Superintendents Message

Superintendent Jason MantleDear DeKalb Schools' Community,

It is an absolute honor to serve as your Superintendent. There is much to be proud of in the DeKalb County School system, and I look forward to working alongside each of you to improve upon a daily basis. I certainly understand that it is the dedicated employees, families, communities and students that make our system what it is today and value your work on this journey of educational excellence and student achievement.

To share a little information about myself, I have been a lifelong resident of DeKalb County and am a graduate of Plainview High School in the DeKalb County School System. My wife Leah and I have two children, Leighton and Porter. Leighton is a third grader at Plainview School, and Porter will begin Kindergarten next school year. Family is important to me, and I often reflect on the opportunities that a quality education has provided for my family and for me. I strive to ensure that my children and all of DeKalb County students receive a high-quality education that will allow them to be productive citizens and pursue a life that is fulfilling and full of opportunities.

As an educator, I have served as a teacher, a school-based instructional coach, a district-wide instructional coach, school administrator, adjunct professor of educational leadership and currently as superintendent. I believe these diverse experiences have provided me with various lenses and perspectives to view the work that we conduct and understand the needs and challenges we face.

“Expecting more today, Educating for Tomorrow” is the mission statement developed by a group of DeKalb County Leaders and adopted by the DeKalb County Board of Education. This statement- while simple- speaks to the impact that we can have each day on the lives of our students for that day and—ultimately—in regards to their future.The work we do matters, and it matters every day. As superintendent, it is my desire that DeKalb County Schools be recognized as a leader in public education. We want our students to be challenged and supported daily in a school that provides excellent academic, social, emotional, extracurricular and athletic opportunities. I believe that together we can make DeKalb County an exemplar for our neighbors both near and far.

I am grateful to be your superintendent and appreciate the support I have received in service to DeKalb County. I encourage our communities to view firsthand the amazing work and transformations taking place in our schools. In collaboration with our local communities, we can continue our work toward academic excellence in an environment that supports one another and exhibits the high morals and character for which our communities have long been known.

Jason Barnett, Ed.D.
Superintendent