Agenda Item
d. 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 Dr. Markisha Mitchell to the new position of Chief of Continuous Improvement and Accountability.
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: Chief Accountability and Continuous Improvement Officer
DIVISION: Office of Continuous Improvement GRADE/SCHEDULE: DPC
DEPARTMENT: Office of Continuous Improvement WORKDAYS: 246
REPORTS TO: Superintendent FLSA STATUS: Exempt
RETIREMENT: Teachers Retirement System APPROVED (HR): August 1, 2023
GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB
Under limited supervision, reports directly to the Superintendent and serves in the second highest
tier of administration in the organization; ensures the daily implementation of Accountability and
Continuous Improvement functions which are fundamental to the effective and efficient operation
of the District; has oversight responsibility for the planning, organization, monitoring and
coordination of student assessment programs, federal programs, research assessments, grants,
accreditation, and standardized testing services per applicable federal, state, and local
requirements.
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. Other duties may be required and assigned.
• Directs and monitors the administration of the standardized testing program for all
students in grades K-12 in coordination with principals and Area Superintendents.
Ensures legal compliance with the administration of standardized assessments for
special education students
• Ensures that errors on student answer documents are corrected and returned to the
Georgia Department of Education (GA DOE) to ensure accurate reporting; uses data
to develop sound rationale for submission of appeals to GA DOE for school district
funding to challenge negative designations for school systems
• Analyzes assessment data for national, state, and district assessment programs
and prepares data for release to the public
• Provides overall leadership and supervision of the District’s progress and
performance measurement system to support the timely monitoring of district-wide
and school-wide administrative and instructional programs, and measure and
report progress
• Provides support and leadership to the School Engagement Coordinator to support
the look and feel of Horizon programs and ensure district level support
• Conducts evaluations of key DCSD program initiatives as a means of informing the
Superintendent, Board, and community as to the effectiveness and
recommendations for improvement
• Provides direct oversight of federal and state accountability requirements related to
ESSER, Federal Programs (Title I and Title II), Research, Evaluation, and Grants
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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Chief Accountability and Continuous Improvement Officer
Programming to ensure the district and all schools comply with required standards
and procedures
• Provides leadership and oversight in developing and maintaining the annual
budgets for federal program dollars. Resolves issues related to violations of
standards
• Directs, monitors, and appraises the performance of departments/work units; has
responsibility for the fiscal management of funds allocated to departments/work
units under the sphere of supervision
• Analyzes and interprets test data for the school district and school-based goal-
setting and instructional improvement to align with the Strategic Plan.
• Trains Area Superintendents, executive directors, principals, assistant principals,
and teachers to use data to develop School Improvement Plans
• Performs other duties as assigned
Education and/or Experience
Master’s degree from a Georgia Professional Standards Commission approved accredited college
or university required.
Minimum ten (10) years of progressively responsible administrative and supervisory experience in a
school system setting or as an executive with demonstrated successful advancement through the
administrative or executive managerial hierarchy, as appropriate, required.
Certificates, Licenses, Permits
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 or Support Personnel
License from the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Knowledge of organizational and department planning and operational procedures
Knowledge of the organization of a specific assigned area
Knowledge of budgeting and spending, labor issues, and efficiencies
Knowledge of DCSD (DeKalb County School District) policies and procedures; workforce and
facilities requirement forecasting
Knowledge of all relevant available public and private resources and services
Knowledge of curriculum guidelines for the school district and state requirements
Knowledge of standardized testing by school district policies and state laws
Knowledge of school district policies, programs, and procedures pertinent to learning disabilities,
child and substance abuse, and social adjustment
Skilled in coordinating and collaborating with federal, state, regional, and local organizations, and
departments to establish and execute responsibilities
Skilled in administration and management skills gained through increasingly responsible
management positions
Skilled in recruiting, training, and motivating employees
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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Chief Accountability and Continuous Improvement Officer
Effective oral, written, and interpersonal communication
Skilled in preparing assignments and tests for in-school preparation and homework and in
maintaining order in a classroom setting
Skilled in administering the school system’s discipline policies; counseling students with academic
difficulties and behavioral problems
Ability to direct and administer the programs and services of a non-profit educational and/or
service organization
Ability to establish objectives and procedures governing the performance of assigned activities
among employees
Ability to develop and understand financial and/or operating reports; maintain confidential
information
Ability to analyze, interpret and report test data
Ability to use relevant computer applications
Ability to prioritize assignments and manage multiple tasks simultaneously
ADA 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 sedentary criteria are met.
Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
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 by means of the spoken word. One must have the ability
to 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.
Vision: The ability to perceive the nature of objects by the eye. Acuity (near and far vision), depth
perception (three dimensional vision), accommodation (adjustment of lens to eye to bring an object
into sharp focus), field of vision (area that can be seen up and down or to the right or left while eyes
are fixed on a given point) and color vision (ability to distinguish and identify colors) are required
factors.
Repetitive Motions: Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
Performance Factors:
Interaction with Others: Ability to maintain, on a regular and consistent basis, relationships that
are not characterized by high levels of hostility, social withdrawal or failure to communicate. Ability
to be flexible in situations relative to daily routines. Ability to demonstrate sensitivity to the
differences among diverse populations.
Concentration: Ability to maintain workflow and thought processes in the presence of frequent
distractions. Ability to ignore irrelevant sights or sounds and intrusive thoughts or stimuli. Ability to
manage multiple tasks simultaneously with only few or no errors.
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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Chief Accountability and Continuous Improvement Officer
Stressful Circumstances: Ability to produce quality work when short or unexpected deadlines are
presented. Ability to adjust work processes without incident when new and unexpected directions
are given relative to a project that may be in process. Ability to maintain composure and not
compound a situation when interacting with persons who may be angry, demanding or otherwise
less than polite.
Independent Judgment: Ability to complete work tasks without being given procedure directions
relative to works steps or the final project.
Decision Making: Ability to make appropriate business decisions.
Organizational Skills: Ability to establish priorities; simultaneously manage multiple tasks; and
deliver a quality work product by a designated deadline.
Attention to Detail: Ability to recognize errors or layout features that detract from the physical
attractiveness or accuracy of a work product.
Public Contact: Ability to communicate professionally and effectively, both verbally and in writing,
with superiors, colleagues, and other individuals within and external to the school system. Ability to
demonstrate professionalism while interacting with others and to maintain constructive working
relationships.
Attendance and Dependability: Ability to be depended on to report to work at the scheduled time
and to seldom be absent from work. Ability to complete work in a timely, accurate manner and to
be conscientious about work performance.
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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