Interim Superintendent Hendricks: "The children eat first" as Clayton schools prepare to reopen Aug. 3

Dr. Douglas Hendricks, interim superintendent and CEO of Clayton County Public Schools, addressed the board to outline readiness steps ahead of the Aug. 3 opening. "The children eat first," he said, explaining the district's priorities for staffing, health services, enrollment assistance, and community outreach.

Hendricks detailed a summer "community connection" effort in which district staff visited churches, neighborhoods and community centers to assist families with registration and resources. He said every classroom will be staffed, counselors and nurses are in place, and the district will host multiple back-to-school bashes on July 25 at Riverdale, Morrow, Jonesboro and Monday's Mill high schools to distribute supplies and provide enrollment help. "When August 3 arrives, more than 50,000 children will walk through the doors of Clayton County Public Schools," he said.

Hendricks also emphasized academic and workforce programs expanded in the district, including career pathways in aviation, cybersecurity and skilled trades, and said literacy and graduation rates show progress. He invited families to open houses and encouraged ongoing engagement between schools and caregivers.

Next steps: District staff will continue outreach and host the July 25 events; commissioners requested follow-up materials on state-level kindergarten policy questions the chair raised.