New superintendent of schools sworn in Monday night
Dr. Gregg Slate and his wife, Amy, stand with Representative Larry Potts Monday night, as Potts administers the oath of office for Slate, Davidson County School’s new superintendent. Elisabeth Strillacci, Davidson Local
To applause and smiles, Dr. Gregg Slate was sworn in Monday night as the new Superintendent of Schools for Davidson County.
Representative Larry Potts of Lexington was on hand to issue the oath of office, saying he thought Slate was the best person to carry forward the great work the schools are engaged in.
“I’ve got a phenomenal team behind me,” said Slate after his first board of education meeting. He said one of the biggest goals is his desire to make sure “we consistently provide post-secondary options for our students. We need to let them get their feet wet in the real world” whether they are going to work, into the military or into college, he said. He said his dream class of 2024 would use their “AQ” or adaptability quotient, and their emotional quotient, in order to understand the world. Empathy, he noted is essential for students, because “in the real world you aren’t always going to live behind a screen.
”I have complete confidence in him,” said Board of Education Chairman Alan Beck. “I firmly believe we have the right person for the job.”
Following the swearing in, Slate presented his transition plan to the board. The plan has four phases that he described as pre-planning, listening and learning, planning and leading.
The pre-planning phase takes the month of February, and involves introductions and beginning to learn the players, which he is already doing.
The listening and learning phase involves visiting all schools and facilities (including one full day at each school), meeting with all stakeholders, holding community forums including “Share it with Slate” coffee hours for community conversations, joining civic organizations to build bonds, and meeting with faith leaders to strengthen relationships. That phase runs through May, just prior to testing.
The planning phase involves working with staff and administration to determine trends and themes uncovered in the previous phase, establishing strengths and points of improvement.
The leading phase is presenting a strategic plan to the board in August.
Slate came to Davidson County from Rowan-Salisbury Schools where he was Chief Administrative Officer, but he has roots in Lexington where he taught at the high school and where he met his wife, Amy, who was then teaching at South Lexington. Amy, who was by his side during the swearing in, said they are both excited he is in Davidson County schools.
The board’s next meeting is March 4 at 6:30 p.m. at Davis-Townsend Elementary School.
