Hamilton County Schools announced Friday eight new leadership assignments for the upcoming 2023-24 academic year.
The assignments include seven school principals and one district office position. Here's a rundown of the appointments:
Roxanne Anthony / Hamilton County Schools– Roxanne Anthony has been named to the district office to assist with equity and professional development.
Anthony has served as principal at Harrison Elementary School since 2021. A teacher since 1997, she previously served as principal at Barger Academy of Fine Arts (2018-21) and assistant principal at Clifton Hills Elementary School (2015-18) and Spring Creek Elementary School (2012-15).
She holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Jackson State University, K-8 certification, a Master of Science in elementary education and post master's licensure in instructional leadership and supervision, all from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
"As an experienced educator, I understand the importance and benefits of providing high-quality professional development to our educators, and I look forward to supporting the district's work in that area," Anthony said in a news release. "I am equally excited to have the opportunity to serve HCS students and their families to ensure their voices are heard in the office of equity & advocacy."
Kristen Childs / Hamilton County Schools-- Kristen Childs has been named the principal at Collegiate High.
Childs has served as principal at East Hamilton Middle School for the past year. She previously served as associate principal at Tyner Academy from 2018-21. From 2011-18, she served as an assistant principal at Soddy Daisy High School, East Hamilton Middle/High School, Hunter Middle School and Red Bank High School.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in biology, a Master of Science in secondary education and a post-master's certificate in educational leadership, all from UTC.
"I am so excited to join the Collegiate, Polytech and Mechatronics at Volkswagen teams," Childs said in a news release. "All of these programs provide unique college and career learning opportunities for students that are unlike anything anywhere else. The innovative nature of the programs propels students into their future in meaningful and authentic ways."
Justin McCulley / Hamilton County Schools– Justin McCulley has been named the principal at East Hamilton Middle School.
McCulley has served as an assistant principal at Brainerd High School since 2021. He has also served as an assistant principal at East Ridge High (2020-21), Dalewood Middle (2019-20), Soddy Daisy High (2015-19) and Signal Mountain Middle/High (2012-15).
He holds a Bachelor of Arts in literature and mass communications from Emory & Henry College, a Master of Science in English education from the University of Tennessee, an education specialist degree in instructional leadership from Tennessee Technological University and a doctor of education in curriculum and instruction from Lincoln Memorial University.
"Becoming the principal of East Hamilton Middle School is akin to an answered prayer -- I am able to lead in a school that is in the community where I live and where my children will go to school," McCulley said in a news release. "EHMS is an incredible school community with amazing students, supportive families, top-notch faculty and staff and beautiful facilities."
Emily Haney / Hamilton County Schools– Emily Haney has been named principal at Lookout Mountain Elementary School.
Haney has served as assistant principal and early intervention program teacher at Rossville Elementary School in Georgia since January. Before that, she was an assistant principal and early intervention program teacher at Fairyland School in Lookout Mountain, Georgia. Haney also served as an academic coach and classroom teacher at Fairyland School (2010-16), early intervention program teacher and fifth grade regular education inclusion teacher at McGarity Elementary School in Hiram, Georgia, (2003-10) and a second grade self-contained early intervention program teacher at Kingston Elementary School in Kingston, Georgia, (2002-03).
She holds a Bachelor of Science in early childhood education and a Master of Educational Leadership, both from Kennesaw State University.
"I am so excited to join the Lookout Mountain School community," Haney said in a news release. "I am eager to meet and develop relationships with each child, their families and our teachers as we embark on a new journey together. I look forward to working alongside the school community as we continue honoring the longstanding traditions and academic excellence of Lookout Mountain Elementary with every student."
Donnie Mullins / Hamilton County Schools– Donnie Mullins has been named principal at Ooltewah High School.
Mullins has served as an assistant principal at Ooltewah High since 2019. He also served as an assistant principal at East Lake Academy from 2018-19 and dean of students at Ooltewah High from 2015-18.
Mullins holds a Bachelor of Science in K-12 exercise science from UTC, a Master of Arts in instructional leadership from Tennessee Technological University and licensure and endorsement in administrative supervision from Lee University.
"I am honored to serve as the next principal at Ooltewah High School," Mullins said in a news release. "Ooltewah High School and the Ooltewah community hold a special place in my heart. Having graduated from OHS and spent the majority of my professional career here, I have a unique perspective of what it means to be an Ooltewah Owl. We will continue to provide opportunities for all students to thrive and be successful."
Lakesha Carson / Hamilton County Schools– Lakesha Carson has been named the principal of Opportunity High, a new program designed to provide opportunities to students who are over-age and short of credits.
In the program, students will have the opportunity to recover credits and move toward either a high school diploma or a GED certificate. Additionally, all students will be connected to a post-secondary plan that includes support for students to either pursue additional education, earn industry/trade certification and credentials, access military opportunities and/or pursue apprenticeships.
Carson has served as principal at East Lake Academy of Fine Arts since 2012. She served as assistant principal at Orchard Knob Middle School (2010-12) and The Howard School (2008-10). She has also served as a math teacher and coach at Hamilton County High School (2005-08) and Ooltewah High School (2001-05).
She holds an Associate of Science. from Hiwassee College, a Bachelor of Science in math education, a Master of Arts in curriculum and instruction, an education specialist degree in instructional leadership, an education specialist degree in educational leadership and a doctorate of education in administrative leadership.
"As someone who is deeply passionate about education and creating opportunities for all, I cannot express how thrilled I am to lead this endeavor with HCS and the community," Carson said in a news release. "We want to ensure that every child who walks through our doors feels supported, valued and inspired to achieve their full potential as we focus on fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment among our students. I believe every child has the right to a high-quality education, regardless of their background, and I am committed to helping my students achieve their full potential."
Jim David / Hamilton County Schools– Jim David has been named principal of STEM School Chattanooga.
David has served as assistant principal for STEM School Chattanooga since 2016. He previously served as lead teacher and principal designee at the school from 2013-16 and as a teacher at Cleveland Middle School (2007-13), Lake Forest Middle School (2005-07) and Athens Junior High School (2004-05).
He holds a Bachelor of Arts in history, an Master of Arts in teaching and an education specialist degree in leadership, all from Lee University.
"Stepping into the principal role at STEM School Chattanooga is both exhilarating and humbling," David said in a news release. "I look forward to continuing to have the opportunity to positively impact the lives of our students, teachers and families. Having worked alongside the fantastic staff at STEM School as a teacher and then as the school's assistant principal, I know that as I go forward, we will continue to make a positive impact for academic excellence embedded with STEM tenets to allow students to reach their full potential."
Michael Calloway / Hamilton County Schools– Michael Calloway has been named principal of Washington Alternative School.
Calloway has served as an assistant principal at Orchard Knob Middle School since 2018. He previously served as an inclusion teacher at Washington Alternative in 2017. While at The Howard School from 2002-17, he held several positions, including dean of students, inclusion teacher and department chairman.
Calloway holds a Bachelor of Science in mild learning/behavioral disabilities from Alabama Agricultural & Mechanical University, a Master of Arts in instructional leadership from Tennessee Technological University and an education specialist degree in instructional leadership from Tennessee Technological University.
"I am excited to bring a more personalized and activity-centered approach to the alternative school program," Calloway said in a news release. "In my vision, Washington will equally support Tier 1 academics and engage in the outpouring of support from community outreach and partnerships. Students will build core knowledge from high quality Tier 1 standards-based instruction."
– Compiled by Kim Sebring