Clarke County School District Superintendent Dr. Philip Lanoue was named as the sole finalist to become superintendent of the Fulton County School District on Friday, Feb. 5. “The thing that I really like about him the most as he stayed in the superintendency is that didn’t talk as much, he listened,” Clarke Central High School Principal Dr. Robbie P. Hooker said.Photo from ODYSSEY Archives.
By TIERRA HAYES – Print Senior Copy Editor
By KEVIN MOBLEY – Print Editor-in-Chief
Clarke County School District Superintendent withdraws candidacy for Fulton Country School District Superintendent.
After announcing on Feb. 5 that he was named as the sole finalist for the Fulton County School District Superintendent, a statement was released on Feb. 24 that Clarke Country School District Superintendent Dr. Philip Lanoue will remain in Athens.
The following email was sent out to the CCSD community.
Dear CCSD Community,
After much reflection, and in consult with my family and the CCSD
administrative team, I have come to a decision that home – here in
Clarke County – is where I need to be. Therefore, I have withdrawn my
name from the superintendent search process in Fulton County.
These past few weeks have been incredibly difficult, and it’s clear to
me that while we have made incredible strides, there is still much to
be done. This community is one that rallies behind its schools, in
good times and in bad. Again, this is where I want and need to be.
I look forward to our work together in the future. Our dialogue
remains open. Our parents are our most important partners, and our
teachers are the ones who make it happen each and every day in our
classrooms. Your voice matters, and we will continue working together
to do what is right for all students.
Sincerely,
Philip D. Lanoue, Ph.D.
Superintendent
Lanoue was named Georgia Superintendent of the Year in December 2014 and National Superintendent of the Year by the American Association of School Administrators on March 2, 2015.
Hours after the announcement, Lanoue visited the Clarke Central High School campus. According to Lanoue, he felt compelled to stay in part because of the events that took place at Cedar Shoals and the community’s reactions.
“I think we’ve had a pretty tough couple weeks,” Lanoue said. “I said you’ve gotta kind of go where your heart is. When it’s all said and done … I need to be here.”
Lanoue says the reaction to his continued tenure has been generally positive.
“I’m just really thankful of our community that they’re willing to say, ‘Good, I’m glad you’re back,’” Lanoue said. “That’s what I was kind of worried about and it’s been good. I’m happy, my family’s happy and I’m here today. This is what I should be doing, not covering a hundred schools.”
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