Dougherty School System’s Ken Dyer one of four finalists for state Superintendent of the Year

ALBANY – Dougherty County Schools Superintendent Ken Dyer is one of four finalists who have been named for the 2027 Georgia Superintendent of the Year. 

The other finalists are: McDuffie County Superintendent Mychele Rhodes, Muscogee County Superintendent David Lewis and Valdosta City Schools Superintendent Craig Lockhart.

The recognition comes through the Georgia School Superintendents Association and places Dyer among the state’s distinguished educational leaders. 

“This recognition is both humbling and deeply meaningful,” Dyer said. “I have always believed that leadership is not about individual accomplishments, but about the people we serve, the opportunities we create, and the difference we make together. 

“I am blessed to work alongside an extraordinary team of educators, support professionals, school leaders, and community partners who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to our students every day.”

Dyer has served as superintendent since July 2017 and oversees a school system that serves about 12,500 students across 21 schools and four programs. About 2,300 employees work in the school system.

Dyer has focused on strengthening the school system’s focus on academic achievement, student wellness and educational opportunities through its Future Ready strategic plan, which prioritizes early literacy, academic rigor and relevance. The superintendent also has promoted student wellness, investment in human capital, and family and community engagement during his tenure.

Among the district’s recent accomplishments, Dyer said, is a 90.61% four-year graduation rate for the Class of 2026, exceeding the statewide average of 88.5%. It is the sixth consecutive year for the system surpassing the state graduation rate.

A Georgia Beating the Odds analysis, which elevates school performance relative to expectations based on student demographics and other factors, determined that the school system met or exceeded expected academic performance in nearly 88% of the state’s evaluations. The number of schools exceeding expectations increased from 10 in 2024 to 11 in 2025.

Other initiatives include expanding opportunities through career and technical education, dual enrollment, global learning experiences, and partnerships with higher-education institutions and community organizations. Partnering with Albany Technical College, the district increased dual enrollment participation by more than 80%, from 421 students in 2023 to 766 in 2026. 

During the same period, the number of industry-recognized Credentials of Value earned by students more than quadrupled, from 138 to 657, an increase of 311%.

Those successes reflect Dyer’s belief that students should graduate not only with a diploma but with the knowledge, skills, experiences and confidence needed for employment in high-demand career fields, college, the military or entrepreneurship, he said.

The superintendent’s leadership is evident in the impact his work has had in the school system and in the community, Dougherty County School Board Chair Velvet Edwards-Poole said.

“On behalf of the Dougherty County Board of Education, we are extremely proud of Superintendent Dyer and this well-deserved recognition,” Edwards-Poole said. “His leadership reflects a deep commitment to student achievement, responsible stewardship of public resources, and creating opportunities for students and employees to reach their full potential.”

Dyer said he understands that building a successful school system requires investing in people, the board chair said.

“This honor is a testament to his vision, dedication, and the collective progress of the Dougherty County School System,” Edwards-Poole said.

Among Dyer’s initiatives is developing a network of professional learning and leadership development opportunities for staff. This includes the Aspiring Principals Academy, Mensa Teachers Academy, Instructional Coaches Academy, and teacher mentoring and induction program.

The recognition is a celebration of the collective progress and collective progress of the people who make it possible, Dyer said.

“Any recognition I receive is truly a reflection of their dedication and collective efforts,” he said. “Our work has always been about creating opportunities and expanding possibilities for children. I’m proud of the progress we’ve made, but I’m even more excited about what lies ahead.”