The Newton County Board of Education has approved an extension of Superintendent Dr. Duke Bradley III's employment agreement, extending his contract through June 2029.
The extension marks the third consecutive contract extension approved by the Board since Dr. Bradley was unanimously appointed superintendent in October 2023.
Since becoming superintendent, Dr. Bradley has led a comprehensive effort to strengthen student achievement, expand access and opportunity, and build the organizational systems necessary to support continued excellence across Newton County Schools.
Under his leadership, the district has achieved measurable academic progress. Reading proficiency improved in five of six tested grade levels, while mathematics proficiency increased across every tested grade level, including Algebra I, despite Georgia's transition to more rigorous mathematics standards. During the same period, Newton County Schools improved its College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI) by nine points, with 21 of the district's 24 schools improving their overall performance and six schools achieving double-digit gains.
Dr. Bradley has also championed expanded access to rigorous academic opportunities. During his tenure, dual enrollment participation increased from 271 students to 640 students, allowing more students to earn college credit while still in high school. The district also increased the number of Advanced Placement Scholars from 78 to 181, a 132 percent increase, expanded AP course offerings from 25 to 32 courses, and increased overall AP participation by 19.4 percent.
Newton County Schools has sustained a graduation rate above 90 percent for three consecutive years, including a current graduation rate of 90.4 percent, consistently exceeding the state average.
While academic outcomes remain the central focus, Dr. Bradley has also emphasized building the systems that will define the district's future. He has prioritized district leader development leading to 41 internal promotions during his tenure. In addition, under his leadership, Newton County Schools also developed NewtonForward, a community-informed five-year strategic plan designed to align priorities, resources, and action around student success. The district also created the Framework for Advancing Workforce Development, recognized by the Georgia Department of Education as a model program, along with the Literacy Blueprint and Excellence in Teaching Framework to strengthen instruction and ensure a consistent vision for high-quality teaching and learning.
The district has also experienced notable organizational progress, including three consecutive clean financial audits, successful passage of a $54 million Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (E-SPLOST) referendum, investments in competitive teacher compensation, and the district's highest-ever Cognia Accreditation Index Score, exceeding the national network average by 10.9 points.
Dr. Bradley's leadership has received recognition at the state and national levels. He is the recipient of the Georgia School Superintendents Association President's Award, was named one of 30 Superintendents to Watch nationwide by the National School Public Relations Association, has testified before the Georgia General Assembly on issues affecting public education, provided national commentary on education issues, including appearances on CNN, and authored opinion pieces published in regional and national publications.
Board Chair Abigail Coggin said the extension reflects the Board's confidence in the district's continued progress and the work ahead.
"The Board of Education is pleased to extend Dr. Bradley's contract as superintendent," Coggin said. "Since his appointment, our district has made strong progress in multiple areas. We’re excited about the future of Newton County Schools and look forward to Dr. Bradley’s continued leadership.”
Dr. Bradley emphasized that the district's progress is the result of collective effort and shared leadership.
"No one leads alone," Bradley said. "The progress we have achieved is a reflection of the strong governing leadership of our Board of Education and the hard work of our staff. My family and I are grateful for the opportunity to serve this community, and I remain focused on the work ahead, continuing to support our educators, and create greater opportunities for every student."