Latashia Searcy- rd

                             Latashia W. Searcy, EdD



Eexecutive Leadership Profile
Educational leader with experience as an Interim Executive Director, Principal, Assistant Principal, and
Teacher, specializing in district-wide mentoring systems, strategic partnerships, student engagement,
and equity-centered program design. Proven ability to design, scale, and evaluate mentoring initiatives
that improve behavior, attendance, and academic outcomes. Trusted advisor to district leadership with
a strong record of cross-department collaboration, budget stewardship, and community partnership
development.

Core Leadership Competencies
   ▪   District-Wide Mentoring Systems
   ▪   Strategic Planning & SMARTIE Goal Alignment
   ▪   Community & Corporate Partnerships
   ▪   Budget Management & Grant Alignment
   ▪   Program Evaluation & Data Dashboards
   ▪   Student Engagement & Equity Initiatives
   ▪   Staff Supervision & Capacity Building
   ▪   School Climate & Culture Improvement

Professional Experience
Interim Executive Director | Student Mentorship & Partnerships Department
DeKalb County School District, 2025 to Present
    ▪ Provide executive leadership in establishing and sustaining a comprehensive districtwide
       mentoring framework to strengthen student support systems and mentor effectiveness
    ▪ Establish systems of supervision, professional support, and professional learning for staff,
       advocates, coordinators, and mentors to promote program fidelity and sustainability
    ▪ Oversee budget development, grant administration, contracts, and vendor operations to ensure
       compliance, efficiency, and impact
    ▪ Leverage data systems to monitor student outcomes, evaluate program effectiveness, and
       inform strategic decision-making
    ▪ Lead districtwide mentoring initiatives, including My Brother’s Keeper, Our Sister’s Keeper,
       FACE Advocates, and community patnerships, supporting students across elementary, middle
       and high schools
    ▪ Increased MBK mentoring programs by 33% and OSK mentoring programs by 31 % in one
       semester
    ▪ Led and coordinated over 222 in-person and virtual support visits in one semester, in
       collaboration with senior advisor, to strenghten FACE Advocate implementation and
       effectiveness
   ▪   Directed the planning and delivery of the first districtwide MBK and OSK Induction Ceremony
       to elevate program presence, stakeholder engagement, and student committment
   ▪   Communicate program progress and impact through formal presentations and reports to district
       leadership, ensuring transparency and accountability
   ▪   Ensure program compliance with district protocols, policies, and legal requirements

Principal | Miller Grove High School
DeKalb County School District, 2018 – 2025
   ▪ Provided instructional and operational leadership to foster a safe, inclusive, and welcoming
       learning environment that promoted student engagement, well-being, and academic success
   ▪ Established, led, and empowered leadership teams to develop, implement, and evaluate the
       school’s vision, mission, and improvement plan for sustainable growth and performance
   ▪ Led schoolwide initiatives to improve student achievement, graduation rate, attendance, and
       overall school culture
   ▪ Maintained a graduation rate above 80% for five consecutive years
   ▪ Achieved the highest 4-year cohort graduation rate in the school’s history - 83.4%
   ▪ Oversaw budget management, staffing allocations, and resource utilization to support school
       operations and student achievment
   ▪ Enhanced comprehensive student support systems, including mentoring, counseling, and
       targeted intervention programs, to improve student outcomes
   ▪ Ensured compliance with district policies, state regulations, and accountability standards

Assistant Principal | Miller Grove High School
DeKalb County School District, 2006 – 2018
   ▪ Led master schedule development to ensure optimal course offerings, proper student placement,
       graduation requirements, and efficient staffing
   ▪ Served on the Title I/School Improvement Team to manage the Title I budget and ensure
       compliance with federal programs, and school improvement priorities
   ▪ Provided direct instructional leadership to the ELA department by supporting curriculum
       alignement, literacy initiatives, instructiional rigor, and assessment practices
   ▪ Faciliate PL sessions based on schoolwide and deparmental needs
   ▪ Advocated strongly for students to ensure equitable access to academic supports, behavioral
       interventions, and enrichment opportunities
   ▪ Met regularly with parents/guardians to address concerns, resolve conflicts, support student
       success, and strengthen school-home partnerships
   ▪ Analyzed student achievement, attendance, and behavior data to identify trends, implement
       interventions, and improve overall school performance
   ▪ Coordinated and oversaw the SST and 504 processes to ensure compliance, effective
       interventions, and equitable student support
   ▪ Served as the Testing Coordinator for all assessments

Teaching Experience
DeKalb County School District
Teacher | Miller Grove High School – 9th & 11th Grade ELA, 2004 – 2006
Teacher | Stone Mountain High School – American Literature, 2001 – 2004
Phenix City School System
Teacher | South Girard Jr. High School – 7th Grade ELA, 1997 – 2001
   ▪ Developed a strong instructional foundation by fostering student engagement, academic
      growth, and positive classroom culture

Education
Doctor of Education, Instructional Leadership, 2007
University of Sarasota, Sarasota, FL

Education Specialist, Curriculum and Instruction, 2005
University of Sarasota, Sarasota, FL

Education Specialist, English, 1999
Troy University, Phenix City, AL

Masters of Science, Education, 1997
Jacksonville State University, Jacksonville, AL

Bachelor of Arts, English, 1995
Talladega College, Talladega, AL

Certifications
Georgia Educational Leadership, Tier II (L-7)
Georgia Professional Teaching Certificate, English, 6-12 (T-7)

Honors & Awards
Region V Principal of the Year | DCSD, 2023
ESPOTY | DCSD, 2017
Teacher of the Year | South Girard Jr. High School, 1999