In a recent turn of events, the Atlanta Board of Education has selected Dr. Danielle Battle as the new interim superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools. The decision came as a surprise as the current superintendent, Dr. Lisa Herring, was expected to stay in her position until June of 2024.
After a Board of Education vote on Monday, August 7, it was announced that Battle would officially assume her role on September 1, 2023, succeeding Dr. Lisa Herring, who has served as the Atlanta Public Schools superintendent since July of 2020. The decision comes after the School Board announced in June that Herring’s contract, set to end on June 30, 2024, would not be renewed. Herring, whose tenure included navigating the educational challenges brought on by the pandemic, will still play a role in the district, serving as a consultant until December 31, 2023. “Most people I have spoken to say they are not happy with this abrupt change,” said 11 Alive Reporter Bobeth Yates. “But, they add if the decision must be made, the new interim superintendent choice is a good one.”
Herring came in as the Atlanta Public Schools Superintendent following Meria Carstarphen. From the beginning of her tenure, Herring had an extremely difficult role as she had to manage all schools across the district during a stressful time. Because serving as Superintendent is such a demanding job, there are varying opinions about Battle’s predecessor. NAHS math teacher David Ehrman was one of the many who believed she successfully fulfilled her role. “I thought she was very good. She gave teachers numerous pay raises, which made us really feel appreciated,” said Ehrman.
Transitioning from Herring’s tenure, which was marked by varied perceptions of her effectiveness, Battle will step into the role of APS Superintendent with a rich educational legacy that spans over three decades. Battle served 19 of those years in Atlanta Public Schools, serving in roles from Principal of Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School to Associate Superintendent and Interim Chief of Schools and Academics. Battle will hold the reins of APS Superintendent through July of 2024, after which a national search firm will be tasked with finding a permanent replacement. “It’s comforting as a parent to know that there is someone in charge that truly understands the system inside and out,” said North Atlanta parent Terri Wade.
With the appointment of Dr. Danielle Battle as the new Interim Superintendent, Atlanta Public Schools enters a fresh chapter guided by experience and dedication. As the District looks ahead, Dr. Battle’s extensive experience and resolute leadership are primed to drive Atlanta Public Schools toward continued success.
