The Newton County School System is pleased to announce that Dennis Carpenter has been named Deputy Superintendent for Operations for the school district. The Newton County School Board approved by unanimous vote, the recommendation by school superintendent Dr. Steve Whatley, at the March 17 monthly meeting. Carpenter currently serves as the school district’s associate superintendent for human resources.
According to Whatley, the new position will incorporate two current positions – Carpenter’s current possession and the position of associate superintendent for business and administration, which is currently held by Deborah Robertson, who has announced plans to retire in June. A director position that will report to the deputy superintendent will replace the associate superintendent for human resources. Whatley noted that the new central office organization format with three superintendents – the superintendent, one deputy superintendent and one associate superintendent – instead of four superintendents – would save the school district money during the current budget crunch.
“I am excited about this appointment and humbled by the trust and support that Dr. Whatley and the school board have extended to me by way of this appointment,” said Carpenter. “I have committed to leading the operations of the district in a manner that fosters support for school and departmental initiatives, while maintaining a high level of fiscal responsibility. I am also fortunate to have a great working relationship with Mrs. Robertson and I look forward to working collaboratively with her to make this transition a smooth one.”
The deputy superintendent position will oversee the human resources, business and finance, transportation, school nutrition, purchasing, energy and construction and maintenance and operations departments. Carpenter brings considerable experience to his new role. Prior to joining the NCSS, Carpenter served as the Appling County School System assistant superintendent for support services. While in that position, he supervised the human resources department, budget/finance, operations, transportation, food services and technology. Carpenter also has significant classroom and school leadership experience. He served as a fourth grade teacher in Burke County, assistant principal in Screven County and elementary school principal in Bulloch County.
“Mr. Carpenter’s proven leadership performance within our system as well as within other systems has prepared him to assume these important job responsibilities,” said Whatley. “These past experiences and his personal communication skills and honesty make him the best person to perform these expanded roles.”
