Leadership Team & Principals Named

Tonight was a very exciting evening for our district and community as we took several steps forward on our journey to improving achievement for all students. From a budget amendment that makes us more fiscally sound to the Welcome Center’s renovation budget to principal appointments to the district’s new leadership team…we are well on our way to starting the Strategic Planning process and making changes in our district.

When we first began the budget process for next school year, we were projecting that we would end this year with approximately $10 million remaining in the unreserved fund balance. Working with our CFO, Ron Collier, we have been more fiscally conservative, and our projected ending fund balance is now approximately $20 million. The better we are able to maximize our efficiencies, the more resources can be used to directly support student achievement, including making sure we do not have employee furloughs.

Also approved tonight was the use of money from the Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (ESPLOST) to fund the Welcome Center renovation. The preliminary parameters for the Welcome Center include approximately 18,000 square feet, 12 administrative offices, open office space for Registrars, computer labs, lecture labs, and upgrades to the facility itself (roof, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, etc.).

Earlier this year, I reorganized the district’s leadership structure to be more effectively aligned to provide the best education and services to students. PROACT Search conducted a national search to fill the district’s top leadership positions, and more than 400 people applied. Of those, PROACT screened and interviewed 115 applicants before providing Dr. Dallemand with at least three names for each position. Tonight, the Board approved the new Leadership Team, and I am very excited for them to begin working with all stakeholders in the best interest of children.

All of these candidates have a strong background in curriculum, instruction, and school improvement, and each has great people skills with strong two-way communications. They have the experience to help staff grow and improve, and they strongly believe in equity and are extremely passionate about education. Most importantly, they have high expectations for each and every child, as well as all of our adults. I strongly believe that we have the dream team that will improve achievement for all children in the district.

Just as our district needs high-quality leaders, so do our schools need high-quality principals to lead the change necessary to improve student achievement. Tonight, we named new principals at five schools. There is now an opening at Southwest High School, and we will are working to identify the person to best fill that role.

District Leadership Team

Deputy Superintendent of Teaching & Learning

Jane Drennan

Jane Drennan comes to the Bibb County School District from Rochester Public Schools where she has served for more than 20 years and is currently the Principal of George W. Gibbs, Jr. Elementary School. She also has served a teacher in grades 3-6, a Curriculum Associate, and principal of two other elementary schools: Riverside Central Elementary and Holmes Elementary Schools.

The Deputy Superintendent of Teaching & Learning provides leadership in developing, coordinating, implementing and maintaining the best possible educational programs and services for the students of Bibb County. This position leads, guides, and directs staff members involved in teaching and learning to set and achieve the highest standards of excellence so that each individual student may be provided with a complete, valuable, meaningful and rewarding education.

Ms. Drennan will coordinate, direct and supervise the programs and activities involved in Teaching and Learning; supervise, direct and manage the development, implementation and evaluation of curriculum and instructional services in all instructional areas (PreK-12); supervise, direct and manage the selection of textbooks and instructional materials for all grades and subjects; and evaluates the effectiveness of all Teaching and Learning programs, facilities, curriculum, materials/supplies, etc., and recommends changes as necessary.

“Teaching and learning is at the heart of any thriving school system, and I am excited to become a member of a community and organization that supports a core belief that all students can and will learn! Just as teaching and learning is at the heart of any thriving school system, a high quality school system is at the heart of a thriving community,” says Ms. Drennan. “In order for our students to be successful, adults must grow and learn in their craft of nurturing and instructing students, and we must collaboratively build on existing strengths and eliminate obstacles to student success.  I am committed to upholding the conditions that make this possible in Bibb County and I am eager for us to begin this journey together.”

In Rochester, Ms. Drennan planned and implemented the first school-wide Title I program and the first all-day, every-day kindergarten program. She opened the district’s two newest elementary schools, beginning with working with the architects on the design to building a positive culture for learning and student achievement. She has also done Reading First staff development grant work with the University of Minnesota and worked with Newcomer Centers for immigrant students at the elementary level.

Ms. Drennan holds a Bachelor of Music Degree in Piano Performance from Miami University in Oxford, OH. She also has a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, a Master of Science in Education, and an Education Specialist Certification from Winona State University in Winona, MN.

Deputy Superintendent
of School Improvement and Redesign

Susanne Griffin-Ziebart

Susanne Griffin-Ziebart joins the district from the Rochester Public Schools where she has served the students for 23 years, most recently as the Executive Director of School Improvement and Accountability. She has also served the students and families of the Rochester Public Schools as a Speech/Language Pathologist, an elementary administrative assistant, a principal of Churchill/Hoover Elementary and Franklin/Montessori at Franklin Elementary Schools, and the Interim Director of Special Education. In addition, she has worked as an educational consultant for the Mayo Clinic’s Cochlear Implant Program.

The Deputy Superintendent of School Improvement and Redesign oversees the development of a school redesign program to maximize the capacity to provide excellent learning environments for all students. Mrs. Griffin-Ziebart will: coordinate planning activities for all redesign programs; work with school principals and communities to establish Redesign Program Models and implement professional development; work collaboratively with Superintendent’s Cabinet team to coordinate efforts and maximize integration of new programs and curriculum; coordinate with Human Resources to oversee posting, interviews and selection process of Redesign School Principals; work with principals and Human Resources in the recruitment, selection and assignment of staff; ensure adequate distribution of resources to each Redesign school; and provide orientation, training, and coaching to staff on Redesign programs.

"I am thrilled to be joining a school district that has committed itself to supporting all children to build strength of character and to achieve at high levels," said Ms. Griffin-Ziebart. "As the Deputy Superintendent of School Improvement and Redesign, I plan to work with students and their families, with district leadership and staff members, with the School Board and with community partners to create systems and structures within our schools that will unleash the brilliance of every child and every adult in the school system. I am grateful to have the opportunity to serve the students, staff and community of Bibb County in a position that so closely aligns with my passions and skills."

Mrs. Griffin-Ziebart earned her Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders from the University of Wisconsin River Falls, her Masters of Science in Speech/Language Pathology from the University of Wisconsin Madison, and her Education Specialist Equivalent in Educational Policy and Administration from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities.

Mrs. Griffin-Ziebart is a member of the Minnesota Elementary School Principals’ Association, the National Association of Elementary School Principals, the National Association of Secondary School Principals, and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

In Rochester, she is currently on the Child Care Resource & Referral Board, the Rochester Area Foundation-First Steps Board, and is the Vice Chair of the Diversity Council Board. She has also served on the  Minnesota Department of Education’s Desegregation and Integration Task Force.

 Deputy Superintendent of Student Affairs

Edward Judie, Jr.

Edward Judie, Jr. has been in education for more than 10 years and joins the district from the Clover Park School District, where he is currently the Director of Student Services and previously served as an assistant principal and teacher. Mr. Judie is a retired U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major who served 26 years in combat arm units, including 15 years in Special Operations with the U.S. Army Rangers.

The Deputy Superintendent of Student Affairs assumes responsibility for the management, monitoring, and articulation, of designated instructional educational programs, including the Office of Guidance, Attendance, Health Services, and Social Workers II. Mr. Judie will: work closely with the Welcome Center to  act as an advocate for students and their parents; set policy, organization, and duties of departmental staff by assisting with the redesign of the school social work, guidance, and psychological services departments; make recommendations for support staff curriculum and program development and implementation; and work closely with administrators to address discipline problems at the school.

 “I am very excited to have an opportunity to work with Dr. Dallemand and the Bibb County School District to provide the best learning opportunity for all children,” says Mr. Judie. “It is my goal to assist the Superintendent in closing the opportunity gap, direct resources to those with the greatest needs, and implement strategies to accelerate learning for all students. Finally, I must emphasize the need to develop and implement systems of support which keep our children in school and have them ready to learn.”

Mr. Judie earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Regent College in Albany, N.Y., his Masters degree in Education from Troy State University of Alabama, his teaching certificate from Saint Martin’s University, and his Superintendent Certificate from City University of Seattle.  He serves as an advisee to the Washington State Board of Education and to the Washington State Professional Standard Board for Recruiting Teachers of Color.

Deputy Superintendent of Operations

Dr. Fadhilika Atiba-Weza

Dr. Fadhilika Atiba-Weza joins the district from the Enlarged City School District of Troy, N.Y where he has served as Superintendent since July, 2007. He has worked in the field of education for more than 25 years, including Superintendent for the Central Islip Union Free School District and Interim Superintendent of the Roosevelt Union Free School District. Other positions held include library assistant, vocational counselor, educational director, teacher, teacher mentor, assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent and superintendent.

The Deputy Superintendent of Operations is responsible for coordinating central operations (custodial services, health and safety, transportation, food and nutrition, human resources, and technology) in support of teaching and learning. Dr. Atiba-Weza will: oversee the preparation and administration – in collaboration with the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) – of the annual budget process; oversees the provision of transportation for students and materials and proper maintenance of automotive and related equipment; oversees the provision of food services for students; manage the development and implementation of health and safety programs and ensures Districts’ compliance with applicable laws, regulations, program guidelines and reporting requirements; and oversee human resource services to include recruitment and staffing, professional development training, wage and salary structures, benefits providers and services, and certification; develop strategic alliances and work collaboratively with stakeholders to ensure confidence in School Districts’ ability to educate children.

“I am honored to have been offered the opportunity to serve the children of Bibb County, and I look forward to a successful tenure,” says Dr. Atiba-Weza. “This position is of critical and vital importance to the success of the school district, and I look forward to providing leadership in the position and assisting with the implementation of Dr. Dallemand’s vision for the improvement of the schools.”

A graduate of City College of the City University of New York, Dr. Atiba-Weza earned his Masters degree in Guidance and Counseling from Brooklyn College; his Masters in Administration and Supervision from City College; his Masters in Organizational Leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University; and his Doctorate in Educational Leadership from The Sage Colleges in Albany, N.Y.

He is an active member of many professional associations including: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development; American Society for Training and Development; International Society for Technology in Education; National Alliance of Black School Educators; American Association of School Administrators; New York State Association of Computers and Technologies in Education; National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and Phi Delta Kappa International.

Associate Superintendents of Zone

The Associate Superintendent of Zone is accountable for increasing student outcomes and overall performance of a grouping – or “Area” – of schools, in order to: increase student achievement, increase the high school graduation rate, decrease the dropout rate, eliminate the opportunity gap, and increase the number of students attending college.

These Team Members will assess the needs of the schools in the area, analyze school performance outcomes, implement performance management processes and tools, and identify strategies to drive school improvement. They will provide resources and support to teachers and school staff around data analysis and instructional improvement; create a climate of professional collaboration and sharing of best practices among the schools; identify, develop and assign or recommend effective leaders; develop an individualized Leadership Development Plan for each principal; provide resources and support to develop increased leadership competencies of principals. 

Bertha Caldwell

Bertha Caldwell joins the district from the Winston-Salem Forsyth County District where she serves at the Mineral Springs Magnet Middle School. Mrs. Caldwell has been in education for more than 30 years and has served as a teacher, assistant principal, staff development trainer, and education consultant. She was named the Winston-Salem Forsyth County Principal of the Year in 2009.

“I am excited and honored to have been selected for  this position,” says Mrs. Caldwell. “Children are our most important resource. My goal is to be of value to the Bibb County School District and to serve our children well. Their success in school is my number one priority."

Mrs. Caldwell earned her Bachelors of Science in Elementary and Special Education from Norfolk State University and her Master of Arts in Special Education from the University of Alabama Birmingham. She is currently a Doctoral Candidate in Curriculum and Instruction at Iowa State University.

Mrs. Caldwell is a member of the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, the National Staff Development Council, and the National Middle School Association. In her community, she is a member of the Urban League of Winston-Salem, and the School Health Alliance Board at Wake Forest University.

Dr. Tanzy Kilcrease

Dr. Tanzy Kilcrease rejoins the district after serving as the Director of School Improvement for Peach County Schools. She has 18 years experience in education, including principal of Miller Middle and Burdell-Hunt Magnet Schools, Assistant Principal at Carter Elementary School, and a teacher at Ballard-Hudson Middle School.

"I am very enthusiastic about the opportunity to serve schools and principals of Bibb County and assist them in their school improvement efforts,” says Dr. Kilcrease. “I look forward to working with everyone as we strive to ensure a quality educational experience for all Bibb County students.”

Dr. Kilcrease has a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Georgia College; a Masters of Education in Administration and Supervision and a Specialist in Education in Administration and Supervision from Georgia College and State University; and a Doctorate of Education in Administration and Supervision from Argosy University.

Dr. Kilcrease is the Vice President of the Howard Middle School Choral Boosters, and is a member of the Georgia Association of Educators, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and Girl Scouts of America. She is a volunteer for the Children’s Ministry and is a Theology instructor at Harvest Cathedral.

Executive Director of Special Programs

Dr. Lori Rodgers

Dr. Lori Rodgers joins the Bibb County School District from Monroe County Public Schools where she serves as the Director of Federal Programs, Pre-K, Gifted, and Policy. She is a fourteen year veteran in education with eight years of central office administrative leadership. She has had varied experiences in K-12 and higher education, including elementary teacher, admissions officer, college instructor, and director of human resources, professional learning, and testing. 

As the Executive Director of Special Programs, Dr, Rodgers will provide supervision, leadership, and coordination in the development and implementation of federal and special programs to include Title I. 

“I am excited to have the opportunity to work with parents, students, community members, and staff in supporting the system’s vision and goals,” says Dr. Rodgers. “I look forward to ensuring that the operational procedures of the Special Programs department are aligned to maximize opportunities for successful learning and increased academic achievement for all students of Bibb County.”

Dr. Rodgers holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Georgia, Masters of Science in Administration, Planning, and Social Policy from Harvard University, and a Ph.D. in Educational Policy studies at Georgia State University.

In 2010, Dr. Rodgers completed the first cohort of the Georgia Association School Superintendents Association’s District Office Professional Development Program.  She is involved with several civic and educational organizations, including Georgia Association of Curriculum and Instructional Supervision, the National Association of Gifted Children, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the Links, Inc, and Jack and Jill of America.  

Principal Appointments

Alexander II Magnet School
Cynthia Porter

With more than 30 years experience in K-12 education, Cynthia Porter joins the district as the Principal of Alexander II Magnet School after serving four years as the Principal of Woodfin Elementary School in Asheville, NC. Ms. Porter previously served as an Assistant Principal at North Buncombe High School and an Assistant Principal at T.C. Roberson High School, both in Asheville. She also has more than 20 years of classroom experience.

Bernd Elementary School
Dr. Christopher Ridley

Dr. Christopher Ridley joins the district as Principal of Bernd Elementary School after serving for 6 years as an Assistant Principal for the Crawford County Public Schools. Prior to that, he was a teacher for 5 years with Clayton County Schools.

Hartley Elementary School

Sheila Garcia

Sheila Garcia comes to the district as the Principal of Hartley Elementary from the Georgia Department of Education, where she served for six years as a State Director, Leadership Facilitator, and School Improvement Specialist. For 14 years before that, she served as a teacher, teacher support specialist, and assistant principal in the Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools.

King-Danforth Elementary School

Dr. Benjy Morgan

Dr. Benjy Morgan has been named the Principal of King-Danforth Elementary School after serving as Principal of Southwest High School. Dr. Morgan has been with the district for 24 years as Principal of Ballard-Hudson and McEvoy Middle Schools, Director of Neel Academy, Principal of King Elementary and Danforth Primary Schools, and Assistant Principal at Tinsley Elementary. She was also a teacher at Bruce Elementary for 11 years.

Lane Elementary School

Georglyn Stephens

Georglyn Stephens will continue her service to Bibb County students as the Lane Elementary School Principal. She joins Lane Elementary after serving as the Assistant Principal of Union Elementary (four years), Instructional Coach at Skyview Elementary (two years), and teacher at Porter Elementary (17 years).