Overview:
Rockdale County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Terry Oatts will retire on February 14, 2025, after 31 years in education.
Rockdale County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Terry Oatts has announced his retirement, effective February 14, 2025, after the board went into an executive session on Thursday night (Feb. 13 to discuss land, legal, and human resource matters.
The Rockdale County Board of Education has accepted Dr. Oatts’ retirement and appointed Chief Academic Officer Shirley Chesser as Acting Superintendent, effective immediately. To ensure a smooth transition, Dr. Oatts will remain a consultant for the district through March 31, 2025.
Oatts announced his retirement following a dispute with the Rockdale Board of Education regarding changes he requested in December 2024 to a contract he signed in 2023, which extended his term through the 2026-2027 school year. The board denied his request. Additionally, Oatts faced public criticism over his performance and other concerns.
“This is not an easy decision after so many years in public education, but one that is best for my family and me,” Oatts said in a statement. “I look forward to new and exciting pursuits as I create my next chapter. Being superintendent of Rockdale County Public Schools has been the most rewarding professional experience in my career and has been an immense honor.”
During his tenure, Dr. Oatts led Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) through significant academic achievements. Under his leadership, the district saw an increase in Advanced Placement (AP) course participation, a rise in the number of AP Scholars, and all three high schools recognized as AP Honor Schools. The district also celebrated a record number of students named as nominees and semifinalists in the Governor’s Honors Program (GHP), as well as an increase in gifted student enrollment. Additionally, RCPS reached its highest-ever graduation rate at 88.75%.
Beyond academic gains, the district improved career and technical education opportunities. Under Dr. Oatts’ leadership, career pathway enrollment and completion increased, Work-Based Learning and Youth Apprenticeship programs expanded, and the district’s Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) graduation rate rose to a record-high 99.5%.
Dr. Oatts also played a key role in expanding educational access in Rockdale County by bringing Georgia Military College to the community, providing students with local higher education options. He prioritized student safety by implementing policies such as a clear bookbag requirement, deploying OpenGate weapons detection systems, and installing the EPIC rapid alert system across the district. Additionally, he spearheaded a partnership with Kids-Doc-On-Wheels to provide healthcare services for students and families who might otherwise struggle to access care.
Rockdale County Board of Education Chairwoman Sandra Jackson-Lett expressed gratitude for Dr. Oatts’ contributions. “We congratulate Dr. Oatts on his retirement and wish him the best,” she said. “We appreciate all that he has done for the children and families of Rockdale County. We look forward to working with Shirley Chesser to move this school district forward.”
As Dr. Oatts prepares for retirement, RCPS looks ahead to continued growth and academic success under new leadership.