It's Official: Fulton Hires Avossa as Superintendent

The Fulton County Board of Education voted to approve the hiring of Robert Avossa as school superintendent, during a called meeting this afternoon at Dunwoody Springs Elementary.

“We’ve received very positive responses,” said Fulton County School Board President Linda Schultz regarding community input.

Avossa will be paid an annual salary of $238,000 and given a three-year contract, which begins June 11.

"I’m excited at the opportunities and the challenges that await me in Fulton County," said Avossa, in a statement released by Fulton County Schools. "During my visit, I had the opportunity to walk through schools and meet teachers, and this gave me a firsthand look at what an outstanding school system I am joining. I look forward to working with our school and community leaders to meet our students’ needs.”

on a tour of eight schools around the county. 

The decision to hire him came after months candidate interviews. Avossa, who currently serves as chief strategy and accountability officer for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools in North Carolina, was the board’s top choice to replace outgoing superintendent Cindy Loe.

Following Loe’s resignation announcement in January, a nationwide search yielded 41 candidates from 21 states, according to Schultz. But out of the final four who were “extensively interviewed,” Avossa was named the finalist in mid-April.

Schultz, Julia Bernath (District 7) and Catherine Maddox (District 6) traveled to North Carolina to visit with district leaders and parents, and found Avossa to be sincere, show visionary leadership, able to delegate well and empower others, said Bernath.

“I think we’re getting a very, very good superintendent and I look forward to working with Mr. Avossa,” said Maddox.

Prior to today’s vote, the board played a montage video from that visit. In it Avossa stressed that he believes there is always room for improvement and the creation of a great system is found in the balance between pressure and support.

Board member Katie Reeves (District 2) said she believed Avossa “fit the bill” with regards to what Fulton County needs to continue on the positive course that Loe has chartered.

“I think we’ve found a strong candidated to join our team,” she said.

The motion to hire Avossa was approved unanimously.