BOE selects Dr. Janet Goodman as finalist
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By Mary Ann Ellis
On June 7, the Appling County Board of Education (BOE) announced the name of Dr. Janet Goodman as the only finalist for the Superintendent position. The board continues its process to name a new superintendent
for Appling County Schools.
Sixteen applications were submitted, and the board first narrowed this number to six candidates, who were then invited to come for interviews.
Of those six well-qualified applicants, Dr. Janet Goodman emerged as the candidate most qualified for this position. The board must wait at least 14 calendar days before taking final action on the position. The Board is further required to make public documents available to the public for inspection and review of the chosen finalist. The Board is confident in Dr. Goodman’s leadership and believes that she has the experience and knowledge to lead the Appling County School System.
The Board intends to have Dr. Goodman in place before the end of June.
Dr. Goodman currently resides in Pickens County and has been there for the last two years and having most recently served as interim superintendent for the system. She also served as chief academic officer and federal programs director. During that short time, she and her teams rolled out the Thinking Maps initiative and redesigned the district’s Multi-tiered System of Supports to support every student’s reaching his or her goal.
Additionally, they offered an enrichment summer camp where students engaged in project-based learning and engaging experiences that were developed through a shared leadership approach. Dr. Goodman attached her resume for review of the various positions she has held in Pickens, Haralson County Schools and in Florida with St. Lucie County Schools and Martin County School District. Dr. Goodman has held numerous positions during her career including teaching, principal positions, and several leadership positions at the board of education level.
Dr. Goodman said in her letter to the board: “What is not on my resume is the incredible academic progress I have witnessed in my time in Pickens County as evidenced by the growth on our quarterly benchmarks and Georgia Milestones. We continually examine student and teacher data and support schools in the continuous improvement process to ensure mastery for all students by fostering a positive learning environment. Before moving to Pickens County, I spent fourteen years in the Haralson County School District as a supervisor in Federal Programs, Teaching and Learning, Student Supports, and Human Resources. In the 10 years since I moved into the position of Chief Academic Officer in Haralson, we were able to move our graduation rate from 57.0% in 2011 to 98% in 2021. Additionally, the graduation rate of our students with disabilities improved from 23.2% in 2011 to 97.3% in 2021. As the district Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Coordinator, I supported the schools in improving culture and climate as evidenced by increased school attendance and greatly reduced discipline referrals. As the Director of Federal Programs, I was able to support Haralson County High School in being recognized as a Title I Reward School twice in two years. This tremendous growth can be attributed to a laser focus on improving instruction, attendance, and behavior through strategic planning and district initiatives, as well as continually analyzing data to improve instruction for all students. Through this work in schools, I have written and presented many evidence-based strategies, including several publications on how to improve outcomes for all students. If given the opportunity to serve Appling County School System as Superintendent, I would strive to support administrators, teachers, and students in achieving their goals, and thereby securing
a successful future for the students and the community. In doing so, I hope to move Appling County School System towards excellence in all areas of education. I look forward to speaking with the Appling County BOE about their vision for all students.”
Dr. Goodman received her bachelors, masters, and doctorate degrees from Florida Atlantic University. She also received her educational leadership
from West Georgia College.
In addition to her work in K-12, Dr. Goodman has also served as a professor at the University of West Georgia and Georgia Southern University. She has received numerous education awards and written or co-authored several educational training papers and books.
