Newton County Schools superintendent, Dr. Duke Bradley, III, has earned high marks in his first performance evaluation. The announcement came during the Board of Education's regular meeting held on July 23, where Abigail Coggin, Chair of the Board, announced that Bradley's contract had been extended for an additional three years.
Having assumed leadership most recently from neighboring Henry County, Dr. Bradley was unanimously appointed as the district's superintendent in October 2023. Since his arrival, he has worked to assess the district's current state, prioritizing areas of interest provided by the Board of Education.
Described consistently as focused, collaborative, and serious about responding to the needs of the district’s 19,000 students, Dr. Bradley has energized the district while candidly acknowledging existing challenges. His relentless engagement with various stakeholder groups underscores his commitment to community involvement, seeking input from community members, parents, and students alike to help shape the district's long-term vision.
In February, Dr. Bradley unveiled his comprehensive
90-Day Entry Plan Report which outlined the district's strengths and opportunities for improvement. "There is a foundation of excellence in our district, but there is also a need to elevate overall academic performance," Bradley emphasized. "This will demand sustained persistence and long-term commitment, and I am dedicated to seeing this work through.”
Dr. Bradley's tenure coincides with a critical period for Newton County Schools. The district is still rebounding from the pandemic and perennial issues such as teacher shortages and staff compensation must be addressed. Undeterred, Bradley remains optimistic about the future, citing the exceptional qualities that initially drew him to Newton County Schools. "We boast an outstanding Board of Education, talented educators, and a deeply invested community. These elements will be fundamental to our success," Bradley said.
Abigail Coggin expressed excitement about Dr. Bradley's first year of service, noting, "We are pleased with the strides that Dr. Bradley has made. His commitment to transparency, community engagement, and strategic planning has laid the groundwork for sustained excellence."
Coggin added, "The extension of Dr. Bradley's contract reflects the Board's confidence in his vision and leadership.”