After being named the sole finalist, Dr. Duke Bradley III was officially appointed as Newton County Schools’ (NCSS) next superintendent on Oct. 17. A week later, Bradley was sworn into the position.
Within the first week following being sworn in, Bradley hosted Community Connection meetings at Alcovy, Eastside and Newton high schools.
A NCSS press release said the aim of the meetings was for Bradley to “formally introduce himself to the community and to engage in informal dialogue.”
Recently, Bradley answered a question-and-answer from The Covington News.
Q: Growing up as a child of an educator, how did that shape your perspective of education? Is that what inspired you to pursue education?
DB: My upbringing as the child of educators has certainly shaped my perspective on education, although I may not have always been fully aware of their influence on my life and subsequent career choice. What I have learned from my parents has extended beyond simply being an educator; they have instilled in me the importance of leading a life dedicated to service, with a focus on the well-being and development of young people. It is also hard to talk about influence without mentioning my sister. She is also an educator and has forever been my muse. She is tough and compassionate and lives by the strength of her convictions—all the things that I believe educators should be.
I firmly believe that there is no more noble pursuit than contributing to the growth and development of our youth, a belief that has been reinforced throughout my journey in education. Over the course of my career, I’ve gained a deeper understanding that the investments we make today will significantly impact the outcomes we see in the future. I genuinely cannot think of a more worthwhile use of our time than in nurturing the potential of our children.
What I cherish most from my parents is that they not only instilled these values in me but also dedicated their professional lives to embodying them. I’m profoundly grateful for their guidance and the invaluable lessons I’ve learned from them.
Q: What motivated you to advance from being a teacher to fulfilling administrative roles at the district level?
DB: To say that I have always aspired to become a Superintendent wouldn’t be entirely truthful. My primary motivation has been to simply prove that more was possible for children. This mindset has been a driving force since the early days of my career and it continues to fuel my professional journey. So, yes, the desire to prove that more is possible for students has always been a significant motivator for me.
I have never shied away from challenging tasks, and I find satisfaction in overcoming obstacles to achieve success on behalf of students. However, I must acknowledge that Newton County Schools is in excellent condition, thanks to years of exemplary leadership from our Board of Education and my predecessor, Mrs. Samantha Fuhrey. It is also worth recognizing the critical role that Boards of Education play, even if the general public may not fully grasp the complexity of their responsibilities. They not also serve as liaisons to the community, but they function as a unified governing body and make decisions that benefit the majority of our students. That is a big job and I have a hearty respect for our Board who have collectively signed up for such a weighty commitment.
Q. How do you think your former role as Henry County Schools’ chief of staff prepared you for your new role as superintendent of Newton County?
DB: Describing how my previous role as chief of staff in Henry County Schools prepared me for my current position as the superintendent of Newton County is somewhat challenging to put into words. In its purest form, the role of a chief of staff is to ensure that the district’s work is carried out. While the specific responsibilities of chief of staff positions can vary, my role encompassed a wide range of duties.
But I will say that serving as chief of saff allowed me to engage in the inner workings of the district, including aspects that are often not widely known or visible. I was consistently reminded that I should take satisfaction in the success of the district; however, when things didn’t go as planned, I should bear the weight of that responsibility. This is how I approach the superintendency as well because there is no personal success without the success of others – and I am committed to that.
Working as a chief of staff also allowed me to act as a surrogate for the superintendent, Dr. Mary Elizabeth Davis, who I believe to be among the very best Superintendents in the country. She is an individual who immerses herself in every facet of the work, sets and upholds remarkably high standards for herself and others, and is deeply committed to the success of all stakeholders. I identify with these qualities and intend for my administration to reflect a similar commitment to excellence.
Q. What topics in education are you most passionate about and/or have researched? How do you plan on utilizing these interests during your tenure?
DB: I am deeply passionate about ensuring that every student in Newton County feels that their aspirations are attainable through their experience in our district. My ultimate goal is for our students to gain more knowledge and skills during their time with us than they could anywhere else. This can be made possible through designed programs, abundant resources, and the dedicated adults who surround them, turning our student’s wildest dreams into reality.
I also tend to steer clear of fanciful educational trends that come and go, as I understand that blindly following them can be detrimental to a district’s efforts to establish a reliable foundation. For instance, there was a time when the prevailing belief was that all students should attend college, and that schools should be geared toward achieving that objective. This mindset clearly doesn’t align with contemporary perspectives about the role of public education. It’s important to also consider the numerous shifts that we have seen in reading and math instruction, the introduction of new instructional standards, and evolving theories on assessment and instructional strategies. While schools and school districts must remain adaptable and responsive to change, I am mindful of the potential impact of constant shifts on our teachers, and more importantly, our students.
Q. What are some more specific things that you’re looking to target, improve and/or address? Why?
DB: It is a bit challenging to pinpoint specific areas at this early stage since I am simply focused on learning more about the district. Currently I am looking to determine what our priorities are and whether we have a well-defined strategy in place to achieve our goals. Additionally, I am particularly interested in exploring alignment across all levels, from the community to the boardroom and into our classrooms. Ensuring this alignment is crucial, and my focus in the coming weeks will revolve around evaluating these things and more.
Q. What are you most looking forward to as Newton County Schools’ superintendent?
DB: As I start my journey as the superintendent of Newton County Schools, I am most looking forward to the opportunity to work collaboratively with our staff, students, and the broader community. My passion for education, commitment to student success, and belief that all children can achieve their full potential underpin my enthusiasm for this role.
I am eager to delve into the complexities of our district, understand the unique strengths and challenges we face, and work towards fostering a learning environment where every student feels empowered to reach their highest potential. Building upon the foundations of clear priorities, strategic planning, and community engagement, I hope to lead our district in a direction that aligns with the vision of the community in partnerships with the direction of the Board of Education.
Q. What drew you to Newton County from one of its neighboring counties?
DB: I was drawn to Newton County by the potential and unique opportunities it offers. While my previous experience in a neighboring county provided me with valuable insights and a deep appreciation for the region, the prospect of joining Newton County Schools as superintendent was enticing.
Newton County has a diverse and vibrant community, and I saw an alignment of values and aspirations between the district’s mission and my own educational philosophy. I believe that the challenges and opportunities in Newton County present a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of our students.
Q. Is there anything you would like to say to teachers, students, parents, the community? How are you feeling?
DB: To our wonderful teachers, students, parents, and the entire community of Newton County, I want to express my gratitude for welcoming me into this remarkable educational journey. I am truly excited and humbled by the opportunity to serve as your superintendent.
To our dedicated teachers, your commitment to nurturing the minds and spirits of our students is commendable. I am here to support you and collaborate with you in our shared mission of providing the best possible education for our students.
To our students, I want you to know that I am here to listen, learn from you, and work tirelessly to create an environment where your dreams and aspirations can come to life. You are at the heart of all our efforts, and your success is our ultimate goal.
To our parents and the broader community, I am eager to engage with you, learn from your insights, and build strong partnerships that enhance the educational experience for all. Your support and involvement are vital to the success of our students and our district as a whole.
As for how I’m feeling, I am filled with anticipation and enthusiasm for the journey ahead. There is much to learn, and I am committed to understanding the unique strengths and needs of our district. Together, we will work towards a brighter future for our students, and I am honored to be a part of this incredible community. Thank you for your warm welcome, and I look forward to our collaborative efforts in achieving educational excellence in Newton County.
