www.GoodMorningGwinnett.com Calvin Watts is officially coming back to Gwinnett County Public Schools — starting Monday.

Watts — who spent more than a decade working in the district as both an assistant principal, principal and central office employee — was unanimously hired by the Gwinnett County Board of Education on Friday afternoon to become the district’s new superintendent. The 52-year-old is also a history-maker for GCPS because he is the first African-American to serve as superintendent of Georgia’s largest school district.

Watts left GCPS in 2015 to become the superintendent of the Kent School District in Kent, Wash., and he continued to hold that job until Friday’s vote.

“It feels wonderful (to be back in GCPS),” Watts said. “I’ve shared this before that I grew up personally in Washington state, but I grew up professionally when I relocated to the southeast and served 13 of my 29 years in education in Gwinnett County Public Schools.

“I could not be more honored, more privileged to begin my tenure effective Aug. 2 as the next superintendent of Gwinnett County Public Schools.”

The school board approved a two-year contract, with a base salary of $380,972, to have Watts serve as the district’s leader, but that figure increases to $413,372 a year once transportation and expense allowances are factored in.

“I’m super excited to have Dr. Watts here,” board member Steve Knudsen said. “I think he’s going to do a great job.”

Board Chairman Everton Blair Jr. added, “I’m looking forward to the work that we’re able to continue in this school system.
SOURCE: www.GwinnettDailyPost.com