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Dekalb County School District

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DeKalb County School District

Community L.E.A.D Academy

A torch with the words %22COMMUNITY L.E.A.D. ACADEMY%22 and %22BUILDING FUTURES. EMPOWERING LEADERS.%22 are in the foreground, while smiling people are in the background.

Building Futures. Empowering Leaders. 

For the 2026–2027 school year, the DeKalb County School District has launched a yearlong leadership and advisory experience designed to inform and engage faith partners, community advocates, business and civic leaders, and district stakeholders in supporting student success. This initiative will provide participants with a deeper understanding of the district’s priorities, challenges, and opportunities for impact.

The Goal: to expand participants’ understanding of how a school system operates, develop more informed advocates for education, and increase awareness of the current and future challenges facing public education.

What Participants Can Expect: Through intentional listening, meaningful engagement, strategic alignment, and focused delivery, participants will learn how to actively contribute to the success of our students, schools, and broader communities. 

The District’s L.E.A.D Academy program derives its name from four key principles:

LISTEN

A black outline of an ear is shown in the foreground, with radiating sound waves extending into the plain white background.

ENGAGE

Two black hands are clasped in a handshake against a plain white background.

ALIGN

A black outline of a target with an arrow in the bullseye is set against a plain white background.

DELIVER

A black open box with stars emerging from it is set against a white background.

What is L.E.A.D. Academy?

Why should I apply?

 

Who should apply?

 

Program Details:

The Academy will meet once a month from 9AM–12PM beginning in September 2026 with a welcome and introduction breakfast. Meetings will be held at the District Administrative Industrial Complex or identified DCSD schools. Participants will be required to complete a background check. A sample layout for the year is as follows (the order of divisions hosting is subject to change).

LEADHandout-DatesandTopics-REV3 (PDF)

 

Participant Requirements:

Estimated 35-40 Participants

  • Reside in and/or be employed by an entity within DeKalb County and be at least 21 years of age at the time of application

  • Refrain from applying if currently employed by the DeKalb County School District

  • Demonstrate a genuine interest in gaining a deeper understanding of DeKalb Schools

  • Commit to attending all or most scheduled program sessions, in addition to participating in the Principal for A Day event

  • Submit a 2-3 paragraph essay outlining interest in the program

  • Complete a criminal background check

Application:

The LEAD application closed on August 14, and the cohort was announced on August 21.

Click here to view the directory

Applications for 2027-2028 cohort will open Summer 2027. 

Cohort Closing Ceremony and Board Recognition

The Academy program will conclude on March 23 with a Cohort Closing Ceremony. Additionally, participants will be recognized during the April Board of Education meeting.

Sponsors