A top Atlanta Public Schools official who had been expected to serve as the new superintendent of the Portland, Oregon, schools has withdrawn his candidacy for that job.
“After deep reflection I have decided to pursue other PreK-12 opportunities and to continue my consulting work, supporting other school districts in their effort to implement reforms that improve achievement for all students,” Atlanta Public Schools Chief Schools and Academics Officer Donyall Dickey wrote in a letter to the Portland school board Thursday.
It’s unclear if Dickey, who oversees Atlanta’s education program and an expensive and ambitious plan to improve low-performing schools, will remain with the Atlanta school district.
Dickey has not responded to requests for comment from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
In response to questions, Atlanta schools spokesperson Kimberly Willis Green provided a statement saying, “The district can confirm that Dr. Dickey has a contract with Atlanta Public Schools through June 30, 2017. Any questions regarding his future plans should be directed to Dr. Dickey.”
It’s unclear why Dickey, who had been named sole finalist to lead the Portland schools two months ago, withdrew from consideration.
But, “We were clear from our standpoint that we needed a superintendent that was going to be here working 100 percent of the time,” Portland school board chairman Tom Koehler told Oregon Public Broadcasting Thursday. “I think Donyall may have wanted some more flexibility. Throughout the process, it became clear that it was not the best fit for either party.”
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