R. Stephen Green. Source: http://kcpublicschools.org/

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Dear Decaturish and the Metro-Atlanta Community,

The leaders of DeKalb County would like you to join us in welcoming Dr. R. Stephen Green to Atlanta.  On July 1, Dr. Green will be joining his children and grandchildren in the Atlanta area as he begins his job as Superintendent of DeKalb County School District.  The DeKalb Board of Education fielded over 120 applications for the superintendent position.  With the help of its Community Liaison Group, comprised of DeKalb citizens, the Board sifted through resumes, interviewed semi-finalists, and ultimately chose Dr. Green to lead DeKalb into a bright future.

We would like to offer Dr. Green our support as he begins his work in DeKalb.  Many of us have had the chance to meet him and others are eagerly awaiting that opportunity.  From what we have seen, heard, and read, Dr. Green will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience.  Because DeKalb has 100,000 students, we are glad he has experience in huge, urban systems, such as New York City.  Because DeKalb has 24 schools on our Governor’s target list, we are thankful that he has a track record of transforming chronically underperforming schools, such as those in Kansas City.  Because DeKalb has many vocal, engaged stakeholders, we are happy that he plans to seek counsel from teachers, parents, business leaders, and community groups.  We have heard him speak of student achievement, earned autonomy, budget transparency, and customer service.  We offer our assistance to him in addressing these issues and others as he begins his new job.

The wellbeing of metro-Atlanta is directly tied to the health of DeKalb County.  Our County has undergone numerous setbacks in recent years.  However, as leaders from every corner of DeKalb, we pledge to face our future with a renewed sense of integrity and ethics, working together to align our resources, talents, and diversity in service to this great community.  We will partner with each other, and with Dr. Green, to meet the needs of our future leaders, our children.  When our school system is successful, our workforce blossoms, our businesses thrive, our economy improves, and our criminal system shrinks.  This impacts all of us.  Please work with us, as we bring Dr. Green onboard and bring our County to new heights.

Sincerely,

DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce

DeKalb County Interim CEO’s Office

DeKalb County Legislative Delegation

DeKalb Municipal Association

Junior League of DeKalb County

Leadership DeKalb

Parent Councils United of DeKalb

South DeKalb Improvement Association