective analysis and use of data for continuous school improvement aligned to the
District’s Strategic Plan
o data-driven decision-making processes that ensure learning for all
• Supports and supervises the establishment of local school governance structures and management
processes for allocating resources in support of learning, equity, and safety for all by emphasizing,
monitoring, and supporting:
o effective, legal, and ethical processes for implementation of building-level budgets that
align with instructional needs by allocating resources in a manner that best supports
learning
o creating and maintaining an equitable learning environment that provides access to quality
learning for all
o ensuring a safe and welcoming learning environment in all schools
o ensuring legal, ethical, and effective school governance functions are practiced in all
decision-making processes
• Performs other duties as assigned
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
• Master’s Degree in Education, Education Administration, or closely related area from a Georgia
Professional Standards approved accredited college or university required.
• Minimum ten (10) years of experience in education that includes classroom teaching, school
leadership, and other closely related experience is required. A minimum of three (3) years of
successful service as a principal is preferred.
• Valid Georgia Professional Standards Commission approved certificate in educational leadership at
level L-5, NL-5, PL-6, or above required. If a level L-5, NL-5, PL-6, or above certificate is not held, the
individual must be eligible for the NPL certificate in educational leadership (after July 2016 must be
eligible for GA PSC Tier 2 Educational Leadership Certification). Must obtain credentials for state and
local evaluation systems within six (6) weeks of hiring.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
Knowledge of curriculum guidelines for the state and school system requirements; evidence-based
instructional practices; formative assessment practices; instructional resources available from area office
staff and state agencies; state and local policies related to standardized testing; school system policies,
programs, and procedures pertinent to learning disabilities, child and substance abuse, and social adjustment;
organizational and department planning and operational procedures; the organization of specifically assigned
areas; budgeting and spending, labor issues and efficient operational practices; transportation policies and
Disclaimer: Information contained within this position specification only summarizes information for interested individuals. The statements herein are intended to describe the
general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills
required of a person in this position. If there is a discrepancy between the information in this position specification, the current documents obtained in the Division of Human Resources
will always govern. The DeKalb County School District reserves the right to modify, alter or discontinue these reference materials for any reason.
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Area Superintendent
procedures; DCSD policies and procedures; forecasting for personnel and facilities resources; availability of
technology resources; and all relevant available public and private resources and services.
Skill in effective oral, written, and interpersonal communication with multiple and diverse individuals;
coordinating and collaborating with departments to establish and execute responsibilities; data analysis and
use of data in decisions; establishing and maintaining productive relationships with internal and external
partners; general administration and management skills gained through increasingly responsible
management positions; creating a caring and positive environment; fair and equitable administration of the
school system’s discipline policies; conflict resolution; mediation and collaboration; planning; and public
relations.
Ability to establish and maintain communities of practice that promote high levels of learning for principals
and other leaders; utilize multiple sources of data and tools for performance management and evaluation of
staff; develop and understand financial and/or operating reports; use relevant computer applications;
prioritize assignments; administer the programs and services of a non-profit educational and/or service
organization and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently
or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work
involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally,
and all other sedentary criteria are met.
Fingering: Picking, pinching, typing, or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole
hand or arm as in handling.
Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas using the spoken word. Those activities in which one must convey
detailed or important spoken instructions to others accurately, loudly, or quickly.
Hearing: Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and to make fine discrimination
in sounds, such as when making fine adjustments on machined parts with or without correction.
Repetitive Motions: Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
PERFORMANCE FACTORS
• Prioritizes and preserves time to engage in teaching practices with individual leaders and the leaders’
learning community through well-defined structures
• Develops the capacity of leaders to facilitate the planning and implementation of evidence-based
teaching, learning, and assessment practices that support diverse learners through culturally
competent instruction
• Provides or finds resources to support the principal’s growth as an instructional leader while
demonstrating knowledge of adult learning theory in the utilization of effective communication
strategies for each leader
• Sustains a productive partnership with each assigned principal to ensure differentiated support for
their growth as instructional leaders
• Involves principals and other leaders in establishing communities of practice that provide regular
opportunities for new learning, inquiry related to problems of practice, and reflective dialogue
• Models facilitation skills that evidence a clear, consistent focus on learning while attending to the
principles of adult learning
Disclaimer: Information contained within this position specification only summarizes information for interested individuals. The statements herein are intended to describe the
general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills
required of a person in this position. If there is a discrepancy between the information in this position specification, the current documents obtained in the Division of Human Resources
will always govern. The DeKalb County School District reserves the right to modify, alter or discontinue these reference materials for any reason.
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Area Superintendent
• Engages in selective and strategic collaboration with district leaders from all divisions through well-
defined structures and processes for communication and collaboration
• Engages in collaborative work with principals and other leaders to establish working relationships with
parents, business/industry, and community members
• Provides descriptive, constructive, and reflective feedback that is appropriate for specific situations
while engaging leaders in reflective analysis of their practices
• Models the effective use of instructive and directive assistance in interactions designed to support
principals’ growth as instructional leaders
• Provides descriptive, constructive, and reflective feedback that is appropriate for specific situations
while engaging leaders in reflective analysis of their practices
• Involves principals in reflective reviews of multiple forms of data as part of developing a performance
plan that targets personal and professional growth as an instructional leader
• Engages in collaborative work with principals to develop procedures that ensure the equitable and
adequate distribution of all available resources that promote the success of all students and staff
• Develops and monitors the capacity of leaders to ensure that all instructional, extracurricular, and
operational systems are implemented in support of equity
• Models protocols for engaging the cooperation of all stakeholders, especially staff, students, and
families in maintaining a safe, culturally responsive, and welcoming school
• Models and advises principals and other leaders in complying with all standards of the Georgia Code
of Ethics for Educators
• Engages in collaborative work with principals and other leaders to ensure the values of democracy,
equity, fairness, community, and diversity are safeguarded through effective and inclusive governance
practices
Disclaimer: Information contained within this position specification only summarizes information for interested individuals. The statements herein are intended to describe the
general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills
required of a person in this position. If there is a discrepancy between the information in this position specification, the current documents obtained in the Division of Human Resources
will always govern. The DeKalb County School District reserves the right to modify, alter or discontinue these reference materials for any reason.
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