The Gwinnett County Board of Education has voted to part ways with Superintendent Calvin Watts, marking yet another abrupt leadership change in the metro Atlanta school system.
In a 3-2 decision on Friday, the board voted to terminate Watts’ contract ahead of its original end date in July 2026. He will remain in the position until April 2, 2025, at which point Chief of Schools Al Taylor will step in as interim superintendent. This decision follows a troubling trend of instability among Atlanta-area school districts, where superintendents are being removed at an alarming rate.
The only superintendent to maintain his position amid this upheaval is Chris Ragsdale of Cobb County. Ragsdale, a proven conservative leader, has demonstrated a decade of success in Cobb, making him the longest-serving superintendent in metro Atlanta. Under his leadership, Cobb has consistently outperformed other districts in student achievement, national rankings, and financial responsibility—something many parents and taxpayers in Gwinnett are beginning to demand from their own leadership.
Ongoing Controversy in Gwinnett County
Controversy has surrounded Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) ever since the board ousted long-time Superintendent Alvin Wilbanks, a respected leader who prioritized academic excellence and discipline. Watts’ leadership has been plagued by concerns about declining student performance and politicized decision-making.
Further controversy arose when Watts accepted a position on the Board of Directors for Cognia, an accrediting agency that oversees 36,000 schools nationwide. Many parents voiced concerns that his service on Cognia’s board was a conflict of interest and a violation of his contract as superintendent. The position came with a $21,000 stipend, raising further ethical questions. Facing public backlash, Watts recently resigned from Cognia’s board.
Despite the growing criticism, Watts insisted he was proud of his tenure.
“I respect the board’s decision,” he said. “I look forward to continuing the work until the work is done.”
Political Infighting and Leadership Instability
The board’s decision has once again exposed the deep political divide within GCPS. Democrat-controlled school boards have increasingly prioritized social agendas over academic excellence, and Watts’ tenure has been no exception. Some board members cited concerns over multilingual learners and special education students, while others pointed to stagnant academic progress and wasted taxpayer funds.
