Ingle Is Sole Finalist In School Supt. Search

The Dade County Board of Education members Board Chair Carolyn Bradford, Vice-Chair Johnny Warren, Daniel Case, Dr. Jayne Griffin, and Jennifer Hartline met on Monday, June 21, for a called board meeting to announce the sole finalist for Superintendent of Dade County Schools.

Board Chair Carolyn Bradford announced that Joshua B. Ingle was selected as the sole finalist for the position of Superintendent. The Board of Education examined applications of 16 applicants and narrowed the list of candidates to five individuals, all of whom were interviewed by the Board in an executive session on June 19.

On Jan. 1, 2021, Ingle was appointed as the Interim Superintendent for Dade County Schools. His primary responsibilities in this role include: serving as Chief Executive Officer for the school district, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local rules, regulations, policies, and procedures, ensuring safe learning opportunities, promoting student achievement, creative opportunities for employee development, engaging stakeholders (internal and external), and managing the financial resources of the taxpayers.

“He has done an excellent job in this position and dealing with the day-to-day operations, Federal Programs, SPLOST, Capitol Projects, and overseeing the current budget while also preparing the budget for the upcoming school year. Recently, Mr. Ingle was asked to present at the Georgia School Board Association (GSBA) Summer Conference regarding Best Practices and Governance Team Accountability. He did an outstanding job representing the Dade County Board of Education and School System,” Bradford said.

When asked by the Board about one of his major accomplishments, Ingle said, “While serving as Principal of Dade County High School, I had the opportunity to lead transformation through a comprehensive, federal school improvement grant (SIG). The funds were appropriated to DCHS for three consecutive years by the Georgia Department of Education based on specific criteria. The top priorities of the school improvement grant were: increase graduation rates, provide professional learning for instructional staff focused on common instructional planning and common assessments, and promote student engagement through a variety of course offerings. Through much planning, hard work and dedication, we as a team, accomplished all of the priorities set before us. The students were our top priority.”

“My goal is to lead and serve as Superintendent in the school district where I have had the honor to serve for the past 15 years. I have been preparing for this opportunity by serving in various leadership positions and growing as a leader through each of those experiences. I firmly believe that I have established long-lasting relationships with students, parents, and members of the greater community. I have made it a priority to support our students and staff in as many ways as possible, and I will continue to do so. Whether through academics, athletics, or the arts, I value and appreciate the work demonstrated by all. Furthermore, it is a privilege to work for a school district that is fortunate enough to have a strong governance team that values student achievement, supports employee development, expects safe learning environments, appreciates stakeholder engagement, and demonstrates fiscal accountability,” Ingle said.

Ingle received his Education Specialist Degree in Educational Administration and Supervision at Lincoln Memorial University in 2005. In addition, he holds a Master of Education in Educational Administration and Supervision and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Education. He has served as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, director of federal programs, director of capital projects and director of safety prior to being asked to serve as the current Interim Superintendent.

Ingle and his wife, Ellie, reside on Lookout Mountain, and they have four boys: Garrison, Hallett, Weston, and Crew. They are members of Lookout Mountain Presbyterian Church.

Bradford announced that the Board of Education will hold a vote on the position on Monday, July 5, at 8 a.m.