Agenda Item
b. 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. Ayesha O. Grandison to the position of Executive Administrator of Schools in the Division of School Leadership.
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: Executive Administrator of Schools
DIVISION: School Leadership GRADE: 133
DEPARTMENT: School Leadership WORKDAYS: 246
REPORTS TO: Area Assistant Superintendent FLSA STATUS: Exempt
RETIREMENT: Teachers Retirement System APPROVED (HR): July 15, 2023
General Statement of Job
Under general supervision, provides leadership to assist Principals and school leadership teams in
the implementation of an effective academic program. Assists the Area Assistant Superintendent
in promoting overall efficiency and maximizing of operational and administrative services in
support of educational opportunities for students and families. Assists the Area Assistant
Superintendent in evaluations of school Principals
Specific Duties and Responsibilities
Essential Functions:
The following duties are representative for 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. Tasks and responsibilities will be in concurrence with implementing the Strategic Plan and
Aligned Management System. Other duties may be required and assigned.
• Coaches Principals in schools to achieve higher achievement levels for students with
particular attention paid to closing the achievement gap
• Focuses on using multiple sources of data to assist Principals in determining
strategies to support student success; identifies professional development needs
based on data indicating schools’ needs
• Supports and assists planning professional development and helps school leaders
address academic and other challenges to support student success
• Engages in meaningful dialogue with Principals to address instructional, social and
emotional, and other needs of students and families
• Assists Principals and school leadership teams to expand their repertoire of
instructional strategies to ensure deeper learning
• Completes performance evaluations of Principals as requested by Area Assistant
Superintendent
• Supports parents, students, families, and community members in resolving conflicts
• Identifies recurring obstacles to student success through the study of common causes
of discipline problems and works with school leadership to address these problems
with particular attention to the achievement gap
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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Executive Administrator of Schools
• Ensures compliance with federal laws, Georgia statutes, DCSD Board of Education
regulations, policies, rules, and procedures relating to instructional programs
• Completes all trainings and other compliance requirements as assigned by the
designated deadline
• Performs other duties as assigned
Education and/or Experience:
Master’s Degree in Education Leadership, Education Administration, Curriculum Development, or
closely related area from a Professional Standards Commission approved accredited college or
university is required.
Minimum of seven (7) years previous experience with demonstrated successful advancement
through the teaching and/or school or school system administrative hierarchy 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.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Knowledge of organizational and department planning and operational procedures; the
organization of specific assigned area; budgeting and spending, labor issues and efficiencies; all
relevant federal, state, and local laws and regulations attendant to public education; DCSD policies
and procedures; manpower and facilities requirement forecasting; all relevant available public and
private resources and services; curriculum guidelines for the school system and state requirements;
child development; and instruction, assessment and professional learning legal requirements and
“best practices.”
Skill in oral, written and interpersonal communication; coordinating and collaborating with federal,
state, regional and local organizations and departments to establish and execute responsibilities;
administration and management skills gained through increasingly responsible management
positions; recruiting, training and motivating employees; leading school improvement initiatives;
leading change process in a large, complex and diverse organization; analytical processing;
systems thinking; negotiation, diplomacy and public relations; computer skills to include
PowerPoint, Excel, Access and Microsoft Word.
Ability to direct and administer the programs and services of a non-profit educational and/or
service organization; establish objectives and procedures governing the performance of assigned
activities among employees; develop and understand financial and/or operating reports; maintain
confidential information; plan and develop course of study suitable for specific grade levels;; ability
to lead and manage teams; excellent written and oral communications skills; strategic decision
making skills; comprehensive analytical and creative thinking skills; commit to and have a proven
track record of improving student performance K-12.
ADA Requirements:
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.
Page 2 of 4 Reviewed/Revised: β10.2.2023
Executive Administrator of Schools
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 by means of 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:
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 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.
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 precise directions
relative to work steps or the final project.
Organizational Skills: Ability to establish priorities; simultaneously manage multiple tasks; and
deliver a quality work product by a designated deadline.
Decision Making: Ability to make appropriate business decisions.
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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Executive Administrator of Schools
Travel: Ability to travel throughout the school system and across the country and abroad on behalf
of the school system.
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.
Page 4 of 4 Reviewed/Revised: β10.2.2023