DOTHAN, Ala. (WDNews) — The Alabama Association of School Boards (AASB) has named five finalists in the search for the next superintendent of Dothan City Schools.
The names were shared with the school board during a special meeting held Thursday, June 5. Dr. Jan Harris with AASB presented the finalists and praised each candidate for their leadership experience and vision for education.
“These five candidates were selected from 42 applicants. Of those, 31 completed the full application process,” Dr. Harris said. “We are very proud to present these five candidates for consideration to the Dothan City Board of Education. Each one has unique skills and abilities that we believe would be an asset to Dothan children.”
Dr. Harris compared the decision to finding the right fit in a partnership. “The relationship between the board and superintendent is much like a marriage. You have to find a good fit, and while one person may have exceptional skills, it may not be the skills the board is actually looking for at that time,” she added.
Here are the five finalists (listed alphabetically):
Dr. Garrick Askew
- Degree: Ed.D., Educational Leadership, University of Georgia, 2004
- Experience: Teacher, Assistant Principal, Principal, Central Office Director and Assistant Superintendent
- Most Recent Job: Clarke County Schools, Athens, Ga.
Dr. Veronica Bayles
- Degree: Ed.D., Educational Leadership, Samford University, 2024
- Experience: Teacher, Instructional Coach, Assistant Principal, Principal, Central Office Director
- Most Recent Job: Tuscumbia City Schools, Ala.
Dr. Donnie Chambers
- Degree: Ed.D., Educational Leadership, Policy & Law, Alabama State University, 2001
- Experience: Teacher, Assistant Principal, Coach, Principal
- Most Recent Job: Houston County Schools, Ala.
Dr. Charles Corbitt
- Degree: Ed.D., Rural Education, Argosy University (Atlanta), 2016
- Experience: Teacher, Principal, Coach, Assistant Principal, Central Office Director
- Most Recent Job: Dothan City Schools, Ala.
Dr. Kari McGann
- Degree: Ed.D., Educational Leadership, Rider University, 2020
- Experience: Teacher, Superintendent, Curriculum Supervisor, Central Office Administrator/Director
- Most Recent Job: Flemington-Raritan Regional School District, N.J.
The Dothan City Board of Education is expected to set interview dates for each candidate in the coming days.
