Agenda Item
i. PERSONNEL RECOMMENDATION FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION
Summary: Presented by: Mrs. Tasha Davis, Chief of Human Resources, Division of Human Resources
Request: It is requested that the Board of Education approve the hiring recommendation of Dr. Candace Y. Alexander to the position of Chief of Accountability & Continuous Improvement in the Division of Accountability & Continuous Improvement.
Details: Mrs. Tasha Davis Mills, Chief of Human Resources, Division of Human Resources 678.676.1200.
Contact: Mrs. Tasha Davis Mills, Chief of Human Resources, Division of Human Resources
Candace Y. Alexander, Ed.D.
PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
Experienced educational leader with a proven track record of working successfully with instructional
teams, departments, students, parents, and community stakeholders to ensure that school and district
goals are implemented with the ultimate goal of increasing student achievement. Currently serving as
Coordinator, Regin IV, with exceptional leadership skills in:
• Increasing rigor and high expectations • Enhancing teacher and leader development to
to promote student achievement and improve instruction
close achievement gaps • Promoting and sustaining family engagement
• Using multiple data sources in a robust, by serving as an intermediate agent bringing
program evaluation system to ensure together concepts, resources, and people
program and school effectiveness • Promoting and implementing initiatives to
• Developing and implementing process ensure equitable opportunities for all students,
improvements to ensure alignment of including poor and minority, with regard to
District Strategic Plan with Area and quality instruction
school improvement efforts • Ensuring fiduciary responsibility of region/area
• Support the development and and school budgets
implementation of inclusive partnerships • Coordinating planning, implementation, and
evaluation of professional learning activities
EDUCATION
Doctor of Education, Educational Leadership, Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, Georgia,
November 2008
Master of Education, Educational Leadership, Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, Georgia,
December 1999
Bachelor of Arts, Secondary English Education, Alabama A&M University, Huntsville, Alabama,
May 1997
Certifications, Educational Leadership, Tier II, SLR (2016-2023)
English, (6-12), SRT (1999-2023)
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Director, Professional Learning April 2023 - Present
DeKalb County School District
Provide leadership and support to 138+ schools and centers, and 14K employees, including 6,600
teachers. Responsible for developing and overseeing the planning, delivery, and evaluation of programs
and courses for the school district's professional learning opportunities. Works with other administrators
to identify and implement effective professional learning opportunities, coordinates activities with the
school system's goals, and manages the budget and compliance with policies and guidelines.
Accomplishments
• Serve as Professional Learning Director since April 2023
• Serve as the Educator Preparation Provider (EPP) Head and offer support and guidance to
program leaders, including the Teacher Academy for Preparation and Pedagogy,
Endorsements (Gifted, ESOL, Reading), and Teacher Support and Coaching Specialist
Program.
• Provide customized professional development for school leaders using data from the Six
Essential Systems Framework and Collaborative Calibration Visits
• Facilitate district-wide implementation and monitoring of summer professional development
programs for district and school-based staff.
• Collaborate, participate in, and facilitate planning meetings with department, district, school-
based personnel, and external stakeholders to support professional learning
initiatives/programs (Metro Atlanta P20, Metro RESA MAETAG Job-Alike)
• Ensure that professional development aligns with Georgia teacher and leader quality
standards, national professional learning standards, and identified school and system
improvement needs.
• Demonstrate success in utilizing research-based professional learning and aligning the
appropriate professional learning models with the intended outcomes and learners’ needs
• Ensure financial stability and accountability by overseeing the creation of annual budgets,
monitoring local spending, and reporting expenditures accurately.
• Created a comprehensive professional learning communication plan involving maximizing
the use of the Learning Management System, designing and maintaining a professional
learning intranet, and training Professional Learning Liaison for each school and department
Coordinator III, Region VI, IV Nov. 2022 – April 2023
DeKalb County School District
Provide leadership and support to 17 Title I schools serving approximately 7100 students and 1500
employees. Work with principals and schools to ensure the DeKalb County School District continues to
achieve its mission of ensuring student success, leading to higher education, work, and life-long learning.
Manage and ensure Region, Title I, and School Improvement budgets are priority-aligned, based upon
needs assessments and data analyses. Support leaders in creating and monitoring sustainability systems
(CCRPI, Graduation) and carrying out district initiatives.
Interim Regional Superintendent, Region VI Feb. 2021 – Oct. 2022
DeKalb County School District
Provide leadership and support to 16 Title I schools serving approximately 7100 students and 1500
employees. Provide targeted support to school principals by employing research-based practices to drive
and sustain strategic change. Design, develop, and monitor school and system transformation and reform
initiatives. Collaborate with Micro-Cabinet to ensure professional learning is aligned to school needs.
Manage and ensure Region, Title I, and School Improvement budgets are priority-aligned, based upon
needs assessments and data analyses. Utilize systems thinking to address root causes. Work
collaboratively with other Divisions to support district and school initiatives.
Accomplishments:
• Serve as Interim Regional Superintendent of Region VI since February 2, 2021
• Serve as a member of the Superintendent’s Cabinet, Region Strategic Planning Team, and
District’s COGNIA Accreditation Team.
• Design, implement, and monitor Region Improvement Plan and budgets to improve teaching
and learning outcomes.
• Develop, implement, monitor, and lead professional learning (Cognia Redelivery, Region VI
Principal meetings, Academic Coach Academy).
• Engage in professional learning and continuous improvement for effective practices to
improve supervisory performance and help principals grow as instructional leaders (The
Leadership Academy, Foundation of Principals Supervision, Academy of Creative Coaching)
• Serve as a Point of Contact for DeKalb CSI Alternative School receiving support and 1003
funding for improvement
• Lead and develop efforts to build the instructional capacity of administrators in monitoring
subgroup progress and performance targets which lead to increase graduation rates in 2 of
4 schools
• Serve as a member of the Statewide Alternative/Non-traditional Education Advisory Group
• Monitor regional/cross-departmental collaboration and targeted support for state identified
schools (District Learning Walks, Content Walks, Instructional Rounds) to ensure
implementation of next steps
• Support the development and implementation of inclusive partnerships with family and
community stakeholders (Learning Hub, RISE,)
• Collaborate with Human Resources Management and Leadership Development to actively
recruit and retain teachers and leaders
• Collaborate with other region superintendents on district initiatives such as Graduation Plan,
Horizon School Plan, and Tiered Systems of Support
• Co-create an electronic monitoring system for calls to help us better serve specific schools
• Address discipline issues involving certified and classified personnel with Employee
Relations
• Coach and evaluate the performance of principals and Micro-Cabinet to improve use of data
for continuous improvement and decision making
• Collaborate with principals on managing school operations, curriculum planning and
implementation, school climate and community relations
• Collaborate with Academic Coach Coordinator and Professional Learning Facilitator to align
instructional strategies and professional learning to the CSIP priority areas and action steps
• Collaborate with district department leaders to operationalize and coordinate strategies and
resources to assist, support, and improve all schools (Transportation, Facilities,
Communications, Professional Learning, Student Support, C.E.I.P)
• Assist in planning, implementing, and evaluating school-based programs to accomplish
district goals and ensure equal and equitable access to resources based on identified needs
Coordinator III, Region IV Nov. 2022 - Mar 2023
Coordinator III, Region VI 2018 - 2021
DeKalb County School District
Provide leadership and support to 16 Title I schools serving approximately 7100 students and 1500
employees. Work with principals and schools to ensure the DeKalb County School District continues to
achieve its mission of ensuring student success, leading to higher education, work, and life-long learning.
Manage and ensure Region, Title I, and School Improvement budgets are priority-aligned, based upon
needs assessments and data analyses. Support leaders in creating and monitoring sustainability systems
(CCRPI, Graduation) and carrying out district initiatives.
Accomplishments:
• Lead and develop efforts to build the instructional capacity of administrators in
monitoring subgroup progress and performance targets which lead to increases in
student achievement (as measured by CCRPI) in 12 of 14 schools with 3 schools
showing double-digit gains in the overall score
• Provide tiered support based on CCRPI Indicators through collaboration with Region VI
Micro-cabinet, Division of Curriculum and Instruction, and Georgia DOE
• Lead, support, and facilitate professional learning sessions -Working on the Work
(W.O.W) that included support for assistant principals
• Implement Comprehensive School Improvement Plan “CSIP Support Sessions” to
monitor and support effective implementation of improvement strategies
• Develop and implement Region VI “Power Sessions” aimed at supporting collaboration
and implementation of the C & I modules
• Improved and sustained student achievement by aligning professional learning with
school needs
• Lead and develop Region VI Learning Walks to monitor the District’s curriculum
framework, region priorities, curriculum delivery, and intervention
• Improve region communication processes and enhanced proactive methods of
communication by developing electronic resources for principals
• Enhance Social Emotional Learning opportunities and a focus on self-care by supporting
Caring Adults/Mentorship in all schools
• Work collaboratively with District Coordinators to support District initiatives
Principal, Cedar Grove Middle School 2013 - 2018
DeKalb County School District
Decatur, Georgia
Provided instructional leadership and support to approximately 900 students and 60 employees.
Managed school, financial, physical, and personnel resources to support optimal instruction. Monitored
and administered teacher and leader evaluation programs. Conducted professional learning activities on
evaluation procedures and effective use of evaluation results to improve teacher and leader
effectiveness. Assisted with the assessment of professional learning needs within and across schools
and programs. Set CSIP goals and objectives needed for success. Served as the school’s advocate and
regularly communicated with all stakeholders.
Accomplishments:
• Increased CCRPI score from 47 to 68.3 through monitoring use of data and professional
learning
• Developed, implemented, and led “Tech Tuesdays” to further develop teachers’ efficacy
and duplicate success with digital literacy and instructional technology
• Deployed Digital Dreamers devices to improve student access to instructional
technology (first middle school)
• Partnered with Assessment and Accountability to conduct 100% testing online, before
requirement by District or State of Georgia
• Improved classroom instruction by setting Collaborative and Instructional Planning
protocols for data analysis
• Trained a talented team to create a safe, engaging learning environment
• Utilized Academic coaches for each content area to support teacher efficacy
• Equipped teachers with the necessary resources to meet benchmarks
• Increased parental engagement with teachers by including parents in decision making
• Supported teachers and leaders with professional learning needs, including student
disciplinary decisions
Assistant Principal, Stone Mountain Middle School 2012 - 2013
DeKalb County School District
Stone Mountain, GA
Provided leadership and support to 1000 students in a diverse middle school. Served in lead role in
development of Comprehensive School Improvement Plans with staff, parents and community
stakeholders. Analyzed, disaggregated and presented student achievement data to faculty, staff, and
community. Participated in the evaluation of educational programs. Evaluated faculty and staff
performance and provided research-based best practices to promote improvement. Reviewed
applications, interviewed and selected high-performing teachers. Articulated school’s vision and mission
to community and solicited its support in accomplishing the vision and mission. Served as textbook
coordinator. Served as chairperson of the testing committee. Assisted with fiscal planning and
responsibilities. Supervised all extra-curricular activities. Led the analysis and drafting of the Continuous
Improvement Plan.
Accomplishments:
• Implemented the use of Data Notebooks throughout all content areas
• Increased Writing Scores by 7 points
• Organized and monitored After School Tutorial program (over 200 students)
• Presented data for students, parents, and teachers (Testing, Curriculum, Behavioral, and
Social)
• Served as Building Testing Coordinator and prepared for all mock and state assessments
• Provided in-depth knowledge of standards-based testing, in accordance with state laws
• Developed and maintained Master Schedule
Salem Middle School, Assistant Principal 2010 - 2012
DeKalb County School District
Lithonia, GA
Provided leadership and support to 1100 students. Led planning efforts and coordination of all system-
level professional learning activities. Served in lead role in development of Comprehensive School
Improvement Plans with staff, parents and community stakeholders. Analyzed, disaggregated and
presented student achievement data to faculty, staff, and community. Participated in the evaluation of
educational programs. Evaluated faculty and staff performance and provided research-based best
practices to support curriculum delivery.
Accomplishments:
• Provided organizational and departmental leadership
• Planned, developed, and monitored School Improvement and Title I Budgets
• Served as Building Testing Coordinator and prepared for all mock and state
assessments
• Provided in-depth knowledge of standards-based testing, in accordance with state laws
• Prepared Professional Growth/Development Plans to improve classroom instruction
• Developed and maintained Master Schedule
• Improved classroom instruction, attendance, and discipline
Redan Middle School, Assistant Principal 2003-2010
DeKalb County School District
Lithonia, GA
Provided leadership, support, and in dept knowledge of operational procedures and standards-based
curriculum/instruction. Planned, developed, and conducted workshops for training purposes (Best
Practices, CRCT, Data Analysis). Collaborated with colleagues in support of After School Programs
(Tutorial, Clubs, Athletics). Served as Title I Coordinator and designed policies, procedures, and
curriculum for after school tutorial. Supervised and trained faculty in differentiation of instruction to
enhance instructional delivery. Coordinated, monitored, and evaluated multiple programs with
leadership team.
Accomplishments:
• Supported Special Education Department to meet goals (AYP-2007-2009)
• Increased Professional Learning opportunities that related to teaching the “whole child”
through Differentiated Instruction and Use of Data and Technology Integration
• Collaborated with leadership team and professional staff to provide advisement on
relevant topics
• Served as Building Testing Coordinator and prepared for all mock and state
assessments
• Provided in-depth knowledge of standards-based testing, in accordance with state laws
• Prepared Professional Growth/Development Plans to increase student achievement
• Planned, developed, and assisted School Improvement and Title I Budgets
• Monitored instructional program through School Improvement Plan Steering Committee
• Conducted the following seminars designed to narrow the achievement gap:
“Data-Driven Instruction and AYP” - Leadership Team and teachers (CSIP Committee)
“Keeping Parents Informed” - Title I Parent Night
“Instructional Design/ Springboard and Accountability”-Curriculum Night
“The CRCT and Me” - All eighth-grade students and teachers
Stone Mountain Middle, Assistant Principal 2001 - 2003
DeKalb County School District
Stone Mountain, GA
Served as Title I Coordinator and designed standard operating procedures for after school tutorial
Provided leadership and support to faculty and staff. Analyzed, disaggregated and presented student
achievement data. Participated in the development and evaluation of educational programs. Served as
Full Time Equivalent Facilitator (F.T.E.) coordinator. Evaluated faculty and staff performance and
provided research-based best practices to promote improvement. Conducted new teacher orientation.
Served as Textbook Coordinator and Substitute Coordinator.
Accomplishments
• Led and coordinated SACS-Students made significant gains both academically and
socially
• Data-Driven Instructional Coordinator supported student transition to 6th and 9th grade
• Served as Staff Development Coordinator
• Served as Computer Lab Coordinator/CTSS Supervisor
• Served as Saturday School Administrator (Level I Plans, testing results, FAY)
• Served as Staff Development Liaison (2001-2002)
• Served on Dress Code Committee (2000-2001)
• Served on DeKalb R.E.A.D.S. Steering Committee
• Served on Conflict Resolution Committee Co-Chair
• Served as Honor’s Committee Member
• Served on School Improvement Plan Steering Committee
• Served as member of Pay for Performance Steering Committee
• Served as Curriculum Design Committee Co-Chair
• Served as School-Wide Discipline Committee
• Served as High Achievers Program Coordinator
English Teacher and Team Leader, Stone Mountain Middle School 1998 - 2001
DeKalb County School District
Stone Mountain, Georgia
Taught English to middle school students. Tutored students before and after school to help improve
proficiency on state assessments. Assisted students with writing essays and securing academic
support for the Writing Assessments. Administered, tutored, and prepared assessment tools.
Accomplishments
• Planned and organized the Conflict Resolution Committee
• Served as Character Education Co-Chair (Character Club)
• Designed Conflict Resolution Handbook and Mediation Form
• Prepared an effective environment for instruction
HONORS, AWARDS AND COMMUNITY SERVICE
• Teacher of the Year 2000-2001 Nominee
• Leadership And Service Training (LAST) Academy (2005)
• Peer Mediation Training (1999)
• Who’s Who Among America’s College Students 2004-2005
• Certificate of Leadership (Conflict Resolution)
• Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers 2001-2002
• Dean’s List and Honor Roll 1992-1998
• Member of DeKalb County’s 3rd Leadership Academy
• Meritorious Attendance Recognition
• Parent Teacher Student Association Nominating Committee (2003)
• Digital Dreamers Technology Advisory Committee
• Ladies Auxiliary Award
AFFILIATIONS
• Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education
• National Middle School Association (NMSA)
• National Education Association
• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
• Kappa Delta Epsilon (President 1995-96)
• Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society
• Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD)
• Georgia Association of Educational Leaders (GAEL)
REFERENCES