Three weeks after its first choice for superintendent withdrew from consideration, the Fulton County (Ga.) school board has chosen a sole finalist for the job.
Jeff Rose, who is now superintendent of the Beaverton (Ore.) School District, is subject to a 14-day public comment period, after which the board plans to offer him a three-year contract. If accepted, he will join the district on June 1.
The job had been offered last month to Philip Lanoue, the 2015 national superintendent of the year and leader of the Clarke County (Ga.) district. But Lanoue withdrew last month amid criticism over how his administration in Clarke County handled an alleged rape of a high school student.
Rose, 43, has led Beaverton's schools for the past five years and prior to that spent three years heading the Canby (Ore.) School District.
"Dr. Rose meets the criteria set forth in our recent community survey that asked parents, staff and other stakeholders what they want in their next superintendent," says Linda McCain, president of the Fulton County School Board.
Fulton County in suburban Atlanta is Georgia’s fourth-largest school system with close to 95,000 students. The Beaverton district has about 41,000 students.
"I am honored to join Fulton County Schools," says Rose. "I will be committed to serve and lead in a manner that builds on the past success, trust and forward trajectory that this district has shaped,"
If he assumes the job, Rose will succeed Robert Avossa, who left Fulton County last year to become superintendent in the Palm Beach County (Fla.) School District.
Rose has a doctorate in Educational Leadership and a master's degree in Teacher Education from Lewis & Clark College in Oregon and a bachelor's degree in Education from California State University, Long Beach.
Video from Fulton County Schools:
