Overview:
In a surprising move, interim Atlanta Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Danielle Battle shook up the senior leadership team on her first official day on the job.
In a surprising move, interim Atlanta Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Danielle Battle shook up the senior leadership team on her first official day on the job. During the first board meeting of her tenure on Tuesday, September 5th, Dr. Battle will present the five familiar faces for appointment:
- Dr. Timothy Gadson, III Deputy Superintendent
- Erica Long, Chief of Staff
- Sherri Forrest, Special Assistant to the Superintendent
- Lyndsay Evans, Executive Director, Federal Programs
- Dr. Isaac Sparks, Executive Director, Office of Deputy Superintendent
- Sandra Murray, Senior Administrative Manager
Each appointment has spent time in Atlanta Public Schools in a variety of roles from Associate Superintendent to Program Manager. Dr. Timothy Gadson was most recently the Superintendent of Salt Lake City School District but spent time in Atlanta Public Schools during Maria Carstarphen’s tenure as the Associate Superintendent for High Schools.
Erica Long, a graduate of Douglass High School, most recently worked in policy and government affairs in the school system and previously in the Georgia Department of Education, will work alongside Dr. Battle to implement the board’s vision. Sherry Forrest most recently worked for the Georgia Department of Education but previously worked in the Schools and Academic Division in Atlanta Public Schools with turnaround schools. Lyndsay Evans will lead Federal Programs after working in federal programs for a number of years and with a background in Title 1, II, and IV. Dr. Isaac Sparks most recently worked as a Program Manager in his previous role in Atlanta Public Schools and oversaw initiatives such as graduation and college and career readiness.
These changes come a day after Dr. Battle relayed the vision of the district that will focus on literacy, resources, transparency, staffing, and accountability and stakeholders who have questioned the Central Office staff handling funds and supporting schools.
“The synergy of committed professionals who are laser-focused on a shared goal can create an environment where miracles are not just possible but expected,” Dr. Battle said. “We will be accountable to one another, transparent in our actions, and unwavering in our commitment to educational excellence.”
These appointments will be presented to the Atlanta Board of Education at their September 5th meeting.