Atlanta Public Schools Superintendent Meria Carstarphen plans to appoint David Jernigan, executive director of KIPP Metro Atlanta, as her number two.

In an email to staff today, Carstarphen said she had asked Jernigan to join APS as deputy superintendent, pending board approval. His start date and salary are also pending board approval.

“He has done an incredible job at KIPP over the last 12 years and will bring those lessons, insights, and much more to this new role,” Cartarphen wrote.

Carstarphen wrote that Jernigan would also be an asset to the district’s work to improve collaboration between charter and traditional public schools, one of the school board’s priorities.

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Sheree Smith (left) casts her ballot at Wolf Creek Library in Atlanta on Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. In addition to municipal races for mayors, city councils and school board members, this year’s election also will decide the members of the Georgia Public Service Commission. (Miguel Martinez / AJC)

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