Justin Robertson
The County School Board on Thursday night chose local candidate Dr. Justin Robertson as the new school superintendent.
He had been serving as deputy superintendent and has had a long career in the county schools.
The vote was 7-2 with Jenny Hill and Karitsa Mosley Jones favoring other candidates.
Dr.
Robertson began his career with Hamilton County Schools in 2010 as the principal at Brown Middle School. Prior to his role as chief operations officer, Dr. Robertson worked in curriculum and instruction as chief schools officer and assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, gaining knowledge of the community and inner workings of both the academic and operational needs of schools in Hamilton County.
Dr. Robertson said, “I am deeply grateful that the board of education has faith in my ability to lead Hamilton County Schools and I am thankful for the leadership of Dr. Towns during this transition. My family returned home to this incredible community 13 years ago and we are humbled by this opportunity.
“As both a parent of a Hamilton County Schools student and a leader, I have seen our community come together time and again to strengthen our schools and give each and every student a shot a success. We have a strong foundation to build upon and a great deal of work ahead of us. I’m confident that working together, we will continue to propel this district to even greater heights. I am excited to hit the ground running in this new role.”
Dr. Robertson holds degrees from Union University and Lipscomb University. He officially begins the role of Superintendent on January 1, 2022.
There were nine applicants. Other finalists who came to Chattanooga for in-person interviews were Dr. Christopher Bernier, chief of staff of schools in Clark County, Nevada; and Dr. Jermaine Dawson, chief academic officer for Birmingham City Schools.
The low-budget search was led by Buffkin Baker consultants - the same group that was involved in the last search in which Dr. Bryan Johnson was chosen. Dr. Johnson announced prior to this school year that he was going into private business with a local trucking firm.
The cost was $2,000 each for analysis of the five finalists. The only other cost was for travel for the finalists, it was stated.
Joe Smith called for an immediate vote, but Ms. Mosley Jones said each board member should make public their thoughts on the three finalists.
She said she had no criticism for Dr. Robertson, but she favored Dr. Dawson. She said she felt it was not a fair and transparent process and she was embarrassed to be part of it.
Several board members said Dr. Robertson provided needed stability for the schools and had an excellent reputation.
Mr. Smith said principals were overwhelmingly in favor of Dr. Robertson. "He's the guy in my opinion."
James Walker said he was "100 percent confident in voting for Dr. Robertson."
Chairman Tucker McClendon said there were three very qualified candidates, but he said he had worked very closely with Dr. Robertson and was supporting him. He said, “Dr. Robertson brings a wealth of experience to the role as a longtime educator and leader in our school district. His depth of knowledge will serve our families and community well, as he leads the work of continuing our forward momentum.”