Friday, June 28, 2002

Fulton begins search for school superintendent

Fulton County School System Superintendent Stephen Dolinger announced this week his plans to leave the school system to become president of the non-profit organization, the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education.

"This is an exciting announcement, but yet one that is bittersweet," Dr. Dolinger said. "I am extremely proud of our work in Fulton and the progress we have made, and for the collaborations that have come from our partnerships with the community and the Board. The Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education is an outstanding organization and I look forward to working on a statewide level for all children in Georgia."

The move, which is effective September 1, comes after a seven-year tenure with the school system. As the new president of the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education, Dolinger will lead its efforts to improve the academic achievement of Georgia students through research, advocacy, and communication.

The Partnership was founded in 1990 by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and the Georgia Economic Developers Association, and consists of business, education, community and government leaders who share a vision of improved education. Dolinger will replace retiring president Tom Upchurch.

"Stephen Dolinger brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to our table," said David Ratcliffe, chair of the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education and President and CEO of Georgia Power Company.

"His demonstrated track record of making public education a partnership with businesses and the community parallels the Partnership's mission. He will assume a vital role in our organization, and we are confident he has the right tools for the job."

Board of Education President Linda Bryant concurs with the Partnership's decision to seek Dr. Dolinger as its leader.

"The Board of Education obviously is saddened to see Dr. Dolinger go, but we understand that this is a tremendous opportunity for him and for the Partnership," said Board President Linda Bryant.

"The schools in Fulton County have prospered under his leadership and he has laid a foundation for continual improvement that will benefit our schools for years to come."

Board Vice President Ron Jackson agrees.

"In his seven years with our system, Steve Dolinger has been a great asset to Fulton County Schools." Jackson said.

"We will certainly miss him in Fulton, but we are excited both for him and for Georgia. Now all students and school systems in the state will be able to benefit from his insights. I consider his selection as Georgia Partnership President to be a great compliment to the Fulton County School System because it shows that people recognize what we have accomplished and how that can be shared across the state."

Bryant and Jackson said that the board will soon name an interim superintendent so that the transition will go more smoothly. A nationwide search to fill the position, which could take six to eight months, will begin sometime in the fall.

Dr. Dolinger was named Fulton County's Superintendent of Schools in August 1995, and in that time the system has seen a steady increase in school achievement.

During his tenure as superintendent, the Fulton County School System steadily raised test scores throughout the county, including an increase of SAT scores each year since 1995 while also increasing the percentage of students taking the test and began the turnaround of the achievement gap between north Fulton and south Fulton schools.

Dr. Dolinger is active in professional organizations such as the Georgia School Superintendents Association, of which he is currently president and was named the 2001 Georgia Superintendent of the Year, and the Urban Superintendents Association of America, of which he will become president in July.

He also has been on the board of directors for the Alliance Theatre Company, Georgia State University's Southern Center for Organizational Excellence, the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, Georgia Humanities Council, Junior Achievement of Georgia, and the South Fulton Medical Center, and has been a member of the Georgia State University College of Education Leadership Council.

Dr. Dolinger also has been an adjunct professor at George Mason University, where he received his master's degree in education, and on the Alumni Association Board of Directors for Vanderbilt University, where he received his doctorate in education. He retired in 1993 from the United States Army Reserves after 20 years of service.

Prior to his arrival in Fulton County, Dr. Dolinger worked for 26 years in Fairfax, Va., where he served as a teacher and administrator.