City Schools of Decatur names sole finalist for superintendent
The Board of Education for City Schools of Decatur (CSD) recently announced that Dr. Gyimah Whitaker will be the next superintendent for the school system. Whitaker’s role as CSD’s superintendent will officially begin July 1, according to CSD’s website.
Officials said that Whitaker has more than two decades of leadership experience, most recently serving as Deputy Chief Academic Officer for Fulton County Schools, where she supervised the assistant superintendents of student support services and learning and teaching and oversaw a budget of $48 million in general funds, $61 million in federal funds, and $47 million Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds.
“Whitaker brings deep experience in development and oversight of innovative instructional programs, diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, community engagement and communications, and system-wide budgets,” stated a press release from CSD. “The trajectory of her career has always been focused on improving access to excellent education experiences and being a change agent for academic systems.”
Whitaker said she will “ensure CSD reaches an even higher level of brilliance” in her new role.
“I am humbled and delighted to serve as the next Superintendent of the City Schools of Decatur,” said Whitaker. “I was drawn to this district because it is truly a gem. It is a rare and special find.”
The announcement of Whitaker as the next superintendent for CSD comes on the heels of the launch of a new five-year-plan titled “All In Decatur.”
“This community-inspired, student-centered, and equity-focused strategic plan was adopted and approved by the CSD Board of Education and progress is already underway,” stated officials.
“Dr. Whitaker has a long track record of being a results-oriented educational leader with the proven ability to create sustainable outcomes by leading through impact and influence,” said James H. Herndon III, chair of the school board for CSD. “We are thrilled to have her helming CSD, particularly at the start of “All In Decatur,” the district’s new five-year strategic plan.”
The search for CSD’s next superintendent began last year. Whitaker will take over the position from Dr. Maggie Fehrman, who has been school district’s superintendent since 2021. Fehrman released a statement saying she withdrew her name from the candidate pool “to pursue other opportunities.”
“One of the hallmarks of a strong district is its ability to transition from one leader to another while continuing to build on success,” said Herndon. “I am confident we will do that here, and I am more excited than ever about the future of City Schools of Decatur.”
City Schools of Decatur is made up of ten schools and one virtual academy. Current enrollment is approximately 5,700 students.
For more information, visit www.csdecatur.net.
