Community L.E.A.D Academy
Building Futures. Empowering Leaders.
In the 2026–2027 school year, the DeKalb County School District is launching 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
ENGAGE
ALIGN
DELIVER
What is L.E.A.D. Academy?
Why should I apply?
Who should apply?
Program Details:
The Academy will meet once a month from 10AM–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).
|
Date |
Topic(s) |
|
|---|---|---|
|
September 17, 2026 |
Kick off Breakfast |
|
|
October 15, 2026 |
Community Engagement and Innovative Partnerships |
Schools & Leadership
|
|
November 5, 2026 |
Principal for a Day Event |
|
|
December 17, 2026 |
Student Support & Wrap Around Services |
Accountability & Research
|
|
January 14, 2027 |
Public Safety & Chief of Staff |
Information Technology |
|
February 11, 2027 |
Access & Opportunity |
Teaching & Learning |
|
March 11, 2027 |
Human Resources |
Legal |
|
April 15, 2027 |
Operations |
Finance |
|
Graduation Ceremony Immediately Following Session |
||
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
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Refrain from applying if currently employed by the DeKalb County School District
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Demonstrate a genuine interest in gaining a deeper understanding of DeKalb Schools
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Commit to attending all or most scheduled program sessions, in addition to participating in the Principal for A Day event
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Submit a 2-3 paragraph essay outlining interest in the program
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Complete a criminal background check
Application:
Application will close on August 14, 2026
The cohort will be announced on August 21, 2026.
Cohort Graduation and Board Recognition
The Academy program will conclude in April 2027 with a Cohort Graduation Ceremony. Additionally, participants will be recognized during the May Board of Education meeting.