Quality Teachers, Direction Among Priorities for Pritz

Shrinking education budgets and rising community expectations typically make up the bulk of the challenges public school superintendents face across the nation.

Gordon Pritz said he understood these challenges when he took over as Douglas County's superintendent on May 1, 2010 and, in some ways, welcomed them.

“If someone thinks something can’t be done, that’s what motivates me," he said.

One of Pritz’s goals is to return focus back on educating children. He admitted that some of the things he has to deal with aren't fun, but he said he keeps his attention on the root of education: the classroom.

“What goes on in that classroom every day is the most important,” he said. “You have to have the very best teacher, and my goal is to have the very best teacher in front of each student."

One method to help improve the quality of teaching, he added, is to provide instructors with proper resources.

A 34-year educator, Pritz worked his way up from grade-school teacher to administrator during his work in the metro Atlanta area. Meanwhile, the 55-year-old coached eight wrestling teams to state titles.

Pritz, who was recently appointed to Gov. Nathan Deal’s Education Advisory Board, earned his educational leadership doctorate from Nova Southeastern University in 2008. 

Steady improvements in test scores, attendance and behavior are some of his main goals for the 24,500-student Douglas County School System.

The superintendent said he realizes schools are judged by test scores, but there's more to student success than that.

“We have to look at what enables our students to be successful when they leave our doors, whether that’s college or going into the work force," he said. "What we work on is whether they’re contributing citizens."

"In public schools," he continued, "we serve every student that walks in our doors. We don’t have the luxury of picking and choosing.”

Being a good listener, integrity and having an open door are some of the traits Douglas County Board of Education members said they appreciate most about Pritz.

“He’s a great leader. He shows character in all situations,” said Board Chair Jeff Morris, whose District 5 serves  and  high schools. “He’s impeccable on his integrity, and you can ask anyone ... and that’s the same comments they’ll make. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Sam Haskell of District 4, which includes five elementary schools, described Pritz as a “good listener.” 

“When I was interviewing superintendent candidates, I was reading a particular book, and he was the only one familiar with that particular author and values, and that impressed me,” he said. “In other words, a reader and a thinker—and I like both of those.”

Janet Kelley, whose District 3 includes , likes Pritz’s literal open-door policy.

“He’s very open,” she said. “I’m very impressed.”

With the one-year anniversary of his hiring coming up, Pritz said he hopes the school system has been provided with clear direction while continuing the things that worked prior to his arrival.

Looking toward his second year, Pritz said he wants to create an even clearer picture of where the district is headed.

“We’ve tried to bring resources to bear that will make us more effective," he said. “I think we’re being very responsible with taxpayer money. We’re working very hard and are more focused on providing the very best education for kids.”