Fayette County Public Schools welcomed the first superintendent finalist, Emmanuel “Manny” Caulk, with a tour of schools and a reception Tuesday evening at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School. Staff, students, parents and community members lined up in Dunbar’s foyer for a chance to meet Caulk and his wife, Christol, and hear a word about his leadership approach. Seven-year-old Cora Welker, a rising second-grader at Maxwell Elementary, shook Caulk’s hand and asked how long he would stay at this job. “As long as they’ll have me,” he replied.
Caulk, who currently is superintendent of Portland Public Schools in Maine, listed three priorities: giving all students opportunities to achieve, providing proper support for teachers, and fostering community engagement. “It’s about creating a great school district for a great community,” he said. Caulk also mentioned raising the bar for proficient students and advancing novice learners more quickly. “I bring seasoned leadership, and I have a track record of success,” he said. “My wife and I could be the catalyst. We’re going to make ‘good’ great.”
Dunbar will also play host to the second finalist, Terri Breeden, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday. “We’re interviewing them, but they’re also interviewing us,” said Principal Betsy Rains. “We’ve got to have clean facilities, a nice presentation and a welcoming environment.”
People may send feedback to the school board via www.fcps.net/letstalk.
FCPS is hiring a superintendent to replace Tom Shelton, who resigned in late 2014. Marlene Helm has served as acting superintendent in the interim.