DeKalb Schools chief of staff takes new position reporting to school board

DeKalb County Board of Education member Joyce Morley said Friday she was excited to begin working closer with Tyson. She added that the move was something Tyson wanted, saying she has been the “backbone” of the school district for nearly a decade.

"She's the reason we got full accreditation back," Morley said, crediting Tyson for her role in steering the district from a $14 million deficit and administrative mismanagement.

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According to the job description, the person will be “responsible for assisting the (DeKalb Board of Education) in accomplishing its policy goals, managing the board office team, and negotiating high stakes political, policy, programmatic, and development initiatives, with the goal of accomplishing the (district) mission, “To inspire our community of learners to achieve educational excellence.”

The former office administrator position is being reclassified to accommodate the move. The former position states a pay range of $59,137.38 to $80,381.68.

Salary range for the new position is still being determined. Tyson currently makes $178,115. Because she is under contract with the school district, her salary may not change until the end of the current fiscal year.

Tyson, who has been with the district more than 30 years, has previously served as interim superintendent, among other titles.

Tyson's leaving the superintendent's cabinet comes as Chief Information Officer Gary Brantley leaves the district for the city of Atlanta, where he will hold the same position.