The biggest news for the 2023-24 school year is the arrival of our new leader, Superintendent Devon Horton. He started the job on July 1st and has hit the ground running! Dr. Horton’s background is teaching and learning, so he is focused on the classroom. We are excited to see him move the needle on student success.
School leaders across the district have voiced the need for instructional support. As part of a comprehensive reorganization, that need will be met. Superintendent Horton is shifting the regional model to a more instructional-need-based model. For the Tucker Cluster, this means there will be specialized support for specific grade levels. Instead of a Regional Superintendent focused on all pre-K through 12th grade issues (facilities, technology, HR, academics, etc.), there will be Area Superintendents primarily focused on teaching, learning, and student support. The Tucker Cluster will have an Area Superintendent for the high school, another for the middle school, and one for the elementary schools. These Area Superintendents will have team members focused on distinct grade-level needs, such as English Language Learners, Exceptional Education, Early Literacy, and Culture and Climate. This model should empower Tucker’s principals to efficiently obtain the support they need.
New this year are additional staff in the following areas: psychologists, social workers, school nurses, gifted teachers, art/music/PE teachers, custodians, and ESOL specialists. Also, each school will have a new Library Media Assistant position. The FY24 budget includes a 6% cost-of-living adjustments for all full and part-time employees, step increases (which translate into an average of $5,000 for teachers), retention incentives, and hourly rate increases for bus drivers, paraprofessionals, and school resource officers.
Safety has been a focus for the Tucker Cluster, and several safety initiatives will be visible when school starts. Evolv weapons detection systems have been installed at Tucker High School and Tucker Middle School. Technicians are troubleshooting at the schools this summer, and staff will be trained on the system during pre-planning. Additionally, every Tucker school now has Centegix CrisisAlert System. This allows teachers and administrators to immediately request crisis support through a wearable badge button. Finally, the Georgia Department of Transportation’s Safe Routes to School program is working with several Tucker schools to enhance and promote safe biking, rolling, and walking to school.
Regarding facilities, the District continues to address work order response time. New COO, Erick Hofstetter, met with the Tucker Cluster Council to answer questions regarding facility concerns. As of the end of June, three Tucker schools were moving forward with new ESPLOST projects: Midvale with “pending construction solicitation,” Livsey “in design,” and Idlewood with “a scoping kickoff scheduled for late July 2023.” All schools will be receiving security technology upgrades, fire alarm upgrades, and new school buses. ESSER/CARES/ARP dollars will continue to be spent on roofs and HVACs, along with class size reductions, MTSS specialists (one per school), and instructional supplies.
As always, I welcome your ideas and input as we launch the 2023-24 school year. I attend Tucker Cluster Council meetings, as well as many community events. Additionally, I hold a monthly “4 Feedback” listening session at various locations throughout Board District 4. (Check my Facebook page, Allyson Gevertz for DeKalb Schools, for updates.) I’m thrilled to be part of the fabric of Tucker. The city, business leaders, nonprofit partners, and parents all champion our students. Many thanks to each of you for your continued support as we launch a spectacular school year!
