Candace Alexander Chief of Accountability and Continuous Improvement | Dekalb County School District
Candace Alexander Chief of Accountability and Continuous Improvement | Dekalb County School District
The DeKalb County School District has announced the induction of four new Board of Education members. The swearing-in ceremony took place on January 6 at the Robert R. Freeman Administrative and Instructional Complex, with Superior Court Judge Gregory Adams and State Court Judge Mike Jacobs administering the oaths.
The new members are Andrew B. Ziffer for District 1, Deirdre P. Pierce as Chair for District 3, Dr. Tiffany Tate-Hogan for District 5, and Awet Eyasu for District 7.
DCSD Superintendent Dr. Devon Q. Horton expressed optimism about the new leadership: “This team of dedicated leaders will help guide our District toward new heights of achievement,” he said. He emphasized their diverse experiences would be essential in improving educational opportunities in DeKalb County.
Mrs. Pierce is beginning her second term on the board and previously served as vice-chairperson. She has been involved in various community activities over her five decades in DeKalb County, including roles with local PTAs and other civic organizations.
“I cannot tell you how appreciative and honored I am to continue the great work that the school district has started,” Mrs. Pierce stated.
Mr. Ziffer brings over three decades of business experience to his role on the board and aims to prioritize public school education as a key opportunity provider.
“This is a promise that every decision I make will be rooted in the belief that a public school education is the foundation for opportunity,” Mr. Ziffer affirmed.
Dr. Hogan transitions from being an educator to serving on the board with over 30 years of experience in K-12 education, emphasizing decisions made in students' best interests.
“Every decision that I make is for the children and what is in the best interest of the children,” she declared.
Mr. Eyasu, originally from Eritrea, has lived in DeKalb County for more than two decades and served as Vice Mayor of Clarkston until 2023. He hopes to extend support within DCSD akin to what his family received for their autistic son.
“I believe there are so many families who have not had the same opportunities as my family,” Mr. Eyasu remarked.
The board members aim to bring forward-thinking perspectives while maintaining a focus on community needs and student success under Dr. Horton’s guidance.
For pictures from the Oath-of-Office Ceremony, see: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBXsZF
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