Decatur, Ga. (March 27, 2023) After an intensive search, City Schools of Decatur (CSD) Board of Education is thrilled to announce Dr. Gyimah Whitaker has been named the sole finalist for the role of superintendent for City Schools of Decatur. Whitaker will officially assume the CEO role July 1, 2023.

“Dr. Whitaker has a long track record of being a results-oriented educational leader with the proven ability to create sustainable outcomes by leading through impact and influence,” said James H. Herndon III, Chair of the School Board for CSD. “We are thrilled to have her helming CSD, particularly at the start of “All In Decatur,” the district’s new five-year strategic plan.

CSD recently announced the launch of “All In Decatur,” which will have an emphasis on bringing out the best in CSD students, educators, families, and city through outstanding, inclusive public education. This community-inspired, student-centered, and equity-focused strategic plan was adopted and approved by the CSD Board of Education and progress is already underway. 

“I am humbled and delighted to serve as the next Superintendent of the City Schools of Decatur,” said Whitaker. “I was drawn to this district because it is truly a gem - a rare and special find. I am proud to be ALL IN DECATUR to ensure we reach an even higher level of brilliance.”

An engaging, innovative and experienced leader, Dr. Whitaker has more than two decades of leadership experience, including most recently serving as Deputy Chief Academic Officer for Fulton County Schools where she supervised the Assistant Superintendents of Student Support Services and Learning and Teaching and oversaw a budget of $48M general funds, $61M federal funds, and $47M ESSR funds.

Whitaker brings deep experience in development and oversight of innovative instructional programs, diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, community engagement and communications,  and system-wide budgets. The trajectory of her career has always been focused on improving access to excellent education experiences and being a change agent for academic systems. 

She earned a Bachelor of Arts in African American studies and Master of Science in Elementary Education from University of Pennsylvania. She holds a doctoral degree from Georgia State University in Educational Leadership and Administration.

She is a proud wife and mother to two children of her own. 

Whitaker will take the reins from Dr. Maggie Fehrman who has served as superintendent since 2021 and, among many other accomplishments, led the development of “All In Decatur,” the current strategic plan. She withdrew her name from the candidate pool to pursue other opportunities. 

“One of the hallmarks of a strong district is its ability to transition from one leader to another while continuing to build on success,” concluded Herndon. “I am confident we will do that here, and I am more excited than ever about the future of City Schools of Decatur.”

Community meet and greets will be held on Tuesday, March 28, at 10 am in the CSD Board Room and Thursday, March 30, at 5:30 pm in the Decatur High School cafeteria.

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Click here for Dr. Whitaker's application packet.