Welfare Watch - June 16, 2010 - Governor Appoints DOE Superintendent and other notes on Fulton County

Superintendent Kathy Cox announced her resignation as Superintendent of the Department of Education on May 17th.  She will become the founding CEO of the U.S. Education Delivery Institute on July 1, 2010.  Governor Perdue is charged with the task of appointing her replacement until the November elections. 

Today, Governor Perdue announced the appointment of Brad Bryant to succeed Kathy Cox in a ceremony at the State Capitol effective July 1, 2010. 

The Governor in making the presentation described Brad Bryant as one who has a passion for kids and kids learning.  Mr. Bryant is a member of the State School Board.  He is a lawyer by education.  He has served on the State School Board for the past 7 years.  He was a long time member of the DeKalb School Board for more than 12 years, serving 7 years as their President.  He was also been the president of the State School Board Association and the National State School Boards Association. 

In his acceptance speech, he said to those gathered in the Governor's Office, "I will serve no adult, but will serve the higher call of serving children." 

He was asked what was something that he wanted to do while in the interim position.  He said that he wanted to make sure that the longitudinal data system did its job. 

He plans on running for the Superintendent's position being vacated by Kathy Cox.  Her announcement came after the qualifying period for candidates for the position had ended.  Kathy Cox still will be on the ballot even though she will not be counted.  Bryant plans to run as an independent.  In order to do so, he will have to collect 44,071 signatures to be put on the July 13th ballot in order to win in November.

Other Notes on Fulton County - Dannette Smith, County DFCS Director, will be leaving Fulton County, Georgia's largest county, to accept a position with the Seattle Human Services Department.  Seattle Human Services Department has an annual budget of $147.8 million and approximately 330 employees.  She will begin her duties on July 12th. 

Glenda McMillan will step in an interim DFCS Director.  McMillan comes from Gwinnett County where she served as Region 15 Director. 
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Welfare Watch, an email newsletter of the
Georgia Association of Homes
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Normer Adams, Editor
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