The Atlanta Public Schools board will introduce two superintendent finalists to the public next week, forging ahead with its search just days after a third candidate withdrew from consideration.
Cheryl L.H. Atkinson, superintendent of Lorain City Public Schools in Ohio, and Bonita Coleman-Potter, deputy superintendent of Prince George's County Public Schools in Maryland, will participate in a public forum from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at the district's downtown central office, 130 Trinity Ave. SW.
The event is part of a whirlwind, two-day trip for both candidates, who are vying to replace outgoing Superintendent Beverly Hall. They will spend Tuesday interviewing privately with city school board members. They also will tour select APS schools and facilities.
Board members made plans early this week to bring in all three original candidates for the job. The third, Barbara M. Jenkins, an Atlanta native and deputy superintendent of schools in Orange County, Fla., then notified the board Tuesday she was withdrawing from consideration.
Hall leaves Thursday as APS superintendent. Erroll Davis, who retires the same day as University System of Georgia chancellor, has agreed to serve as interim superintendent starting July 1 until a permanent replacement is named. Davis' contract, including how much the board will pay him, is still being finalized.
The three finalists, picked from an overall field of 70, were all seasoned educators, experienced in systems of more than 100,000 students and well-versed in urban school reform efforts. They also were unknown in national education circles. None had led a major urban school system. Members chose them after conducting private interviews with them and two other candidates earlier this month.
Board members have indicated that they could decide as soon at their next regular business meeting, July 11, which candidate they want for the job. They are under no obligation to do so, however. Davis said earlier this week he would hold the interim position for a minimum of four weeks and said it could last as long as a year.
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