DeKalb school board takes no action on superintendent search for chief as protesters rally

A photo provided by Georgia Federation of Teachers president Verdaillia Turner shows a protest outside the DeKalb County school board office on Monday, May 18, 2020.

A photo provided by Georgia Federation of Teachers president Verdaillia Turner shows a protest outside the DeKalb County school board office on Monday, May 18, 2020.

This story has been updated.

A teachers group called for the DeKalb County school board to hire a superintendent finalist the board rejected last week.

The Georgia Federation of Teachers issued a news release today saying the group continues to support Rudy Crew, the president of New York’s Medgar Evers College, as the choice for DeKalb superintendent.

The school board met again today in executive session to discuss the search for a leader. The teachers union said it expects the board “to revisit its position” on Crew’s appointment, but the board adjourned the meeting without taking action.

“Today the board met in executive session to discuss next steps in the superintendent search. We will share additional updates as we are able,” the board said in a statement issued after the meeting.

Nearly two dozen people, including representatives of the federation, protested outside the school board office today.

Rudy Crew (HANDOUT PHOTO)

icon to expand image

A week ago, the DeKalb school board made the unusual move to not hire Crew after naming him as their top pick for the district's top job. The board voted 4-3 on May 11 to not hire Crew after public push back over his history leading school districts in New York City and Miami.

Federation president Verdaillia Turner said about 23 people protested this morning outside the school board office. One person held a sign reading “Hire a man who knows public schools” and another held a sign saying “Rudy, right man for tough times,” according to photographs Turner provided.

A photo provided by Georgia Federation of Teachers president Verdaillia Turner shows a protest outside the DeKalb County school board office on Monday, May 18, 2020.

icon to expand image

“We were as astonished as others were when Dr. Crew was not approved,” said Turner, in a written statement.