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After being named the only real finalist, Dr. Duke Bradley III was formally appointed as Newton County Faculties’ (NCSS) subsequent superintendent on Oct. 17. Per week later, Bradley was sworn into the place.
Inside the first week following being sworn in, Bradley hosted Neighborhood Connection conferences at Alcovy, Eastside and Newton excessive colleges.
A NCSS press launch mentioned the purpose of the conferences was for Bradley to “formally introduce himself to the neighborhood and to have interaction in casual dialogue.”
Not too long ago, Bradley answered a question-and-answer from The Covington Information.
Q: Rising up as a toddler of an educator, how did that form your perspective of schooling? Is that what impressed you to pursue schooling?
DB: My upbringing because the youngster of educators has definitely formed my perspective on schooling, though I’ll not have at all times been absolutely conscious of their affect on my life and subsequent profession selection. What I’ve discovered from my mother and father has prolonged past merely being an educator; they’ve instilled in me the significance of main a life devoted to service, with a concentrate on the well-being and improvement of younger individuals. It’s also arduous to speak about affect with out mentioning my sister. She can also be an educator and has perpetually been my muse. She is hard and compassionate and lives by the power of her convictions—all of the issues that I consider educators must be.
I firmly consider that there is no such thing as a extra noble pursuit than contributing to the expansion and improvement of our youth, a perception that has been bolstered all through my journey in schooling. Over the course of my profession, I’ve gained a deeper understanding that the investments we make in the present day will considerably impression the outcomes we see sooner or later. I genuinely can not consider a extra worthwhile use of our time than in nurturing the potential of our kids.
What I cherish most from my mother and father is that they not solely instilled these values in me but in addition devoted their skilled lives to embodying them. I’m profoundly grateful for his or her steering and the invaluable classes I’ve discovered from them.
Q: What motivated you to advance from being a trainer to fulfilling administrative roles on the district degree?
DB: To say that I’ve at all times aspired to change into a Superintendent wouldn’t be totally truthful. My major motivation has been to easily show that extra was potential for youngsters. This mindset has been a driving drive for the reason that early days of my profession and it continues to gasoline my skilled journey. So, sure, the will to show that extra is feasible for college kids has at all times been a big motivator for me.
I’ve by no means shied away from difficult duties, and I discover satisfaction in overcoming obstacles to realize success on behalf of scholars. Nevertheless, I need to acknowledge that Newton County Faculties is in glorious situation, due to years of exemplary management from our Board of Training and my predecessor, Mrs. Samantha Fuhrey. It’s also price recognizing the important function that Boards of Training play, even when most people might not absolutely grasp the complexity of their tasks. They not additionally function liaisons to the neighborhood, however they perform as a unified governing physique and make choices that profit the vast majority of our college students. That may be a large job and I’ve a hearty respect for our Board who’ve collectively signed up for such a weighty dedication.
Q. How do you assume your former function as Henry County Faculties’ chief of employees ready you on your new function as superintendent of Newton County?
DB: Describing how my earlier function as chief of employees in Henry County Faculties ready me for my present place because the superintendent of Newton County is considerably difficult to place into phrases. In its purest kind, the function of a chief of employees is to make sure that the district’s work is carried out. Whereas the precise tasks of chief of employees positions can fluctuate, my function encompassed a variety of duties.
However I’ll say that serving as chief of saff allowed me to have interaction within the inside workings of the district, together with features which can be typically not broadly recognized or seen. I used to be persistently reminded that I ought to take satisfaction within the success of the district; nevertheless, when issues didn’t go as deliberate, I ought to bear the burden of that duty. That is how I strategy the superintendency as properly as a result of there is no such thing as a private success with out the success of others – and I’m dedicated to that.
Working as a chief of employees additionally allowed me to behave as a surrogate for the superintendent, Dr. Mary Elizabeth Davis, who I consider to be among the many best possible Superintendents within the nation. She is a person who immerses herself in each aspect of the work, units and upholds remarkably excessive requirements for herself and others, and is deeply dedicated to the success of all stakeholders. I establish with these qualities and intend for my administration to mirror the same dedication to excellence.
Q. What subjects in schooling are you most keen about and/or have researched? How do you intend on using these pursuits throughout your tenure?
DB: I’m deeply keen about making certain that each pupil in Newton County feels that their aspirations are attainable by their expertise in our district. My final purpose is for our college students to realize extra data and expertise throughout their time with us than they may anyplace else. This may be made potential by designed applications, considerable assets, and the devoted adults who encompass them, turning our pupil’s wildest desires into actuality.
I additionally are likely to keep away from fanciful instructional tendencies that come and go, as I perceive that blindly following them might be detrimental to a district’s efforts to ascertain a dependable basis. As an example, there was a time when the prevailing perception was that every one college students ought to attend school, and that colleges must be geared towards attaining that goal. This mindset clearly doesn’t align with modern views concerning the function of public schooling. It’s vital to additionally think about the quite a few shifts that now we have seen in studying and math instruction, the introduction of recent tutorial requirements, and evolving theories on evaluation and tutorial methods. Whereas colleges and college districts should stay adaptable and responsive to alter, I’m aware of the potential impression of fixed shifts on our lecturers, and extra importantly, our college students.
Q. What are some extra particular issues that you simply’re trying to goal, enhance and/or deal with? Why?
DB: It’s a bit difficult to pinpoint particular areas at this early stage since I’m merely targeted on studying extra concerning the district. At present I’m trying to decide what our priorities are and whether or not now we have a well-defined technique in place to realize our targets. Moreover, I’m significantly all in favour of exploring alignment throughout all ranges, from the neighborhood to the boardroom and into our school rooms. Guaranteeing this alignment is essential, and my focus within the coming weeks will revolve round evaluating these items and extra.
Q. What are you most wanting ahead to as Newton County Faculties’ superintendent?
DB: As I begin my journey because the superintendent of Newton County Faculties, I’m most wanting ahead to the chance to work collaboratively with our employees, college students, and the broader neighborhood. My ardour for schooling, dedication to pupil success, and perception that every one kids can obtain their full potential underpin my enthusiasm for this function.
I’m wanting to delve into the complexities of our district, perceive the distinctive strengths and challenges we face, and work in direction of fostering a studying setting the place each pupil feels empowered to achieve their highest potential. Constructing upon the foundations of clear priorities, strategic planning, and neighborhood engagement, I hope to guide our district in a route that aligns with the imaginative and prescient of the neighborhood in partnerships with the route of the Board of Training.
Q. What drew you to Newton County from considered one of its neighboring counties?
DB: I used to be drawn to Newton County by the potential and distinctive alternatives it affords. Whereas my earlier expertise in a neighboring county supplied me with worthwhile insights and a deep appreciation for the area, the prospect of becoming a member of Newton County Faculties as superintendent was engaging.
Newton County has a various and vibrant neighborhood, and I noticed an alignment of values and aspirations between the district’s mission and my very own instructional philosophy. I consider that the challenges and alternatives in Newton County current a singular alternative to make an enduring impression on the lives of our college students.
Q. Is there something you wish to say to lecturers, college students, mother and father, the neighborhood? How are you feeling?
DB: To our great lecturers, college students, mother and father, and the whole neighborhood of Newton County, I wish to categorical my gratitude for welcoming me into this exceptional instructional journey. I’m actually excited and humbled by the chance to function your superintendent.
To our devoted lecturers, your dedication to nurturing the minds and spirits of our college students is commendable. I’m right here to help you and collaborate with you in our shared mission of offering the very best schooling for our college students.
To our college students, I would like you to know that I’m right here to pay attention, be taught from you, and work tirelessly to create an setting the place your desires and aspirations can come to life. You’re on the coronary heart of all our efforts, and your success is our final purpose.
To our mother and father and the broader neighborhood, I’m keen to have interaction with you, be taught out of your insights, and construct sturdy partnerships that improve the tutorial expertise for all. Your help and involvement are very important to the success of our college students and our district as an entire.
As for a way I’m feeling, I’m crammed with anticipation and enthusiasm for the journey forward. There’s a lot to be taught, and I’m dedicated to understanding the distinctive strengths and desires of our district. Collectively, we are going to work in direction of a brighter future for our college students, and I’m honored to be part of this unbelievable neighborhood. Thanks on your heat welcome, and I stay up for our collaborative efforts in attaining instructional excellence in Newton County.
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