Community Engagement Shapes Superintendent Search

The Gwinnett County Board of Education received an in-depth update from the Alma Advisory Group on November 12, 2025, summarizing the community engagement activities conducted as part of the superintendent search process.

All five Board members expressed their appreciation for the process. "Our community's voice has been central to the search process," said Board Chair Dr. Adrienne Simmons. "We are deeply grateful to the students, families, employees, and community partners who took time to share their hopes for the next leader of Gwinnett County Public Schools. Their input provides an important foundation for identifying the qualities and priorities we seek in our next superintendent."

Since launching the search earlier this fall, Alma and the Board have engaged thousands of Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) stakeholders through community gatherings, student panels, focus groups, and a districtwide survey. Input from thousands of survey participants and more than 700 attendees at in-person events represented every cluster and community within GCPS.

"The amount of  data is fantastic, and it reinforces why we are doing this." District II Representative Mr. Steve Gasper shared. "We want to hear from our community and for them to be involved in this process. You've offered multiple engagement opportunities—including in-person and virtual sessions, multilingual surveys and focus groups, and ongoing opportunities for direct email feedback. Thank you, Ms. Rosen, for what you are doing. I'm optimistic and look forward to the next steps in the process."

 

Key Themes from Engagement

Alma's report highlighted the breadth and diversity of perspectives across Gwinnett, underscoring both pride in GCPS's legacy and a desire for continued growth and innovation.

"We have been inspired by the openness and participation we've seen across Gwinnett County," said Monica Santana Rosen, CEO of Alma Advisory Group. "Families, educators, and students spoke candidly about their experiences and aspirations."

Key themes that emerged from community input include:

• Strong pride and loyalty to GCPS and its history of excellence
• Deep respect for teachers, staff, and school leaders, with calls for greater retention and support
• Commitment to equity, access, and transparency across all schools and communities
• Focus on student well-being, literacy, and postsecondary readiness
• Desire for consistent leadership, clear communication, and community trust

Stakeholders voiced optimism about GCPS's future while also emphasizing the importance of addressing resource disparities, improving morale, and ensuring equitable opportunities for all students.

 

Next Steps

With the community engagement phase complete, Alma will use the insights gathered to finalize a detailed leadership profile and job posting that outline the skills, competencies, and qualities desired in the next superintendent.

The Board will now proceed to the recruitment and candidate screening phase, with interviews anticipated to commence in early 2026. The process will continue to be guided by community input and the district's values of empathy, equity, effectiveness, and excellence.

For ongoing updates about the superintendent search, visit www.gcpsk12.org/supt-search.