School systems are often the largest employers in a county, and a major school system’s budget can run near or north of $1 billion.

So when looking for a new superintendent, do you want someone with an Master of Business Administration or a Doctor of Education degree?

Fulton County school board members are asking themselves that question as they conduct a national search for a new superintendent.

Kenneth Zeff, who is serving as interim superintendent since Robert Avossa stepped down as superintendent in June, brings business acumen and a policy background over those who have taught students, served as principals and worked their way up to become district administrators. But will he be the final choice?

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution lays out what school board members are struggling with as they lost a regional educational leader and look for his replacement.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Uta Thomas picks up her son, Jax, during a public hearing in Atlanta on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. She implored the school board not to close Dunbar Elementary. 
"You would centralize education to decentralized families," she said. "You would break apart a community hub." (Abbey Cutrer / AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com

Featured

Passengers wait at a Delta check-in counter at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025. It was the first day the Federal Aviation Administration cut flight capacity at airports during the government shutdown. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com