Most removed DeKalb principals now to remain in administrative positions

One of several DeKalb elementary school principals removed from their posts in May by Superintendent Steve Green will now report to Dunwoody High School as an assistant principal.

One of several DeKalb elementary school principals removed from their posts in May by Superintendent Steve Green will now report to Dunwoody High School as an assistant principal.

Three more DeKalb County School District principals removed from their positions in early May have accepted jobs as assistant principals in the district.

DeKalb Board of Education member Stan Jester posted on his blog that the district was placing 27 assistant principals at schools across the district. Of those, four were principals removed from their posts by Superintendent Steve Green.

Ledra Jemison, previously Stoneview Elementary School’s principal, will become an assistant principal at Stone Mountain Middle School. Ethan Suber, who previously led Panola Way Elementary School, heads to Stephenson Middle School. Karen Williams, formerly of Shadow Rock Elementary School, will go to Dunwoody High School.

Rodney Mallory, Oak View Elementary School’s principal last year, already had been named assistant principal at DeKalb Alternative School.

Michael Williamson, formerly principal at Rock Chapel Elementary School, became an instructional technology manager. Zack Phillips, who led Flat Rock Elementary School, will be a coordinator in the early childhood division. Terry Segovis (International Student Center) and Sylvia Pilson (Snapfinger Elementary School) retired from the school district.

Dominique Terrell, who was removed from Dresden Elementary School, accepted a teacher contract.

Nine of the 27 new assistant principals came from outside the school district.

The district also recently announced 17 new principals. Of those, at least eight came from outside the district.

Studies suggest administrative stability impacts teacher turnover, and DeKalb Schools lost 900 teachers during the 2016-2017 school year. Atlanta Public Schools officials said recently the district's teacher retention rate had improved to just over 90 percent, citing few administrative moves as being mostly responsible.

When the DeKalb County School District lost 900 teachers last year, Green said he expected turnover during his first year as people adjusted to an expected higher standard of performance under his leadership.