ALBANY — Dr. Thelma Chunn, the principal of Robert A. Cross Middle Magnet School, has been named Associate Superintendent for District Effectiveness by the Dougherty County Board of Education following a recommendation from Superintendent Kenneth Dyer Monday.
Chunn has been at the helm of Robert Cross – which has consistently been ranked among the top middle schools in Georgia – since 2013. In 2023, the school was named a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education.
“I am deeply honored and excited to serve as the Associate Superintendent for District Effectiveness. Leading Robert A. Cross Middle Magnet School for the past 12 years has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional journey. During this time, I have had the privilege of working alongside an extraordinary team of educators, dedicated students, and supportive families-all of whom have contributed to the school's success and recognition as a National Blue Ribbon School,” Chunn said. “Together, we cultivated a culture of excellence, equity, and high expectations that transformed student outcomes and empowered our community.”
Prior to her time at Robert Cross, Chunn served as principal at Dougherty International Education Middle School from 2001 through 2005 where she previously had served as assistant principal. She’s also served as a teacher at Dougherty Middle and Westover Comprehensive High School.
Superintendent Kenneth Dyer said that Chunn has a keen understanding of how to develop and maintain successful schools and he’s excited to bring her skill set to the district level.
"Dr. Chunn has established herself as one of the top educational leaders in the country. I'm excited that she has agreed to bring her wealth of experience and knowledge to the district level as Associate Superintendent for District Effectiveness where she will work with our principals and other school leaders to ensure that we're doing everything we can to help our students succeed."
For Chunn, the promotion may mean a new role, but she intends to stay true to the values and attitude that led her to professional success.
“As I transition into this new leadership role, I remain committed to those same values and look forward to collaborating with schools across the district to ensure every student has access to rigorous and relevant learning experiences. It is with great enthusiasm that I join Superintendent Dyer and the district leadership team in advancing the Dougherty County School System's mission of preparing all students to thrive in school and in life.”
As for Robert Cross, the Board of Education also voted to accept the superintendent’s recommendation to name Christopher Sharpe, the current principal of Northside Elementary School and former Assistant Principal under Chunn at Robert Cross, to take up that mantle.
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