N E W S R E L E A S E FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 9, 2009 Contact: Communication and Media Relations, 678-301-6020 Gwinnett BOE names eight school leaders A number of Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) educators will serve in new leadership roles as they fill vacancies created by new schools opening in August, and retirements. The new school principals were approved by the Gwinnett County Board of Education during its regular meeting on January 8. David Hopson, Principal of Grayson High 2006-Present Assistant Principal, Peachtree Ridge High 2003-2006 Assistant Principal, Dacula High 1996-2003 Principal, Northview High (Dothan, Ala.) 1984-1996 Mr. Hopson held several assistant principal leadership positions in Texas. He began his career in education as a teacher in Texas in 1981. Bachelor s degree in Physical Education, Speech, and Recreation San Diego State University Master s degree in Educational Leadership Stephen F. Austin State University Mr. Hopson takes the helm of Grayson High as Principal Keith Chaney assumes his duties with the new Mountain View High, scheduled to open in August. Mr. Hopson s appointment is effective January 12.
Crystal Collins, Principal of J.C. Magill Elementary 2006-Present Data Administrator, Rebecca Minor Elementary 2003-2006 Project Facilitator, The AKS Continuous Improvement Model, Division of Teaching and Learning, Instructional Support Center 2000-2003 Teacher, Meadowcreek Elementary 1995-2000 Teacher, Parklane Elementary (Fulton County) Bachelor s degree in Early Childhood Education Georgia State University Master s degree in Early Childhood Education Brenau University Ms. Collins also holds a certificate in Educational Leadership from the University of Georgia. Her appointment is effective July 1. She fills the vacancy at J.C. Magill Elementary as Principal Donna Ledford transitions to open the new Starling Elementary in August. Christina Wimmer, Principal of Rebecca Minor Elementary 2008-Present Assistant Principal, Parsons Elementary 2004-2008 Assistant Principal, Kanoheda Elementary 2001-2004 Local School Technology Coordinator, Kanoheda Elementary 1999-2001 Teacher, Kanoheda Elementary 1994-1999 Teacher, Cypress Elementary (Pompano Beach, Fla.) Bachelor s degree in Elementary Education University of South Florida Master s degree in Early Childhood Education Piedmont College Specialist s degree in Curriculum and Instruction Piedmont College Ms. Wimmer, a member of the 2009 Quality-Plus Leader Academy, also has earned a leadership endorsement in Educational Leadership from the University of Georgia. She will lead Rebecca Minor Elementary effective July 1 as Principal Barbara Ergle moves to Woodward Mill Elementary, a new school opening in August.
Amy Bryan, Principal of Sycamore Elementary 2007-Present Assistant Principal, Riverside Elementary (part time) 2001-Present Assistant Principal, Dacula Elementary (part time) 1999-2001 Assistant Principal, Harmony Elementary 1994-1999 Teacher, Fort Daniel Elementary 1992-1994 Teacher, Benefield Elementary Prior to joining GCPS, Ms. Bryan held teaching positions at several school systems in Florida (Broward County Schools, 1986-92; Charlotte County Schools, 1980; and Manatee County Schools, 1975-79). Bachelor s degree in Elementary Education and Mental Retardation University of Toledo (Ohio) Master s degree in Early Childhood Education Radford University (Va.) Specialist s degree in Administration and Supervision State University of West Georgia Ms. Bryan also holds advanced certification in Educational Leadership from the University of Georgia. She is a member of the 2009 Quality-Plus Leader Academy. Ms. Bryan moves to Sycamore Elementary July 1 as Principal Wanda Law transitions to lead North Gwinnett Middle in August. Devon Williams, Principal of Couch Middle 2006-Present Principal, Shiloh Middle 2003-2006 Assistant Principal, J.P. McConnell Middle 2002-2003 Administrative Assistant/ Intern, J.P. McConnell Middle 1996-2002 Teacher, J.P. McConnell Middle 1994-1996 Teacher, Sweetwater Middle Bachelor s degree in Art Education University of Georgia Master s degree in Technology Education University of Georgia Specialist s degree in Occupational Studies Educational Leadership University of Georgia Mr. Williams appointment is effective July 1 as he transfers to open Couch Middle, a new school in the Grayson Cluster.
Susan Downs, Principal of Snellville Middle 2003-2007 Assistant Principal, Lanier Middle 2001-2003 Teacher, Trickum Middle 2007-Present Principal, Dutchtown Middle (Henry County) 1977-2001 Ms. Downs worked as a teacher in several states including Kentucky, Georgia, and Alabama. Bachelor s degree in Elementary Education Samford University Master s degree in Curriculum University of Louisville Ms. Downs, a graduate of the 2007 Quality-Plus Leader Academy, also holds certification in Administration from the University of Montevallo, as well as certification in Gifted Education from the University of Alabama, Birmingham. Dorothy Parker-Jarrett, Principal of Summerour Middle 2004-Present Assistant Principal, South Gwinnett High 2002-2004 Teacher, South Gwinnett High 1999-2002 Teacher, Stephenson High (DeKalb County) 1997-1999 Teacher, Downers Grove High (Illinois) Ms. Parker-Jarrett began her career in education in 1992 and worked at the college level from 1994 to 1998. Bachelor s degree in Home Economics Western Michigan University Master s degree in Special Education Benedictine University Ms. Parker-Jarrett, a 2007 Graduate of the Quality-Plus Leader Academy, also holds certification in Leadership and Supervision from the University of Georgia. She assumes her new position at Summerour Middle on July 1. Current principal Dana Pugh opens the new Bay Creek Middle in August. more
In addition to the leadership positions mentioned above, the Gwinnett BOE also approved the appointment of an interim school principal. Jane Stegall, currently a Principal Mentor in the Division of Teaching and Learning at the Instructional Support Center, will lead Central Gwinnett High for the remainder of the current 2008-09 school year as the school s interim principal. Ms. Stegall, formerly a principal of Brookwood High, assumed the leadership role upon the retirement of Dr. Valerie Clark in December. Ms. Stegall s appointment was effective January 2. 30