DeKalb County School District announces 20 new principals for the 2024-25 School Year

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—As DeKalb County School District(DCSD) students return to classes on Aug. 5, some will be welcomed by new principals. The district announced the appointment of 20 inew principals who will lead their respective schools for the 2024-25 school year.

DCSD Superintendent  Devon Q. Horton expressed his confidence and gratitude to these outstanding school administrators.

“We are proud to welcome these outstanding leaders to their new roles. I am confident these principals will give their all to provide a high-quality education for the students in their buildings throughout the new school year and beyond,” Horton said. “I thank each of them for accepting the responsibility to lead and anticipate the wonderful progress and achievements of their students, teachers, and staff members.”

The incoming principals, by alphabetical order, are:

• Avondale Elementary– Dr. Candace Sagers, a distinguished leader with 18 years in

education. A graduate of Redan High School, she has spent the past decade serving

as assistant principal at Avondale Elementary School, where her leadership has been

recognized through multiple accolades.

• Bob Mathis Elementary– Candace Wade-Blaise, who has served the

District as a teacher, academic coach, and assistant principal. She was previously an assistant principal at Redan Elementary School.

• Briar Vista Elementary– Dyani Robinson, who has served as assistant principal at

Briar Vista since 2018. Her extensive background and deep commitment to educational excellence have significantly shaped the academic landscape at Briar Vista.

• Cedar Grove Middle– James Holloway, an 18-year educator with four years of

experience as an assistant principal. He started his career as a teacher at Bethune Middle School in 2006 and has continued serving children at the high and middle school levels in various roles.

• Columbia Elementary– Candace Hardy, a veteran educator with over 21 years who has served in DCSD as assistant principal at Toney Elementary and Columbia Elementary School.
• Columbia High– Dr. Pammy Darden, who has been promoted from assistant principal to principal at Columbia High. She has more than 25 years of experience in education as a teacher, school test coordinator, assistant principal, and principal.
• Druid Hills High– Dr. Michelle Stewart, a dedicated educator for 25 years.

She has served as a bus driver, transportation dispatcher, teacher, reading coach, and assistant principal.

• Dunwoody Elementary– Kanessa Fain, A 23-year veteran educator, who has served as an elementary teacher, the District’s Academic Coach for Literacy and Math, MTSS Coordinator, and assistant principal. She is a committed and dedicated educator.
• Hawthorne Elementary– Kia Henley, who has 20 years of education experience and 15 years in instructional leadership/management. She recently served as assistant principal at John Lewis Elementary School.
• Henderson Mill Elementary– Dr. Regina Blanton, a 24-year veteran educator, recently served as assistant principal at Henderson Mill. She began her career as a teacher in Yokota, Japan, and quickly advanced into leadership roles.
• International Student Center – Gregory Wickersham, a 28-year educator who is returning to the International Student Center as principal. He taught at the center for two years, from 2015 to 2017. Prior to becoming principal, he was an assistant principal at Jolley Elementary and a coordinator for the District’s English Learners Department.
• Lithonia Middle– Dr. Cornelius Polk has been in education for over 10 years. He previously worked in Fulton and Clayton County school districts before coming to DeKalb. He recently served as acting principal in Clayton County, as well as assistant principal and teacher.
• Marbut Elementary– Dr. Tiffany Reeves, who has 22 years in education and seven years of service in DCSD.  She has significantly contributed to the academic success and teacher retention rates at Navie J. Harris Theme School.
• Peachtree Middle– Dr. Jennifer Gates, who brings nearly 20 years of experience in education to Peachtree and DCSD. She has served as a teacher, an academic coach, instructional and assistant principal in Canada and the Cobb County School District.
• Pine Ridge Elementary– Lindsey Scott, an educator for 17 years. She has served as assistant principal at Hawthorne Elementary School and has been with the District since 2003.
• Shadow Rock Elementary– Dr. Fricreta Rice, who is  entering her 15th year in education. She has previously served as an assistant principal, a Teacher Academy for Preparation and Pedagogy (TAPP) curriculum mapping and planning instructor, an instructional coach, and teacher.
• Smoke Rise Elementary– Dr. Krystye Tatum, a  veteran educator with

over 20 years of experience. She has served as a teacher, academic coach, and, most recently, assistant principal at Woodward Elementary School.

• Southwest DeKalb High– Brandon Thompson, a  19-year educator

Who previously served as the assistant principal of instruction at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. High School.

• Stephenson Middle– Tonya Izzard, who has 18 years of education experience. She has served all her years in DeKalb, most recently as an assistant principal at Henderson Middle School.
• Woodward Elementary– Kimberly Clark: Ms. Clark, a 22-year veteran educator, who has served as an assistant principal at Doraville United Elementary and Dresden Elementary.

• DeKalb County School District announces 20 new principals for the 2024-25 School Year