The Gwinnett County Board of Education is soliciting feedback from stakeholders in its hunt for a new superintendent of Georgia’s largest school district after the board fired Superintendent Calvin Watts in January.
Gwinnett County Public Schools community members can attend small-group discussions taking place within the next two weeks.
Chicago-based consulting firm Alma Advisory Group is leading the search. In the September to October window, Alma will build interest for the superintendent role. Early interviews will begin in the November to December window, and board interviews will take place in the January to February 2026 window. The board expects to extend an offer in the March to April window.
Watts, who started his role in 2021, earned more than $400,000 in total yearly compensation in his role as superintendent, out-earning Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and Attorney General Chris Carr.
Board Chair Adrienne Simmons said in January that Watts’ termination was necessary to advance the board’s school system vision.
“As a board, we are charged with establishing vision, which entails looking forward and not solely backward. We appreciate the wins that we have accomplished as a district with Dr. Watts,” Simmons wrote in a statement at the time.
“In light of our vision, the board has determined that new leadership is needed at the helm. Our vote represents the pursuit of sustaining the success of GCPS learners, while enhancing educational outcomes, particularly for multilingual learners, students receiving special education services, and students from low-income families.”
Al Taylor currently serves as the interim superintendent as the search continues.
The in-person feedback meetings will have language interpretation and child care. They will take place on the following dates:
- Tuesday, Sept. 16, at North Gwinnett High School Commons, 6-8 p.m., with District III Representative Steve Gasper
- Wednesday, Sept. 17, at Mill Creek High School Media Center, 6-8 p.m., with District II Representative Steven B. Knudsen
- Monday, Sept. 22, at Grayson High School Commons, 6-8 p.m., with District I Representative Rachel Ruffin Stone
- Tuesday, Sept. 23, at Shiloh High School Commons, 6-8 p.m., with Chair and District IV Representative Adrienne Simmons
- Wednesday, Sept. 24, at Meadowcreek High School Commons, 6-8 p.m., with Vice Chair and District V Representative Tarece Johnson-Morgan
Simmons said the board is “excited to hear from parents, caregivers, students and community members.”
“These gatherings allow us to create a welcoming environment where every voice is an essential part of the process that will shape the future of GCPS,” Simmons said in a Friday press release.
Taylor also praised the board’s plan for its superintendent search.
“Supporting the journey to select our new superintendent is a humbling and rewarding experience,” Taylor said. “This shared effort between the Board and our internal and external stakeholders will ensure that we select a candidate who reflects the values of GCPS and advocates for those we serve.”
