DeKalb superintendent search continues, but not without concern

DeKalb County is moving forward with the search for a new school superintendent, despite concerns from board members that the district is now "radioactive" to potential candidates.

Last week, Dunwoody school board representative Nancy Jester sent out an email on behalf of herself and board members Don McChesney, Pam Speaks and Paul Womack, saying recent confidentiality leaks had damaged the district's ability to attract candidates.

"We are convinced that the latest leak has made DeKalb radioactive to potential candidates," they wrote. "These actions have damaged the students, employees and the taxpayers of DeKalb County."

Members of the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce also weighed in separately, urging the district to keep interim Superintendent Ramona Tyson and take time finding a replacement.

But board Chairman Tom Bowen said the hiring process was moving ahead and the district planned to have someone in place by October, when the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools will review DeKalb's accreditation status.

The agency ordered DeKalb to take several actions -- including or risk further sanctions.

Bowen said DeKalb continues to draw interested candidates.

"Rather than focus on bumps in the road, the focus should be on making sure we select the right person, so we can start off having full board support for the candidate," he said.

At one time four metro Atlanta counties were looking for a new superintendent, but now there are only two, Atlanta and DeKalb. Last week, three finalists were named for the Atlanta position, which opens when Beverly Hall retires this month. Fulton's new school chief, Robert Avossa, started June 1 and Cobb's new superintendent, Michael Hinojosa, starts July 1.

DeKalb's original goal was to have someone in place by July 1. Three finalists were named in March, but all dropped out, including top choice Lillie Cox, who withdrew after details about her contract negotiations were leaked to the media.

San Antonio school chief Robert Durón's name has surfaced as a candidate in media reports, triggering Jester and the other board members to pen the letter. The four said Durón was their No. 1 choice from the beginning, and they urged community members to write the five other board members in support of him.

Jester said she had no comment beyond the email.

Board members have privately discussed the letter, which highlighted divisions on the school board and provided a glimpse into the sluggish hiring process.  Bowen said the letter was improper but that the board is moving forward.

A critical next step will be extending Tyson's contract, which expires June 30. Tyson said she wants to do what's in the best interest of the school district.

"If that means serving as interim for a few additional months, I am willing to do so," she said.

Others would like Tyson to stay on even longer. She's won praise from parents and the business community for her leadership style and accomplishments.

Tyson was named interim superintendent in February 2010 after then-Superintendent Crawford Lewis took a leave of absence. Lewis was later fired and indicted on charges of running a criminal enterprise in the school system.