Fulton Hires New Superintendent

The Fulton County Board of Education voted to approve the hiring of school superintendent finalist Robert Avossa during a called meeting this afternoon, Tuesday, April 26.

“We’ve received very positive responses,” Fulton County School Board President Linda Schultz (District 1) said regarding community input about Avossa.

Avossa will be paid an annual salary of $238,000 and given a three-year contract, which begins June 11, 2011.

"I’m excited at the opportunities and the challenges that await me in Fulton County," said Avossa, in a statement released by Fulton County Schools. "During my visit [April 19-20] I had the opportunity to walk through schools and meet teachers and this gave me a firsthand look at what an outstanding school system I am joining. I look forward to working with our school and community leaders to meet our students’ needs.”

The decision to hire Avossa came after months of searching, interviewing and, finally, traveling to see him in his current position.

Schultz, along with Julia Bernath (District 7) and Catherine Maddox (District 6) traveled to visit Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools in North Carolina, where Avossa currently serves as chief strategy and accountability officer yesterday. Their time visiting with district leaders and parents found Avossa to be sincere, show visionary leadership, able to delegate well and empower others, said Bernath.

“I think we’re getting a very, very good superintendent and I look forward to working with Mr. Avossa,” said Maddox.

Avossa, who currently serves as chief strategy and accountability officer for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools in North Carolina, was the board’s top choice to replace outgoing superintendent Cindy Loe.

Following Loe’s resignation announcement in January, a nationwide search yielded 41 candidates from 21 states, according to Schultz. But out of the final four who were “extensively interviewed,” Avossa was named the finalist in mid-April.

He visited Fulton County during a whirlwind two-day tour last week, meeting staff and greeting parents throughout the county. The board played a montage video from that visit prior to its vote. In it Avossa stressed the fact he believed there is always room for improvement and the creation of a great system is found in the balance between pressure and support.

Boardmember Katie Reeves (District 2) said she believed Avossa “fit the bill” with regards to what Fulton County needs to continue on the positive course that Loe has chartered.

“I think we’ve found a strong candidated to join our team,” she said.

The motion to hire Avossa was approved unanimously.