The Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences is getting a new principal, Robert Alford, who has served in that role at Hunter Middle School since 2008.
"As we continue our work to help all children thrive, Mr. Alford will bring a unique mix of instructional leadership, staff development, and a culture of care to CSAS," Superintendent Justin Robertson said in announcing the appointment Tuesday. "During Mr. Alford's 20 years of experience as a principal, he has established a history of fostering academic growth and success while meeting the changing needs of students and staff."
According to the district, Alford previously spent six years as principal at Red Bank Middle School and was a teacher at Tyner Middle School and in Ringgold, Georgia.
"I am excited to become a member of the CSAS family, and I look forward to working with the staff, students, families and community that make CSAS a flagship school in Hamilton County," Alford said. "I am appreciative of the opportunity I have had to serve the Hunter Middle School community for the past 14 years, and I will take the knowledge and lessons I have learned there to CSAS."
The Hamilton County Schools news release makes no mention of the previous principal of Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences or what became of the person.
(READ MORE Federal lawsuit claims sexual assault at Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences)
The school is the subject of a federal lawsuit filed Dec. 1 by Eddie Schmidt, a Nashville-based attorney. The lawsuit alleges a female student, 13, was repeatedly bullied, harassed and sexually assaulted by a male student, also 13, and that the school principal and assistant principal failed to protect the female student when she reported the alleged assault.
The lawsuit alleges a sexual assault occurred in December 2021. At that time, the principal was Jim Boles. This past summer, he was named director of access and school choice for the district.
As of Tuesday evening, the school's website listed Julia Gaines as principal of Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences.
(READ MORE: Hamilton County Schools announces new directors for 2022-2023)
-- Compiled by Ricky Young