It’s been quite the journey, hasn’t it?
From the original pool of 43 applicants, to the public
interviews of the top 5, and even down to the final 2 decided on June 23, the
Board of Education has been diligently searching for the best fit as
Superintendent of Decatur City Schools.
Vice president of the board, Donnie Lane expounded on the
search saying, “Regarding our selection process, the number and quality of the
candidates was exceptional. The top two were literally millimeters apart in my
opinion.”
But the search is over, and on Monday, June 26, 2017, Board
of Education members appointed Dr. Michael Douglas as the Decatur City Schools
Superintendent.
Douglas, 44, has a long history of involvement in education,
and comes directly from the Superintendent position within Oneonta City
Schools. Prior to his position in Oneonta, Douglas was principal of Arab High
School, and has 8 years of administrative experience as principal of
elementary, middle, and high schools in 3 school systems.
Despite his many positions of authority, Douglas said in his
interview, “My proudest accomplishment is that I was named Marshall County
teacher of the year in 2006.” This title was achieved during his 6 years of
teaching in multiple Marshall County schools.
Douglas’ years of experience seem to be the perfect fit for
Decatur City Schools. Board member Peggy Baggett says, “I look forward to
moving ahead and getting stability in our system.”
And while stability is a must, Douglas also brings to the
table many skills which position him as a capable leader in Decatur.
Board member Dwight Jett mentioned some of those skills
specifically. “He (Douglas) said some things in his phone interview that really
encouraged me, especially about Global Scholar and A+ College Ready.” Decatur
City Schools is in a transitional time when expertise in both programs will be
valuable.
But once the attention has died down, the press finally
leaves him alone in his office, and all four other candidates settle in
somewhere else, Douglas will have a big job to do.
Douglas said in his interview that his first 90 days would
be busy. “First I want to hold meetings with teachers to hear what they need
and want. Next, I’ll hold meetings with principals to hear their perspectives.
Then, I would plan Institute Day (the back-to-school assembly of all
employees). Honestly, the teachers in this state need a pick-me-up. I’m going
to tell them to change lives, and I’m going to tell them I’ve got their backs.”
While that sounds like a lot for just 90 days, Douglas says
that the secret is listening. “I’m a listening guy. I want to start in the district
by listening to what they need, and then adjusting to what they say.”
Listening is important to Douglas; as is leading. During his
interview for Oneonta Superintendent in July 2014, Douglas defined his
leadership as Superintendent.
“Be a part of the community and lead by example and action.
Be very visible, open, friendly, accessible. I’m a community Superintendent.”
Not much has changed in 3 years, because Douglas echoed
those same sentiments when he interviewed for Decatur City Schools this month.
“I’m a community Superintendent. I’m going to speak at clubs
in Decatur, eat in Decatur, go to church in Decatur; it’s a 365-day job. I’m
going to get my hair cut in Decatur; it’s just what I do.”
Douglas anticipates being able to start in Decatur within 2
weeks, giving him plenty of time to settle in before school starts in the fall.
And when he does settle in, he’s got a big job. Douglas
says, “I look forward to having the ability to impact 8400+ students. That’s my
biggest number yet.”
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