New principals announced for Nolan and Alpine Crest elementary schools

Two more new principals were named for two Hamilton County schools Friday.

Kelley Weiss, a former superintendent in Maine, will take over as principal at Alpine Crest Elementary this fall and Ashley Aldridge Wilson, who most recently was an instructional coach for Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools, will take over at Nolan Elementary.

Friday's announcement was the latest round of principal selections, after the district announced in April that it would need to hire 11 principals for the 2018-2019 school year. As of this week, at least 19 Hamilton County schools will have a new principal this fall.

Schools with new principals for the 2018-2019 school year

Allen Elementary Alpine Crest Elementary Barger Academy Calvin Donaldson Elementary Daisy Elementary East Hamilton School East Ridge Elementary Hixson Elementary Loftis Middle Lookout Valley Elementary Lookout Valley Middle/High Ooltewah Middle Rivermont Elementary Signal Mountain Middle/High Snow Hill Elementary Spring Creek Elementary Tyner Academy Westview Elementary Wolftever Elementary

Last month, the district announced that Nolan Elementary's most recent principal, Shane Harwood, would take over at Signal Mountain Middle/High, leading to the vacancy.

Wilson is actually a product of Signal Mountain, having grown up and taught at Thrasher Elementary for six years. She has also served as an assistant principal at Barger Academy of Fine Arts, Woodmore and Hardy elementary schools.

In 2010, Wilson moved to Knox County to lead Pleasant Ridge Elementary and later Jack Anderson Elementary in Sumner County, before ending up as an early learning instructional coach in Nashville.

Wilson holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, a master's and specialist's degree from Tennessee Technological University and a doctorate from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

"It is with great enthusiasm and joy that I return home to Signal Mountain to serve families in our community," Wilson said in a statement. "Nolan has a rich tradition of academic excellence and teachers who have the reputation of caring deeply for children. I feel humbled to join the faculty and am honored to carry the torch of excellence forward as we continue to make a positive difference for children."

According to a press release, this summer, Wilson plans to work with the Nolan staff, Parent/Teacher Association (PTA) and other community leaders to ensure a smooth transition.

Incoming Alpine Crest principal, Weiss spent a year in charge of curriculum and development and teacher evaluation in Maine, after six total years in administration. She also served as a principal and assistant principal for more than seven years.

"I am looking forward to getting to know all the students and their families that are part of the community, and I can't wait to see teachers and students working in our STEAM lab and the outdoor learning spaces," Weiss said in a statement. "I am keeping a spare pair of muck boots in my office, so I am always prepared for an outdoor adventure with the students."

She has a bachelor's degree from Coastal Carolina University, a master's degree from the University of Maine, and a doctorate from Liberty University.

According to a press release, Weiss intends on meeting with staff and the community as soon as possible to a aid in her transition.

"As well as having an open house to hear from the community as to what they love about Alpine Crest and how we can work together to give students the best learning experiences possible," Weiss said in a statement.

It was previously announced in May that current Snow Hill Elementary principal Lea Ann Burk would take over at Alpine Crest Elementary. Ten principals also were among the more than 150 employees who retired from the district during the 2017-2017 fiscal year.

Contact staff writer Meghan Mangrum at mmangrum@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6592. Follow her on Twitter @memangrum.

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