CLEVELAND, Tenn. — Two new principal assignments were announced Thursday by School Director Johnny McDaniel.
Robert Brittingham is the new principal at Michigan Avenue Elementary School. He replaces Sheena Newman, who recently became the supervisor of elementary education for the county school system.
“A diverse team of administrators served on the selection committee to interview a number of excellent candidates for the position” at Michigan Avenue, Mr. McDaniel said during a Bradley County Board of Education meeting.
Also, Deb Bailey moves from the principal’s office at Blue Springs Elementary to the new Park View Elementary, now under construction.
Mr. Brittingham began his career as a band director in 1986 in Hamilton County. He most recently served as the assistant principal at East Hamilton School in Chattanooga, Hunter Middle School and Ooltewah Middle School.
Ms. Bailey was one of several candidates also reviewed by an administrative team.
“When Ms. Bailey completed her opening statement of why she applied, I think we all sat for a moment in silence,” Mr. McDaniel told the board.
He said Ms. Bailey has experience opening a new school in South Carolina. She also told the panel that as a parent she understands how others feel when they send their child to a new school.
Bringing students from three elementary schools together at one school will be a challenge, Mr. McDaniel said.
The new school is expected to draw students from Michigan Avenue, Oak Grove and North Lee, relieving overcrowding. Bringing those students and families into one new school community will be a challenge, Mr. Kelley said.