Atlanta's finalist for school superintendent, Meria Carstarphen, answered questions from parents all day Saturday as she visited six high schools across the city.
Carstarphen, who could be hired by the Atlanta school board next month, told community members she’d work with them to improve everything from graduation rates to the taste of cafeteria food.
During her stop at Maynard Jackson High School in Glenwood Park, she said she wants to strengthen communications with parents and make administrators better serve schools.
“If you flip the organizational chart on its head, that’s probably a better way of looking at how I see central office administration,” she said, receiving a round of applause from more than 50 people in attendance.
Carstarphen said she would attempt to raise graduation rates by reaching children when they’re young, offering early childhood education opportunities and continuing to provide support through high school.
The crowd gave her a standing ovation, and teachers and parents said she she left a strong first impression.
“She’s amazing — a breath of fresh air with her warmness and authenticity,” said Christal Presley, a data coach who works at Jackson High.
Chris Murphy, chairman of Jackson High’s local school council, said he hopes Carstarphen can make administrators more responsive to the needs of students, parents and teachers.
“She said the culture is going to change to the point where the central office supports the school, not the other way around,” he said.
In addition to Jackson High, Carstarphen met with communities at Washington High, North Atlanta High, Grady High, South Atlanta High and Mays High throughout the day.
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