Bruce Roaden. Source: City Schools of Decatur

This story has been updated. 

City Schools of Decatur has announced Bruce Roaden, the current principal of the 4/5 Academy at 5th Avenue, will be the school system’s next Secondary Education Director.

In that role, he will be in charge of overseeing Decatur High and Renfroe Middle.

Roaden follows Lauri McKain, who announced her resignation last year. Roaden has been the principal at 4/5 for four years.

“I’m excited,” Roaden said. “We have two new principals at the secondary level and at least one new assistant principal. One of my most exciting jobs is help them do what they need to do as principals.”

He said he will assume his new duties after the fall break.

Superintendent Phyllis Edwards, who recently announced her impending resignation, has promoted Karen Newton to principal of 4/5 and named Rodney Thomas her assistant principal.

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“Ms. Newton has been a key figure in the development of the International Baccalaureate Programme since Dr. Gloria Lee assisted my vision in the opening of the 4/5 Academy,” Edwards said via press release. “Mr. Rodney Thomas has been the Dean of Students at the 4/5 Academy for nine years and an important figure in advancing the positive spirit of the school.  These two people are outstanding educators and leaders. They have worked diligently for CSD students, parents and teachers.”

Karen Newton – Photo courtesy of CSD

Edwards said Roaden has played a crucial role within CSD.

“Mr. Roaden assisted me in the ‘turn around’ of Renfroe Middle School,” Edwards said. “It is now recognized as one of the best middle schools in the state of Georgia. He has been a principal for 23 years and also taught at the college level. He has also completed his work to become a Certified School Improvement Specialist.”

Rodney Thomas – Photo courtesy of CSD

It is the latest in a number of staffing changes that have occurred at CSD prior to Edwards’ departure.

Recently, she named Noel Maloof as CSD’s Chief Operating Officer, promoting him to the job after a one-year stint as principal of Decatur High. She named Arlethea Williams the new DHS principal, promoting her from her role as DHS assistant principal.

Last month, Edwards announced the hiring of Johnathan Clark as Renfroe Middle’s next principal. He replaced Derrick Thomas, who left Renfroe to take a job with take a job in Henry County Public Schools.

Here is the full announcement from CSD:

Dr. Edwards announced today that Mr. Bruce Roaden will take the positionof Secondary Education Director for City Schools of Decatur. In a statement issued today, Dr. Edwards said, “In the summer, just prior to school starting, I posted and interviewed for a position that is needed at the Central Office. Mr. Bruce Roaden, who has been a Principal with CSD for the last ten years, applied and is the front-runner for the position. With the SLT’s support, I will promote Mr. Roaden to the Central Office position. Mr. Roaden assisted me in the “turn around” of Renfroe Middle School. It is now recognized as one of the best middle schools in the state of Georgia. He has been a principal for 23 years and also taught at the college level. He has also completed his work to become a Certified School Improvement Specialist.

The Director of Secondary Education will assist Dr. Edwards in the mentoring and supervision of two Principals. “The position is also necessary as the system prepares for the upcoming SACS review,” Dr. Edwards said. “I need someone who has had the experience of being a Principal at the secondary level and who understands the instructional direction and initiatives of the City Schools of Decatur.”

Dr. Edwards also announced, “With the SLT’s blessing, I will promote Ms. Karen Newton to Principal at the 4/5 and Mr. Rodney Thomas as the Assistant Principal. Ms. Newton has been a key figure in the development of the International Baccalaureate Programme since Dr. Gloria Lee assisted my vision in the opening of the 4/5 Academy. Mr. Rodney Thomas has been the Dean of Students at the 4/5 Academy for 9 years and an important figure in advancing the positive spirit of the school. These two people are outstanding educators and leaders. They have worked diligently for CSD students, parents and teachers.

Please join us in congratulating Mr. Roaden, Ms Newton and Mr. Thomas on their promotions!

Roaden and Edwards also sent letters to parents of 4/5 Academy students.

Roaden LetterEdwards Letter