District News and Announcements

Dothan City Schools is proud to recognize Jada Houston, Science Teacher at Carver 9th Grade Academy, as the district’s Employee of the Month for her exceptional dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to student success.

Mrs. Houston was honored during a recent Dothan City Schools Board of Education meeting, where district leaders recognized her for consistently placing students at the center of every instructional and professional decision she makes.

When an unexpected teaching vacancy occurred, Mrs. Houston willingly stepped up—adjusting her workload and instructional planning to ensure students experienced continuity, stability, and high-quality instruction rather than disruption. Her flexibility and student-focused mindset ensured learning remained the priority during a challenging transition period.

Beyond her assigned responsibilities, Mrs. Houston took on additional classes, invested extra time in lesson planning and assessment, and continued to build strong relationships with students while maintaining high instructional standards. Her efforts helped preserve academic momentum and provided students with a supportive, engaging learning environment.

Mrs. Houston’s commitment to excellence also extends to her own professional growth. She recently completed her master’s degree, further demonstrating her dedication to continuous improvement and leadership in education.

Dothan City Schools is proud to celebrate Jada Houston as Employee of the Month and thanks her for the lasting impact she makes on students, colleagues, and the school community.

All Dothan City Schools will dismiss early for Christmas and Holiday Break on Friday, December 19, 2025. Below are the staggered early dismissal times for all schools:
 

11:30am

·  All Elementary Schools

·  Head Start (Transportation will not be provided to Head Start on early dismissal days.)

·  Dothan City Early Education Center

11:45am 

·  Carver 9th Grade Academy

·  Pass Academy

12:00pm

·  Dothan High School

12:15pm 

·  Dothan 6th Grade Center

·  Dothan Preparatory Academy

·  Dothan City Virtual School

Dothan City Schools Faculty and Staff will return on January 5 and students return on January 6.

Looking to make a meaningful way to make an impact in our schools? Join us at the Jingle Jangle Job Fair on December 18!

Kelly Education will be on-site at Dothan City Schools to share opportunities for substitute teachers, paraprofessionals, bus aides, and lunchroom staff.

Bring your resume, two forms of identification, and your holiday spirit! Come meet the Kelly Education team, learn more about opportunities, and start your application on the spot!

Where

Dothan City Schools

1665 Honeysuckle Rd

Dothan, AL

When

December 18, 2025

9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

What to bring

• Resume
• 2 forms of identification

Positions and Pay Rate

• Substitute Teachers: $95 per day
• Paraprofessionals: $15 per hour
• Bus Aides: $15 per hour
• Lunchroom Staff: $15 per hour

Why work for Kelly Education?

• Weekly pay
• Flexible schedules
• Meaningful work
• Supportive school community
• Great experience for future educators.

Questions before the event?

Email Kelly Education Account Manager, Stephanie Martin, at stephanie.martin@kellyeducation.com

Dothan City Schools Encourages Community Feedback on Superintendent Dr. Garrick Askew’s 100-Day Report

Dothan City Schools is inviting parents, guardians, and community members to share their feedback on Superintendent Dr. Garrick Askew’s 100-Day Report, which was officially released on November 24, 2025. The report outlines Dr. Askew’s early observations from multiple community listening sessions, national education expert analysis, and strategic initiatives for strengthening student success and district operations.

The full report is available on the Dothan City Schools website. Read the 100-Day Report here.

To continue fostering transparency and community engagement, the district has created a dedicated email address where stakeholders can submit comments on the report and its strategic initiatives, which the DCS board of education will vote on December 16th. 

Submit Feedback Here: feedback@dothan.k12.al.us

Today, Dothan City Schools Superintendent, Dr, Garrick Askew, released his 100-Day Report. The report compiles extensive data gathered through multiple community listening sessions, more than 100 school and classroom visits, one-on-one meetings with students, staff, community members, business leaders, and families, and independent evaluations conducted by national experts in literacy, mathematics, and special education. The result is a comprehensive roadmap that outlines what the district has accomplished, where improvement is needed, and which proposed strategic initiatives will guide DCS in the near future.The 100-Day Report can be viewed here.

The Community Listening Sessions will be held at:

• Highlands Elementary School on September 22, 2025
• Dothan High School on September 23, 2025
• Dothan Preparatory Academy on September 29, 2025
• Faine Elementary School on October 01, 2025
• Carver Math Science & Technology on October 2, 2025

Dothan High School played host to 22 students from across the Wiregrass for the week-long camp.

Captain Nelson began working in law enforcement in 1996. 

The additions will help accommodate the growing student populations in the district.

She has 21 years of experience inside Dothan City Schools

DCS's Whole Child initiative is a district-wide effort focused on supporting students academically, socially, emotionally, and physically through meaningful collaboration with the broader community.

Dothan High School is playing host to summer science camps.

Students across a spectrum of Dothan Tech programs, including Graphic Arts, Engineering, and Construction, worked on the artwork.

The special education teacher was one of five teachers honored nationwide by School Specialty.