Craft named sole superintendent finalist
Apr. 16—The Dalton Board of Education has selected a familiar person as the sole finalist for superintendent of Dalton Public Schools.
Board members on Monday unanimously approved Steven Craft, the school system's chief of student services and activities, for final consideration.
The selection is expected to be finalized on Tuesday, April 30. Craft would succeed current Superintendent Tim Scott, who was named the executive director of the Georgia High School Association on Monday. Scott has been superintendent for six years.
"Early in this transition process, our board decided to look internally for the next superintendent," Chairman Matt Evans said. "From administrators to principals to constituents and individual board members, the same name kept coming up over and over — Dr. Craft."
Evans said with Craft's leadership the school board members believe they "can maximize our district's many strengths, accelerate what we're doing well and simultaneously address areas where improvement and change are needed."
"The board believes that Dr. Craft's positivity, strong relational skills, collaborative and team-based approach to leadership, and commitment to improve student achievement while preparing them for their best future all make him an exceptional finalist to be our next superintendent," Evans said.
Craft spent more than 25 years in educational roles in Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb and Gwinnett counties, including nine years as a social studies teacher, 11 years as a district athletic director and four years as an assistant principal. He began work for Dalton Public Schools in April 2023.
"I am just so thankful and excited," Craft said. "I've been here for a year and this is an amazing community. I'm just excited and humbled to serve."
Craft said he's "ready to get to work."
"This past year, I've been involved in a lot of different areas like student enrollment, working with discipline, safety and security, communications, and athletics," he said. "I've worn a lot of hats this year and I'm excited to serve our amazing students, teachers, administrators and our unbelievable community."
Board member Jody McClurg said she is impressed with Craft's focus on servant leadership and several key performance indicators, including culture and climate, and support, safety and care for students.
"Those were the things that stuck out," McClurg said of his interview. "Sitting there talking to him, he understands where we need to go and he's not afraid to say this is what needs to change. And he's going to get us there. I'm really excited about this direction moving forward."
Board Vice Chairman Sam Sanders said Craft exemplifies communications excellence.
"I have found him personally to be highly relational and I've had employees tell me that he could teach a class in communication," Sanders said. "I thought that was high marks. I've heard nothing but good things about Dr. Craft from every employee that has dealt with him. The year that I've had with him in the district has been very impressive and it's an exciting day for our students."
Sanders said although Craft has an "outsider's perspective," he's been able to observe Dalton Public Schools for more than a year now.
"He can see our strengths that we have and he also knows our weaknesses, so he gets to hit the ground running," he said. "He was raised in North Georgia, so he understands what it's like to be in a small town for a small district."
Scott said Craft is an "amazing" candidate to succeed him.
"I'm ecstatic," Scott said. "I think the board really took their time and selected a great individual. I observed him and worked with him, and had the opportunity to have discussions with him this year. He's going to be an amazing superintendent. I'm excited for Dalton Public Schools and I couldn't be happier."
Craft said he has been able to "learn a lot" from Scott.
"(Scott) has been an incredible role model," Craft said. "He has worked so hard during his 38 years in education. I've been very fortunate to get to work with him this year and learn from him ... I'm very thankful I can pick up the phone and call him at any time and just talk to him. I'm excited to carry on the tradition that he has already started here."
