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Dothan City Schools is excited to welcome Dr. Kacia Thompson as the district’s new Assistant Superintendent, bringing more than 25 years of experience in K-12 education, instructional leadership, and student support systems.

Dr. Thompson joins Dothan City Schools after serving in multiple district level leadership roles within the Douglas County School System in Georgia, most recently as Director of Instructional Supports. Throughout her career, she has led districtwide initiatives focused on improving student achievement, implementing Multi Tiered Systems of Supports (MTSS), strengthening 504 services, and ensuring access to high quality instruction for all students.

Her leadership experience spans both district and school based roles, including service as a principal, assistant principal, and classroom teacher. Dr. Thompson has overseen large scale professional development efforts, guided data driven instructional improvement, and supported schools in meeting the diverse academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs of students. Her work has contributed to measurable gains in student performance and the expansion of innovative programs supporting early intervention, extended learning, and student wellness.

Dr. Thompson holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Walden University, along with advanced degrees in educational leadership and administration.

Dothan City Schools looks forward to the expertise, collaboration, and leadership Dr. Thompson brings as the district continues its commitment to student success and excellence across all schools.

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Las Escuelas de la Ciudad de Dothan dan la bienvenida a la Dra. Kacia Thompson como Asistente Superintendente

Las Escuelas de la Ciudad de Dothan se complacen en dar la bienvenida a la Dra. Kacia Thompson como la nueva Asistente Superintendente del distrito, quien aporta más de 25 años de experiencia en educación K-12, liderazgo educativo y sistemas de apoyo estudiantil.

La Dra. Thompson se une a las Escuelas de la Ciudad de Dothan tras ocupar varios puestos de liderazgo a nivel distrital dentro del Sistema Escolar del Condado de Douglas en Georgia, siendo su más reciente Directora de Apoyo Educativo. A lo largo de su carrera, ha liderado iniciativas a nivel distrital enfocadas en mejorar el rendimiento estudiantil, implementar Sistemas de Apoyo de Múltiples Niveles (MTSS), fortalecer los servicios 504 y garantizar el acceso a una instrucción de alta calidad para todos los estudiantes.

Su experiencia en liderazgo abarca roles tanto distritales como escolares, incluyendo puestos como directora, subdirectora y maestra de aula. La Dra. Thompson ha supervisado iniciativas de desarrollo profesional a gran escala, ha guiado la mejora educativa basada en datos y ha apoyado a las escuelas para satisfacer las diversas necesidades académicas, conductuales y socioemocionales de los estudiantes. Su trabajo ha contribuido a mejoras mensurables en el rendimiento estudiantil y a la expansión de programas innovadores que apoyan la intervención temprana, el aprendizaje extendido y el bienestar estudiantil.

La Dra. Thompson tiene un Doctorado en Educación en Liderazgo Educativo de la Universidad de Walden, además de títulos avanzados en liderazgo y administración educativa.

Las Escuelas de la Ciudad de Dothan esperan con interés la experiencia, la colaboración y el liderazgo que la Dra. Thompson aporta al distrito, que mantiene su compromiso con el éxito y la excelencia estudiantil en todas sus escuelas.

 

Dothan City Schools has announced a new Hiring and Retention Bonus Program aimed at attracting and retaining certified educators in the district’s most critical schools. The “Teach Where You’re Needed Most” initiative reflects the district’s continued investment in student success by supporting teachers who commit to serving in high need areas.

Certified teachers hired into designated Targeted Schools may qualify for a hiring and retention bonus up to $3,000, pending eligibility requirements and board approval. The bonus is designed as a prospective, nonrecurring incentive tied to future service and is separate from base salary and step placement.

The retention payment schedule includes:

• 25% paid after 60 days of employment
• 25% paid after completion of the first semester
• 50% paid by May 1

Participation in this program requires a three year service commitment.

To be eligible, educators must hold full Alabama certification, be placed at a designated Targeted School, fill a certified shortage-area position, complete all onboarding and credential verification requirements, and sign a service and repayment agreement.

“This program supports our efforts to recruit and retain highly qualified educators where they are needed the most. By investing in our teachers, we are strengthening our schools and creating greater opportunities for student achievement,” said Dothan City Schools leadership.

Program availability is subject to annual Board approval and funding, and repayment may apply if the service commitment is not fulfilled.

Educators interested in learning more about the “Teach Where You’re Needed Most” Hiring and Retention Program are encouraged to visit the Dothan City Schools website for additional details: https://www.dothan.k12.al.us/departments/hr/howtoapply

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Las Escuelas de la Ciudad de Dothan lanzan el Programa de Bonificación por Contratación y Retención "Enseña Donde Más se le Necesita"

Las Escuelas de la Ciudad de Dothan han anunciado un nuevo Programa de Bonificación por Contratación y Retención, cuyo objetivo es atraer y retener a educadores certificados en las escuelas más importantes del distrito. La iniciativa "Enseña Donde Más se le Necesita" refleja la inversión continua del distrito en el éxito estudiantil al apoyar a los docentes que se comprometen a prestar servicios en áreas de alta necesidad.

Los docentes certificados contratados en Escuelas Específicas designadas pueden calificar para una bonificación por contratación y retención de hasta $3,000, sujeta a los requisitos de elegibilidad y la aprobación de la junta. La bonificación está diseñada como un incentivo prospectivo y no recurrente vinculado al servicio futuro y es independiente del salario base y la asignación por escalón.

El programa de pagos por retención incluye:
 

• 25% pagado después de 60 días de empleo
• 25% pagado después de completar el primer semestre
• 50% pagado antes del 1 de mayo

La participación en este programa requiere un compromiso de servicio de tres años.

Para ser elegibles, los educadores deben contar con la certificación completa de Alabama, estar asignados a una Escuela Específica designada, ocupar un puesto certificado en una zona con escasez de personal, cumplir con todos los requisitos de incorporación y verificación de credenciales, y firmar un acuerdo de servicio y reembolso.

“Este programa apoya nuestros esfuerzos para reclutar y retener educadores altamente calificados donde más se necesitan. Al invertir en nuestros docentes, fortalecemos nuestras escuelas y creamos mayores oportunidades para el éxito estudiantil”, afirmó el equipo directivo de las Escuelas de la Ciudad de Dothan.

La disponibilidad del programa está sujeta a la aprobación y financiación anual de la Junta Directiva, y se podría aplicar un reembolso si no se cumple el compromiso de servicio.

Se anima a los educadores interesados en obtener más información sobre el Programa de Contratación y Retención “Enseña Donde Más se le Necesita” a visitar el sitio web de las Escuelas de la Ciudad de Dothan para obtener más información:  https://www.dothan.k12.al.us/departments/hr/howtoapply.

Students and faculty in the 18 career and technical education programs at Dothan Tech, Dothan Preparatory Academy and Carver 9th Grade Academy will celebrate Alabama Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month February 1-28, 2026. 

Through this month-long celebration, we ask our community to join us by engaging and learning more about the critical role career and technical education plays in the future career success of our students, our regional and local workforce, and CTE’s importance to students’ academic achievement. This celebration  emphasizes the role of career and technical education in the future career success of students and its importance to their academic achievement.

"Our incredible staff works tirelessly to bridge the gap between the classroom and a career, truly changing lives in the process,” shares Ryan Richards, DCS CTE Director. “Being able to watch our students gain the knowledge and skills that will propel them into their future careers shows the true value of CTE. Having students ready to be Enrolled, Employed, or Enlisted before graduation is a focus of our work everyday. We remain committed to our mission of molding Today's Students into Tomorrow's Workforce.”

Currently, two out of every three high school students in Alabama participate in a career and technical education program. These students have an opportunity to explore their career options in more than 300 courses, earn advanced diplomas and credentials, and receive college credit. According to the Association for Career and Technical Education, research shows that many of the country’s fastest-growing occupations require the technical, communication, time management, and leadership skills taught in America’s career and technical education programs.

To learn more about Alabama CTE Month, CTE programs offered at DCS, or how your business can get involved contact Ryan Richards at ryrichards@dothan.k12.al.us and visit https://dothantech.dothan.k12.al.us/career-tech-programs for more information.

MORE INFORMATION:

Dothan City Schools has a total of 18 CTE programs between Dothan Preparatory Academy (DPA), Carver 9th Grade Academy and Dothan Tech.  The majority of our programs are located at Dothan Tech.

• Agriscience

• Army JROTC

• Automotive Technology - Dual Enrollment

• Aviation Maintenance - Dual Enrollment

• Aviation Maintenance - Dual Enrollment

• Biomedical Science

• Building Construction

• Business

• Cosmetology and Spa Techniques 

• Culinary Arts

• Graphic Arts

• Health Science

• HVAC - Dual Enrollment

• Education and Training

• Pre-Engineering

• Programming Essentials Short Certificate - Dual Enrollment

• TV Video Production

• Welding

• Worked Based Learning Co-Op

ADDITIONAL CTE MONTH ACTIVITIES:

• City of Dothan CTE Month Proclamation - Tuesday, February 3 at 10 AM at City of Dothan Commission

• Job Shadow Day - More than 100 participants will spend a half-day with local businesses on February 5th to observe and see how leaders in their potential career field interact and navigate the daily work responsibilities. 

• Be Pro. Be Proud. - C9A (February 17 - 18) - al.beprobeproud.org/

• Field Trips

  • Culinary and Ag - Beef 101 (Auburn University)

  • Cosmetology - Aveda Institutes (Atlanta, GA)

  • Engineering - University of South Alabama and AirBus tour (Mobile)

• CTSO State Leadership Conferences

  • Future Teachers of Alabama (FTA)

  • HOSA - Health Science

  • SkillsUSA (District)

• Recognition at Dothan City Schools Board of Education meeting - Tuesday, February 17, 2026

• CTE Registration for 2026-2027 School Year

There’s a lot to love across Dothan City Schools this February! In this edition of Inside the Pack, our district wide newsletter, you’ll find highlights that showcase student learning, community partnerships, and the everyday moments that make a big impact in our schools. Click here to check it out!

 

¡Hay mucho que celebrar en Dothan City Schools este febrero! En esta edición de Inside the Pack, encontrará aspectos destacados que muestran el aprendizaje de los estudiantes, las alianzas con la comunidad y los momentos cotidianos que tienen un gran impacto en nuestras escuelas. Haga clic aquí para verlo.