Superintendent of Schools     

• Read The High School Column

John Burl Artis, Ph.D.                                                                                    

Dr. Artis joined the Dearborn Public Schools in August 2002 with over 35 years of experience.  Prior to his appointment as Superintendent in Dearborn, he was Assistant Superintendent of the Upper Arlington School District. Starting out as a teacher, Dr. Artis has made the field of education his career. He has served as an educational researcher, high school principal, college professor, director of curriculum, and assistant superintendent. He is the author of a long list of books that focus on academic achievement, student assessment, and curriculum design. Additionally, he has authored several journal articles, published several book reviews, and delivered numerous professional presentations focusing on the academic achievement of students.

In the short time that Dr. Artis has been superintendent, he has had a great deal of success building a culture in the district that emphasizes the importance and need for administrators to be educational leaders as well as building managers. This culture has taken root throughout the district helping instructional and non-instructional staff focus their work on teaching and learning for all students. Dr. Artis worked with members of the community to develop a Strategic Plan. This plan is a roadmap for the work being accomplished in the district and has now reached a phase of review and revision.  The district has moved closer to aligning all curriculum with state benchmarks and standards. A new evaluation process for teachers is in place that is designed to help teachers improve instruction. He has overseen the effective implementation of a $150 million bond initiative resulting in the opening of three new schools, additions at all three high schools, and the installation of new technology district-wide. An elementary school and a new high school career center will open this fall as part of the final projects funded by the bond proposal.

The Dearborn Public Schools is a dynamic district located in a growing, thriving community. Addressing the immediate concerns that arise on a daily basis means there is never a typical work week for the Superintendent. Dr. Artis however remains focused on the education of all students and balances the day-to-day needs with a broader leadership of the district. Just a few of the activities that he is involved in during his day and evening work hours include:

• Visiting schools to discuss the educational practices, successes, and needs of the building.
• Presenting educational and operational material to the various instructional and administrative groups.
• Personal contact, phone conversations, and written correspondence with members of the community, business professionals, union leadership, and parents regarding the business of the district.
• Attending school and community event

• Vision, Mission, & Objectives
• Our Beliefs
• Our Core Values