After one year on the job, Savannah-Chatham County Public School System Superintendent Dr. Denise Watts took time on Wednesday, June 26 to reflect on lessons learned, personal growth, and more. Her comments came during a press conference held at Woodville-Tompkins and organized by SCCPSS communications.

It's been an exciting year. I continue to be honored and extremely privileged to serve as the 25th Superintendent of the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System, said Watts in her opening statement. Almost a year ago, I stood in a boardroom before the ink was dry on my contract. I said that I was uniquely prepared and ready to serve as a catalyst for change. And today, I'm even more convinced of this.

I'm very thankful to the Board of Education for providing the support and guidance to do my job. I'm confident that we will continue this work to reach our joint aspirations and inevitable success in the district. I've also had the opportunity to work with a world class staff. I have met and observed employees across every employee group. The blood, sweat, and tears are real. Their dedication is unmatched.

Being able to have the Davis-Edwards-Harris Educational Complex open under my leadership is something that I'm very proud of, Watts said.

She also addressed transportation of students as a priority, as well as literacy and teacher retention. The school district, under Watts, has already approved raises for district staff members to include teachers. SCCPSS partnered with Chatham Area Transit (CAT) this year for a trial program where students ride for free. It was an effort to increase attendance numbers in Savannahs public schools and it could continue next school year.

[TRAVIS JAUDON]

Dr. Denise Watts speaks to media at Woodville-Tompkins on June 26, 2024

Teacher burnout was one of the things that I heard loud and clear when I got here. Teacher burnout is real, she said. It's real not only here, but it is real all across the nation. To be able to have some immediate solutions to resolving teacher burnout that included the voices of our teachers has been very productive work.

[SCCPSS]

Dr. Denise Watts

Sometimes the opportunities to hear from teachers can come in the most unexpected of places.

When I go out to eat on the weekends, or when Im in an Uber, 70 percent of the time I am encountering a teacher that is working a second job to sustain or supplement their income, Watts said. And that saddens me a great deal. I really use it as an opportunity to learn and ask questions and to gain insight and perspective. I don't use it as an opportunity to share much. It really is just a continued learning opportunity for me.

Those teachers are the same ones standing in classrooms the next morning in front of our students. So, the cost of living adjustment provided by the Governorand we are supplementing that in our districtis just a small signal that we have to reform teacher compensation.

Watts came to Savannah after serving as the Chief of Schools for Houstons Independent School District. That district included more than 194,000 students across 274 schools. While there,she supervised principals, managed magnet schools and led innovation and strategy efforts for the district. It was a big undertaking, but it was more of a background role.

Now, she says her job has put her squarely in the spotlight.

The community has certainly noticed.

I was just in Kroger on Saturday with my ball cap on doing grocery shopping and this little boy comes up to me and he's like, are you our superintendent? Just getting used to some people recognizing me when I am out just being a mom or wife has been something that I've learned this year and something that I'm willing to accept. I'm on the clock 24/7, if I want to be or not, and that's just part of the job.

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Dr. Denise Watts reflects on personal growth in first year as SCCPSS Superintendent - Connect Savannah.com