Rockdale School Board picks Fayette leader as top candidate for Rockdale schools Superintendent

Dr. Terry O. Oatts, Assistant Superintendent for Student Achievement in Fayette County Schools, has been selected by the Rockdale Board of Education as the sole finalist for Rockdale Schools superintendent.

Information on Oatts will be available at the Board office and posted on the district website at www.rockdaleschools.org, effective Friday, April 20, 2018 and for the following 14 days prior to the Board taking final action.

Jim McBrayer, Board Chair, applauded Shirley Chesser for serving as interim superintendent.

“On behalf of the Board of Education, I want to express our sincere appreciation to Mrs. Shirley Chesser for the tremendous work she has done as interim superintendent,” McBrayer said.

“Mrs. Chesser will continue in her role as Chief Academic Officer as we strive to fulfill our core mission of student success.”

Over the last several months, under the guidance of the Georgia School Boards Association as search provider, the Board completed a survey of its expectations for the next superintendent, posted and reviewed the results of a survey of the community and school district staff to seek input as to the characteristics desired in a new superintendent, adopted qualifications for the position, approved and disseminated a recruitment brochure, reviewed applications, and interviewed candidates that appeared to have closely met qualifications.

Seventy-seven candidates viewed or started an application for the Rockdale Superintendent position. Applications were received from a broad range of applicants from across the country. From these, 37 individuals fully completed and submitted an application and provided all required supporting documentation by the posted deadline. Following review and vetting of all submitted applications, four candidates were disqualified for failing to meet required qualifications; two candidates withdrew; nine candidates were selected for close review by the board and six candidates were selected for interview, as the Board sought to determine those candidates best qualified for the position.

Following deliberations by the Board, one candidate, Dr. Oatts, was determined to be the best qualified for the position.

The Board will provide further updates regarding Dr. Oatts, as well as activities and events planned for welcoming him to the Rockdale community and his official reporting date.