Learning and Leadership

Division of Learning and Leadership

The Division of Learning and Leadership, led by Tracy R. Blackburn, Chief of Learning and Leadership, is committed to fostering academic excellence, student success, and strong school leadership. This division supports schools and educators through a comprehensive framework of instructional guidance, student services, and leadership development.

Departments within the Division:

  • Teaching and Learning – Focuses on curriculum development, instructional support, and student achievement. This department includes:
    • Content Specialists – Experts guiding curriculum and instructional best practices.
    • Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) – Preparing students for college and career readiness.
    • Gifted and Intervention Services – Providing specialized instruction for advanced learners and students in need of academic support.
    • Special Education – Ensuring inclusive and effective educational opportunities for students with disabilities.
    • English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) – Supporting multilingual learners with language acquisition programs.
    • Assessment, Research & Evaluation – Analyzing student performance and program effectiveness to drive data-informed decisions.

     

  • School Leadership – Supports and supervises schools to ensure high-quality instruction and student achievement. Three Executive Directors provide direct leadership and support to school administrators. This department also includes:
School and Executive Director Assignments
 SCHOOL   LEVEL   EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR   SCHOOL   LEVEL   EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR   SCHOOL    LEVEL   EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Alcovy HS    HS    Dr. Shannon Buff    Clements  MS    MS    Dr. Takila Curry    East Newton ES    ES    Dr. Johane St. Aime
 Eastside HS    HS    Dr. Shannon Buff    Cousins MS    MS    Dr. Takila Curry  Middle Ridge ES    ES    Dr. Johane St. Aime
 Newton HS    HS    Dr. Shannon Buff    Indian Creek MS    MS    Dr. Takila Curry  South Salem ES    ES    Dr. Johane St. Aime
 NCCA    HS    Dr. Shannon Buff  Liberty MS    MS    Dr. Takila Curry  Flint Hill ES    ES    Dr. Johane St. Aime
 Fairview ES    ES    Dr. Shannon Buff    Veterans Memorial MS    MS    Dr. Takila Curry  Heard-Mixon ES    ES    Dr. Johane St. Aime
 STEAM Academy   ES/MS     Dr. Shannon Buff  Live Oak ES    ES    Dr. Takila Curry  Mansfield ES    ES    Dr. Johane St. Aime
 RISE Academy    MS/HS    Dr. Shannon Buff    Livingston ES    ES    Dr. Takila Curry  Oak Hill ES    ES    Dr. Johane St. Aime
 Virtual Instructional Program (VIP)    MS/HS    Dr. Shannon Buff    Porterdale ES    ES    Dr. Johane St. Aime
   Rocky Plains ES    ES    Dr. Johane St. Aime
   West Newton ES    ES    Dr. Johane St. Aime

 

  • Student Services – Provides essential support for student well-being and academic success. Areas of focus include:
    • Code of Conduct / Parent Information Guide
    • Health Services / Hospital Homebound– Ensuring student access to medical and wellness resources.
    • Title IX-B
    • Registration / Student Information Services/ Infinite Campus – Managing student records and enrollment data.
    • 504 Coordination – Supporting students with disabilities through individualized accommodation plans.
    • HB 251Out of Zone Requests – Overseeing student placement and transfer processes

  • Athletics – Oversees school sports programs, promoting teamwork, discipline, and student-athlete development while upholding academic and athletic excellence.

The Division of Learning and Leadership is dedicated to empowering educators, supporting students, and ensuring all schools have the leadership and resources needed for success.

Tracy Blackburn
Chief of Learning and Leadership