Staff Reports

The Dougherty County School System received a bit of a shock when the State of Georgia notified them that if they didn’t hire a permanent principal for Albany High School they would lose some state funds earmarked for school improvement.

A letter from state officials told the DCSS that they have until October 19 to hire a principal for Albany High School or face the loss of over $880,000 in state funds.  Assistant Principal Scott Horton has served as interim principal since Angela Shumate was removed from that position due to her alleged involvement in the CRCT scandal.  Monday night, the board voted to offer Shumate a new contract, but there was no assignment of a position listed.

However, the state’s ultimatum puts the DCSS in a tough spot, since system policy requires a position to be advertised for ten days before hiring anyone.  Officials are currently seeking clarification from the state  to determine how best to proceed.