Atlanta school board gives new superintendent high marks

Atlanta school superintendent Meria Carstarphen has exceeded the school board's expectations in her first year, board chairman Courtney English said Monday evening.

Carstarphen began work as Atlanta’s new superintendent last summer.

The school board conducted Carstarphen’s evaluation Monday behind closed doors, as allowed by state law, to get an “unvarnished view” of the district’s status, English said.

Under Carstarphen's leadership, Atlanta Public Schools submitted its application for charter system status on time, increased the number of students graduating and reformed the district's budget process, English said. Carstarphen also improved how the district hires educators and finds substitutes, he said.

“We are pleased with her progress after the first year,” English said.