Agenda Item
3. Interim Superintendent's Transition Plan and Vision Casting ~ Updated 1.21.2026
Summary: Presented by: Dr. Norman C. Sauce III, Interim Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Norman C. Sauce III
Interim Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Norman C. Sauce III
Interim Superintendent of Schools
• CLARITY
• CONSISTENCY
• COHERENCE
• RELATIONSHIPS
• RECEPTIVENESS
• RESPONSIVENESS
Forward Together
Leading with Clarity, Consistency, and Coherence
Vision Casting and Transition Plan
Dr. Norman C. Sauce III
Interim Superintendent of Schools
January 21, 2026
Our North Star
Every child deserves access to excellent teaching, safe schools, strong wellness
supports, and opportunities to reach their full potential.
Vision
To prepare students for success as lifelong learners and responsible global citizens
Mission
To promote the academic, social, and emotional growth of each student by fostering
a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment
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Leading with Clarity, Consistency & Coherence
Clarity
Ensures that families, staff, and the Board understand the rationale behind decisions.
Consistency
Ensures that schools operate with stable and predictable systems.
Coherence
Ensures that departments collaborate effectively, aligning resources and supports
across the district in service of student success and Strategic Plan goals.
We will build coherence through strong relationships, active receptiveness, and timely
responsiveness.
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The 3 Rs: Building Trust
The 3Rs define how we build trust, learn from stakeholder voices, and respond with
purpose:
Relationships
We will build and sustain trust-based relationships with students, families, staff, and
community partners as the foundation for collaboration and shared accountability.
Receptiveness
We will listen intentionally to stakeholder voices and data, valuing diverse perspectives
to inform learning and equitable decision-making.
Responsiveness
We will act with purpose and urgency, translating insights into aligned decisions,
strategic resource allocation, and effective actions.
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Strategic Priorities Overview
Strong Teaching and Learning
Strengthening literacy and math instruction with coaching, professional development,
and proper resources.
Student Mental Health & Wellness
Expanding access to counselors, social workers, and mental health services.
A District That Supports Schools
Simplifying processes, improving communication, and aligning resources to empower
principals.
Family & Community Engagement
Creating engagement opportunities and strengthening multilingual communication.
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Literacy Support: Our Foundation
Defined District-wide Literacy Plan: Defined and widely known blueprint for standardized and matriculated
approach to structured literacy instruction across the grade bands
Kindergarten Support: Paraprofessionals in every kindergarten classroom to support literacy and numeracy
instruction
Reading Facilitators: Direct coaching and modeling in all elementary and middle schools (3-4 schools per
facilitator)
Reading Specialists: Small group instruction (5-10 students) for below grade-level readers based on Milestones
and MAP results
Science of Reading Training: Continuous access to structured literacy training for teachers and leaders
External Partnerships: Collaboration with entities providing grants, advisory support, and advocacy
Common Curriculum: Development of consistent materials for phonics, literacy, and ELA across grade bands
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Literacy
Readiness
Indicator
Data Dashboard
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Literacy
Readiness
Indicator
Data Dashboard
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Academic Excellence & Opportunities
Expanding Access
• All 17 career pathways geographically accessible across DeKalb County
• High school credit-bearing courses in all middle schools (e.g., Algebra, Physical Science, Foreign Language)
• Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment in underserved clusters
• 3DE programming with Junior Achievement
• Early learning access in each geographic section of DeKalb County
Supporting All Learners
• Full implementation of English Learners Master Plan
• Expanded gifted education screening and services
• Specialized classroom settings for students on the Autism spectrum
• Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) for academic and behavioral interventions
• Timely, accurate, inclusive, and informed academic scheduling
• Academic programming options for high school students in need of alternatively timed schooling
• Adopting, training, implementing, supporting, and monitoring clear Tier I instruction across all grade bands
and content areas
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Personnel: Investing in People
Student-Based Budgeting Model
Allocating resources based on student needs, promoting equity by directing dollars where needs
are greatest
Teacher Recruitment and Retention
• Voluntary Incentive Transfer Program: Fiscal incentives for experienced teachers to serve
hard-to-staff schools
• Teacher Hiring Incentive Program: Significant longitudinal incentives for external high-
performing teachers
• Protected Planning Time: Common practices ensuring ample time for grading, planning, and
parent correspondence
Leadership Development
Cohort-based programming to identify and support high-potential employees across all divisions
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Personnel: Investing in People
DeKalb Principal Pathway (DPP) is designed for experienced assistant principals and district leaders who aspire to
serve as principals within DeKalb County School District.
Eligibility: Minimum of four years as an assistant Early Impact (2025-2026 Cohort 2):
principal; Tier II certification or higher
The 2025-2026 cohort currently has six aspiring
Components: Resume, leadership credentials, principals in the program. One was recently selected
written instructional leadership reflection, current to serve as an elementary school principal.
principal references and 90-second video detailing
their leadership philosophy.
Early Impact (2024-2025 Cohort 1):
Scoring: Rubric-based, multi-review process (double
blind scoring) conducted by district leadership The 2024-2025 cohort had 15 participants selected
for the inaugural program. Three have been hired as
Selection Factors: Instructional leadership, equity-
high school principals, and the others are actively
centered decision-making, collaboration,
interviewing and applying.
communication, systems thinking
Outcome: Six selected candidates notified by
Leadership Development in July 2025
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Personnel: Investing in People
DeKalb Leadership Institute (DLI) develops aspiring assistant principals who are committed to equity, excellence,
and continuous improvement.
Applications Received: 280 educators districtwide Early Impact
Eligibility: 4+ years teaching; Tier 1 or 2 certificate (or Two DLI candidates have been promoted to assistant
enrolled) principal roles. These promotions reflect the strength
Components: Resume, leadership credentials, written of the DLI pipeline and its intentional focus on
reflection, and 90-second video developing equity-driven, instructionally strong
leaders prepared to step confidently into school
Scoring: Two-round, rubric-based, First Round blind leadership roles.
review by 15 district level evaluators
Elementary School (1)
Selection Factors: Instructional leadership, equity,
collaboration, communication, and AP readiness High School (1)
Outcome: 42 were accepted candidates notified July
7, 2025
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Operational Excellence: Operations & Technology
Facilities and Sustainability
• Timely resolution of work orders with real-time tracking
• Integration of eco-friendly fleet (electric & hybrid vehicles)
• Solar and energy-reducing systems for district buildings
• New Division of Capital Improvements
Technology and Data
• Enhancing instructional delivery, data management, and administrative workflows with
advanced technology
• IT infrastructure upgrades for reliability and security
• Public-facing data dashboards (e.g., academics, enrollment, attendance, discipline,
fiscal efficiency)
• Real-time data integration with student information systems
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Operational Excellence: Human Resources & Finance
Optimizing Human Resources’ Processes
• Streamline recruitment, onboarding, and performance management for
improved human resource efficiency
• Ensure infrastructure exists to respond to inquiries from applicants, new hires,
and employees within 48 hours
Financial Integrity and Oversight
• Focus on rigorous budget oversight, transparent reporting, and strategic
resource allocation to support goals
• Effectively and accurately adopt the time and attendance system
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Public Safety: Protecting Our Students
Community-Based Policing Principles
Our Department of Public Safety partners with stakeholders to proactively solve safety issues,
not simply react to potential crime.
Staffing and Training
• At least 95% fill rates for safety associates, campus supervisors, and school resource officers
• Elementary safety associates at all elementary schools
• Campus supervisors and SROs at all middle and high schools
Prevention and Detection
• Building trust for proactive reporting of potentially dangerous circumstances
• Implementation of weapons detection systems (hardware, software, training, personnel)
• Creating the safest learning environments possible
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Wrap-Around Services & Student Wellness
Health & Mental Health
• Well-resourced school nursing personnel in every school
• Expansion of school-based health centers and SAFE centers across all grade bands
• Restorative practices and de-escalation training for staff
Counseling & Guidance
• Adequate access to school counselors for college and career readiness
• Expanded partnerships for scholarships, grants, and financial support
• Mentoring program options for students and/or families who need or desire formal mentors
Post-Graduation Tracking
• Systems to collect and report on former students' qualitative and quantitative outcomes
after graduating from DCSD
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Transition Plan: Cycle of Inquiry & Action
• Community forums with stakeholders
• Individual Board member meetings
• Review of organizational structure and budgets
• Analysis of student outcomes data
Immersing • Policy and practice review
• Leadership team retreats
• Division Chief meetings
• Regular school visits (5+ per week)
• Stakeholder surveys and focus groups
Experiencing • Partnership development
• Cross-divisional collaboration
• Communication protocol development
• Impact measurement and refinement
• Resource alignment
Leveraging • Continuous improvement planning
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Moving Forward Together
"DeKalb's true identity is rooted in its people. Our passion, our perseverance,
and our belief in our children define us. And together, we will move this district
forward in a way that honors our children and strengthens our community."
- Dr. Norman C. Sauce III
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