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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.

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

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, 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!

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