Superintendent of Macon charter school loses job after board votes her out. What we know

The governing board of Cirrus Academy Charter School is now in search of a new school director.

After serving five years as CEO and superintendent of the state charter school, Gail Fowler has been released from her leadership role as of July 18, 2024.

“To the parents of the scholars at Cirrus Academy, thank you first of all for having faith in a struggling school that was not supposed to make it. We know that it was a struggle from 2016 when Cirrus Academy first opened,” Fowler said in a YouTube video released Friday morning.

Barry Williams has been appointed Cirrus Academy’s Interim Head of School during the transition period, according to a statement released by the school via email Friday afternoon. Williams served as the Head of School and Director of Operations at Atlanta Unbound Academy.

Board members approved Fowler’s termination 5-1 on Thursday evening following an hours-long Zoom meeting.

Board treasurer Nathan Lewis opposed the decision to remove Fowler.

The decision between Fowler and the school board was mutual, according to the school’s statement. The leadership change marks the end of Fowler’s impactful tenure since the school’s inception in 2016, the statement continues.

Why was Cirrus Academy superintendent terminated?

In the video, Fowler elaborated on the schools’ longtime initial experience of financial troubles, academic underachievement and operational concerns regarding an insufficient number of certified teachers.

Fowler did not elaborate on why she was terminated in the video, but she listed accolades the school accomplished under her leadership. Cirrus Academy is the only accredited charter school in Bibb County, she added.

Shirlynn Kelly, the chair of Cirrus’ board, said on Thursday evening that the board will put out a search request for a permanent school leader. She expressed confidence in the leadership transition, according to the school’s statement.

“We are grateful for Dr. Fowler’s leadership and the strong foundation she has built at Cirrus Academy,” Kelly said. “As we move forward, we are excited to welcome Mr. Williams as Interim Head of School and are confident that his experience and dedication will support our mission to provide an exceptional educational experience for our students. Our commitment to academic excellence and fostering a nurturing environment remains steadfast.”

The school board is actively searching for a permanent principal to ensure a seamless transition by the end of October, the statement said.

The State Charter Schools Commission of Georgia authorizes the school.