DOTHAN, Ala. — Dothan City Schools (DCS) is currently in the process of searching for its next superintendent following the announcement that Dr. Dennis Coe will be stepping down at the end of the school year. As the district moves forward with this search, discussions have emerged about potentially changing the qualifications for applicants, particularly regarding the requirement of a doctorate degree.
Currently, state law mandates that a superintendent in Alabama must possess at least a four-year college degree, along with a minimum of five years of experience in public education, three of which must be spent as a teacher, principal, or administrator. However, some members of the DCS board have proposed raising the bar by requiring candidates to hold a doctoral degree. If implemented, this would make Dothan City Schools the first district in Alabama to set such a standard.
DCS Board Chairman Scott Childers has expressed concerns about the proposal, noting that while some board members believe the addition of a doctorate could elevate the position, others feel it could limit the pool of qualified candidates. “If we narrow down our search, we are eliminating someone who could be the best superintendent ever,” Childers said. “We are going to get a pool of candidates, why can’t we just narrow it down then?”
The debate among board members reflects a broader question of what qualifications are truly necessary for a superintendent. Some believe that the role requires a leader with significant educational experience and academic credentials, while others argue that the best candidate may come from a more hands-on background, where a deep connection to the classroom and a passion for education are paramount.
In a statement, Childers emphasized the importance of finding a leader who genuinely cares about schools, teachers, and students, rather than a political figure or someone too far removed from the classroom. “What you need in education is someone who cares about schools, teachers, and kids. We don’t need a politician or too much experience where you have been disconnected from the classroom. The purity of education needs the purity of a person,” he said.
The decision to change the job requirements will ultimately require a majority vote from the seven-member DCS board. In order to implement the new doctorate requirement, at least four of the seven members must vote in favor of the change.
As the search for the next superintendent continues, the board will hold a special meeting on Tuesday to further discuss the issue. The outcome of the vote could have significant implications for the direction of Dothan City Schools in the years to come.
