We are very excited to welcome you to the GCCS family and cannot wait for great things to come! Gantt: When you ask what do I think about people having questions? [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]. Xernona Thomas was named superintendent of the Clarke County School District on Thursday. Following final approval from the board, Hooker will assume the role on Oct. 10, according to a press release from the school district. It's important for decisions like that to not just be driven by board members and by the district, but to be a collaborative effort. That policy changed with the arrival of Trigg, who received an interest-free, $1.2 million loan from the . Clarke County School District Superintendent Xernona Thomas announced on Nov. 11 that she plans to retire on Dec. 31, 2022. All rights reserved. The board is not involved in the placement of any staff, actually. I look forward to working with our governance team to focus on our students and make this the best educational experience possible, Dr. Hooker said in the press release. Parents questioned why Clarke schools cant open for in-person learning while other school systems are pulling it off. Parents pleaded that students need the socialization afforded at school where they can engage with classmates and teachers. Alexia came to Athens from Macon where she served as the News Director and show host for WGXA TV. Though he currently serves as superintendent of Social Circle City Schools, Hooker is no stranger to Athens-Clarke County schools. Mumbi Anderson also brought up concerns about the district organizational chart. The board announced it had named Robbie Hooker the sole finalist for the position, pending a formal vote on Thursday night. Chuck Bishop, Clarke County Public Schools Superintendent; Chris Boies, County Administrator; Sharon Keeler, Treasurer . For nearly a month, Hooker. In 2008, Dr. Hooker was named principal of Clarke Central High School, a position he held until 2016. An eight-month negotiation ended Thursday when the Clarke County Board of Education reached a separation agreement with controversial former superintendent Demond Means. The Code of Virginia provides that a Board of Supervisors govern each county. , , , , , portugus, , Ting Vit - 833-599-2058. "When [the EEOC officer] is finished with her investigation, she'll tell us if any federal, state, local laws or policies have been violated," Gaskins responded. Joint Administrative Services | Clarke County, VA Robbie Hooker was named the sole finalist for superintendent of the Clarke County school district, the Clarke Board of Education announced Monday, Aug. 8. Additionally, Hooker served as Superintendent of Social Circle City Schools, where he obtained a Facebook grant securing Chromebooks for every student and received the Georgia School Board Association Leading Edge Award in 2020 and 2021, according to the press release. Superintendent's Office / Home It is the policy of the Clarke County School District not to discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, disability or any other legally protected status in its educational programs, activities or employment practices. Clarke County School District Superintendent Dr. Xernona Thomas was appointed by the Board of Education in December of 2020. The Board organizes itself and selects two members to serve as chair and vice chair at the first meeting of each year. Seal will succeed current. If a person is a staff member, there are limitations to what will be provided to the public. Board of Supervisors | Clarke County, VA Hooker was CCSD's Teacher of the Year in 1995-96 while at Coile . Berryville Voting District Robbie Hooker to become new Superintendent of Clarke County Schools, announced her plans to retire this December, New Clarke Middle School principal announced following removal of Chris Pendley, Dissatisfaction with Oglethorpe Ave. Robbie Hooker will be the new superintendent of Clarke County Schools, effective Oct. 10. The only substantive item on the agenda was the district policy on what they call "culture and climate" - essentially, the district's commitment to diversity equity, and inclusion. "I know that legally, we have to follow legal processes, but also, where are our moral processes?". Superintendent's Office / Staff PublishedFebruary 3, 2022 at 1:19 PM EST. From my perspective, after navigating some stressful times for the board and the Clarke County School District, I do think that Dr. Thomas has prioritized the importance of collaboration with board members, with leaders, and community stakeholders. 2023 Cox Media Group. He went on to say, I am thrilled about the opportunities Clarke Community School District offers students and families. He started his education career nearly 30 years ago at W.R. Coile Middle School, noted the school district. Clarke County school officials on Monday named Dr. Robbie Hooker as the sole finalist to become the district's next superintendent. The vote was 5-4, with Greg Davis, Patricia Yager, Kara Dyckman, John Knox and Tawana Mattox in favor, and Antwon Stephens, Linda Davis, Charles Worthy and LaKeisha Gantt opposed. (540) 955-2144 Chief Academic Officer Brannon Gaskins will serve as Acting Superintendent. District Office and School Contact Information, Mission, Vision, and Strategic Plan 2021-2024, District Policies Pending for Public Comments, About the BOE - Members and Contact Information, 2023 BOE Meeting Schedule and Information, Board of Education Meeting Videos (CCSD YouTube Channel), District Policies Available for Public Comment, Instructional Services and School Performance, VILLA - Volunteer Instructional Leadership Learning Academy, Early Registration Info: Pre-K and Kindergarten, ESSER - Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief, Clarke County School District Athens, GA, Organizational Chart - Office of the Superintendent, Office of the Superintendent Updated March 2023.png, Dr. Hooker's First 100 Days Report - English, Dr. Hooker's First 100 Days Report - Spanish. Gantt: The board generally is not directly involved in operational decisions. A Barrow Elementary School parent noted learning gaps and depressed students. SuperintendentDr. Murray Rec Complex Wins Through Community and Development Support, Arbor Valley Lake at 20 - Celebrating Lake Life and a Focus on the Future, Clarke Welcomes Fresh Perspective & Passion in New Activities Director, June 30th New Truck Show & Tractor Pull Coming to Osceolas Clarke County Fairgrounds, Osceola Foods Contributes to Clarke County Hospital Renovation Project, Supervisors Pass Resolution, KSOI 91.9 FM Official Radio Station of Clarke County, Iowa. Later in his career, he served as principal at Burney-Harris-Lyons Middle School and Clarke Central High School. Lee Shearer lshearer@onlineathens.com 0:05 0:43 The Clarke County Board of Education and Superintendent Demond Means have agreed to the terms of Means' departure from the school system.. 101 Chalmers Ct., Suite B My own opinion is that at that point, I think that there were still enough questions that the board just did not feel comfortable moving forward. Take The Survey Today! For nearly a month, Hooker had been the sole finalist for the position . Dr. She plans to end her 31 years in public education on December 31, 2022. Please know that we are committed to that.. Matthew E. Bass Martin Matheny is WUGA's Program Director and a host and producer of our local news program 'Athens News Matters.' When those concerns are reported, Gaskins said, administrators try to get contact information for the complainant, because anonymous complaints are difficult to investigate. The parent of a student at Clarke Central High School urged the board to reopen the school for the third quarter. Alexia: Can you tell us a little bit about Dr. Thomas's main accomplishments during her tenure? Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.We recommend switching to one of the following browsers: You have permission to edit this article. Xernona Thomas named superintendent of Clarke County School District And things change so rapidly that I think the district has to be in a position where they are keeping up with those changes, and then trying to respond to those changes the best way that they know how, while again, prioritizing the learning of students. Thomas has not elaborated further on what prompted the medical leave. "I'm thinking as the community person because that's what I am. CLARKE COUNTY, Ga. Clarke County School District Superintendent Dr. Xernona Thomas has announced she is temporarily stepping down for a medical leave. And so that is where we are. Board of Education grills Acting Superintendent on diversity - WUGA And so, I do think that is the strength of Dr. Thomas's. Dr. Jesus F. Jara The Clark County School District (CCSD) serves 300,000 students - and each only has one shot at school. In November 2021, current Clarke County School District Superintendent Xernona Thomas announced her plans to retire this December. 1 min read The Clarke County Board of Education on Thursday officially named Dr. Robbie Hooker as the district's next superintendent. ClarkeCountyLife.com Kurt was excited to accept the position stating, I am honored to serve as the next Superintendent of Clarke Community School District. During a special meeting Tuesday night,. Please enable JavaScript in your browser for a better user experience. 2023 www.onlineathens.com. Dr. Hooker is married to his wife, Karen, and they have two children, Kaitlyn and Johnathan. "I am excited to return and join the leaders, teachers, and staff at the Clarke County School District," states Dr. Hooker. Board member Mumbi Anderson asked Gaskins about the district's protocols when a complaint of discrimination is raised. That's an area where Gaskins admitted the district needs improvement. We are at a place now where we are in the process of having access to more tests for our district staff. School Board Reaches Settlement With Superintendent Demond Means The Clarke County Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. ", Clarke County School District parents received a letter this week from the districts acting superintendent Brannon Gaskins acknowledging something that, Clarke County School District gives update on Oglethorpe Ave Elementary Nazi slur, Athens News Matters: ACCSD Investigates Allegation of an Elementary School Staff Member. While it is difficult to step away from CCSD, however briefly, I know it is in the best interest to concentrate on my health. School Board Names Ex-Clarke Central Principal Robbie Hooker Superintendent The Board also hires the County Administrator, who manages county employees and day-to-day operations of the county. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. Thomas mentioned the work that her team, the principals, teachers, staff, cafeteria workers and custodians are doing every day. From left: John Knott, former Escambia County superintendent; Garth Moss, former Thomasville superintendent; Greg Shehan, current Monroe County superintendent and Bagley . Dr. Hooker holds a bachelors degree in Psychology and a Masters in Behavior Disorders from Valdosta State University and earned his doctorate in Educational Leadership from Clemson University. We were welcomed with open arms to the district during the interviews. elevated to higher leadership roles, superintendent finalist reaffirmed, Popular cafeteria worker at Timothy Road Elementary in Athens struggles after husband's death, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. But when letters from students and parents were read at the meeting, frustrations over the coronavirus took center stage as board members sat in their homes quietly listening to their words. There was a problem saving your notification. Para espaol marque el 833-599-2058. Box 107, Berryville VA 22611 When WUGA TV concluded operations, she became the primary Reporter for WUGA Radio. PublishedJanuary 21, 2022 at 4:09 PM EST. In her comments, she spoke of the daily challenges created by the pandemic, issues not faced in modern times by schools. On Aug. 8, the Clarke County School District Board of Education announced its decision for Robbie Hooker to become the district's new superintendent. Board of Supervisors regular meetings begin at 1 p.m. on the third Tuesday of every month. bmckay@clarkecounty.gov. He started at WUGA in 2012 as a part-time classical music host and still hosts WUGA's longest-running local program 'Night Music' which is heard on WUGA and GPB Classical. Gaskins expressed support for that idea and said he would take it to other district administrators for their input. ADDRESS: 155 West Cobb StreetP.O. The district employs nearly 3900 staff members, and questions about whether teachers . I continue to be proud and privileged to be the Superintendent of the Clarke County Schools. Prior to his current position, DeVore served as director of information, systems, and instructional technology in the Decorah CSD. "I look forward to working with our governance team to focus on our students and make this the best educational experience possible.". Should that info be shared with the community? Superintendent / Student Advisory Council - Clarke County School District According to Gaskins, complaints go to the district EEOC officer. Once-fired Clark County School District superintendent back on - KNPR Additionally, he holds certifications in Educational Leadership from the University of Georgia and School Counseling from the University of West Georgia. Superintendent / Public Relations and Communications Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. Parents, teachers and community members expressed dissatisfaction with Principal Bipul Singh at Oglethorpe Avenue Elementary School, saying their concerns are not limited to one incident. ", 2023 budget: Clarke County Board of Education approves 2023 budget, millage rate over some objections. Remote instruction will remain in place at leastthrough Jan. 18. I look forward to meeting people in the community, working with the staff and students, and serving as the Clarke Community School District Superintendent.. I look forward to working collaboratively with area and district leadership to continue to develop partnerships to benefit our students and families. (540) 837-2328 Para espaol marque el 833-599-2058. Hooker will replace retiring Superintendent Dr. Xernona Thomas. But I think that board members in general, there was appreciation around the efforts put into the policy. Highland Park ISD buys $1.8 million home for new superintendent to live cboies@clarkecounty.gov, Berryville-Clarke County Government Center Grove Hill, AL 36451 - Ph: 251.250.2155. Please fix this, she said. (540) 955-5191 or (540) 955-5100 Cathy Seal named assistant superintendent of Clarke County Public Members of the Clarke County Board of Education questioned Acting Superintendent Brannon Gaskins for the second night in row Thursday during a 4-hour work session centered around the school district's organizational chart, and especially the number and roles of senior and mid-level management positions.. 79201. And I'm frustrated. Welcome to Greater Clark County Schools and The Office of the Superintendent. Instead of appointing an interim superintendent and conducting a longer search, the board decided to move directly to appointing a new superintendent, according to the release. Hooker brings years of experience to CCSD, including many years within the district. If you have a news story idea or a question pertaining to ClarkeCountyLife.com, please feel free to reach out to us! I know part of those conversations had to do, not necessarily just with costs, but also the testing requirement and the ability for individuals who were not vaccinated to be able to access testing after work hours. As tempers remain high in the community following an incident where an administrator at a local elementary school compared a pro-LGBTQ piece of student artwork to Nazi symbolism, members of the Clarke County Board of Education sat down for a last minute meeting on Wednesday. The Clarke County School System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Thomas announced Monday that she began a medical leave on January 6. (540) 955-5175 "I look forward to working with our governance team to focus on our students and make this the best educational experience possible. Alexia: Slightly different topic here, but just minutes before this interview we got word from the school district that those recent spikes in COVID-19 cases have resulted in staff shortages severe enough to cause several Clarke County schools to go back to remote learning. Gantt: You know, I am not sure. What do you think about their desire to know? Box 349, Berryville VA 22611 The Clarke County School District is providing more information about an incident at Oglethorpe Avenue Elementary School, in which a school administrator invoked Nazi symbolism in reference to a piece of student artwork depicting a rainbow and the words "Gay is okay. Terri T. Catlett, Vice Chair dweiss@clarkecounty.gov, Russell Voting District He additionally has been employed by the Henry County and Barrow County school districts. After managing the transition to and from remote learning and an accreditation review, Thomas announced last month that she will retire from her position on December 31, 2022. BERRYVILLE After nine years in the position, Chuck Bishop is retiring as superintendent of the Clarke County Public Schools (CCPS) effective June 30. Hooker has been superintendent there since 2019 and launched thatdistrict on a five-year strategic plan. retiring Superintendent Dr. Xernona Thomas, Clarke trends below state averages in latest Georgia Milestones Assessment test results, Clarke County School District will encourage, not require masks ahead of school year, Clarke County Board of Education approves 2023 budget, millage rate over some objections, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Thomas first announced her retirement in November 2021, telling the board of education her intentions to leave the district in December 2022,just two months after Hooker is now slated to begin. He assumes his new role on Oct. 10, noted previous reports. Alexia: Can you tell us how the search process works? PDF OFFICE OF Superintendent of Education Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). Published December 17, 2019 at 8:57 PM EST. "So the teacher may say this is something that [a] student is experiencing, and so we always ask that they share that name with us - they share the students name, they share their parents name - so we can call them and validate what their claims are," Gaskins said. Clarke County Supervisors, who are elected to four-year terms in the same election year, represent five election districts: Berryville, Buckmarsh-Blue Ridge, Millwood-Pine Grove, Russell, and White Post. Thomas started her tenure in 2019 as interim superintendent, following the departure of her predecessor, Demond Means. The district announced earlier this week that all students will revert to online learning on Monday, citing the increasing spread of COVID-19. I have served in Greater Clark as a principal for fourteen years and have been the Superintendent since January of 2019. 6 hrs ago 0 BERRYVILLE Clarke County officials say departing Superintendent Chuck Bishop has put the county's public schools in a better position than they were when he arrived nine years. Gantt: So, let me just start by saying I'm here as an individual and I don't want to speak on behalf of the entire board. County Administrator For nearly a month, Hooker had been the sole finalist for the position. Inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies should be directed to: Gwen Powell - (Title II Coordinator) or Angie Jordan (Title IX ,Special Education Coordinator & Section 504) at 155 West Cobb Street. Clarke County School District Superintendent Dr. Xernona Thomas was appointed by the Board of Education in December of 2020. Hooker started his education career nearly 30 years ago in Clarke County at W.R. Coile Middle School,the news release said. Clarke school officials name Robbie Hooker as superintendent finalist Submit a news form with your thoughts, questions or feedback. A highly respected leader with previous ties to CCSD and more than a decade of administrative experience in Clarke County schools,Dr. Hooker began his career in education as a classroom teacher a role that brought him to W.R. Coile Middle School, where he was named Teacher of the Year for 1995-96. Superintendent. It is the policy of the Clarke County School District not to discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, disability or any other legally protected status in its educational programs, activities or employment practices. Clarke County Superintendent Dr. Xernona Thomas (Clarke County School District). Clarke Board of Education Names Kurt DeVore Next District Superintendent She was later promoted from her interim role to a permanent one. She spoke of the shortage ofsubstitute teachers, the challenges of transportation and food and how the situation changes almost daily. In his career he has earned such honors as Teacher of the Year and Georgia High School Principal of the Year. Athens News Matters: President of Clarke County BOE Discusses - WUGA The Board is excited about the direction of education in Clarke County under Dr. Hookers leadership. She started her tenure in 2019 as interim superintendent, following the departure of her predecessor, Demond Means. PDF Superintendent of Education In this position, he has led all district professional learning to improve culture and climate over the past two years, as well as facilitated district strategic planning with the district core and administrative teams. Thomas announced her plans to retire at Thursday nights Board, Clarke County Schools Superintendent, Dr. Xernona Thomas is taking a temporary medical leave of absence for the next several weeks. That's probably the clearest thing I can say about it is that there are just limits to what type of information can be shared with the public regarding personnel matters. P. O. P.O. DeVore has also been active in professional organizations such as the School Administrators of Iowa (SAI) and Rural School Advocates of Iowa. The team has been working diligently on getting a plan together so we can get those students back at the beginning of this next calendar year, she said. Home Clarke County Schools Clarke Board of Education Names Kurt DeVore Next District Superintendent. Nathalee Simoneau Nov 15, 2021 Updated Aug 22, 2022 A Clarke County school bus sits in a parking lot in 2020. Contact ClarkeCountyLife.com So, there are no easy answers. Board members can ask questions very similar to community members and things of that nature, but with personnel, it primarily appears on our agenda as an action to be taken. Robbie Hooker to become new Superintendent of Clarke County Schools (Photo/Reynolds Rogers) Clarke County School District Superintendent Xernona. ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY, Ga. - Clarke County School District Superintendent Xernona J. Thomas announced plans to retire at the end of 2022, according to the Athens-Banner Herald. Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). But I think there were just still questions around testing and around where the district stood on that decision. Assistant to the Superintendent & Board Mgr. Hooker has worked in complex communities, including many years in Clarke County. Can you tell me your thoughts about having to make the difficult decision at administration level to have to go back to remote learning? "It's kind of this idea of taking the beliefs and actually putting them into practice, and practices that can be measured and people can be held accountable," Hull explained. Larry Bagley Superintendent, Clarke County Schools COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION ________________ Charlton Anderson Sherry BarnesTelephone: (251) 250 Fax: (251) 250 Clinton Hawkins Tara Moseley Larry E. Bagley Superintendent -2155 -2156 CLARKE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION OFFICE OF Superintendent of Education P. O. DeVore will officially begin leading the Clarke Community School District effective July 1, 2023. Xernona Thomas has been named the executive director of College Factory, a nonprofit organization that provides college planning resources to youth in Northeast Georgia, effective Jan. 25, according to a press release. However, Alexia considers herself an honorary UGA DAWG! I will say, as a board member and as a parent, I think the district is having to prioritize face to face learning and opportunities for children to interact with each other. Alexia: Last year, the board did not pass a vaccine mandate for district employees. Clarke County Life News and Updates from Clarke County, Osceola, Iowa and surrounding communities. Superintendent Dr. Jesus F. Jara | Clark County School District