Gordon County Schools Announces Changes for 2013-14

At its May meeting, the Gordon County Board of Education approved several recommendations that will bring change to much of the district.

At the District Office:

Mr. Mike Evelti, current Assistant Principal at Sonoraville Middle School, was named Student Services Director for the school district, replacing the position that will be vacated by Mr. Jeff Clance, who was recently named Director of Human Resources for the 2013-14 school year. Mr. Evelti holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in Education from the University of Vermont and an Educational Specialist degree from Lincoln Memorial University in the area of Educational Administration. Mr. Evelti came to Gordon County Schools from industry in 2004, serving as a science teacher before being named Assistant Principal in 2011. Mr. Evelti indicated his enthusiasm about being able to continue to make a difference in the lives of students in his new capacity. "I hope to continue to serve the students of Gordon County Schools as the Director of Student Services and to make a positive impact on their lives."

Red Bud Middle School Principal:

The new Red Bud Middle School, nearing its completion, will be led by Mrs. Jennifer Hayes, current Red Bud Elementary Principal. Mrs. Hayes, a Gordon County native, began her career with Gordon County Schools as a middle school teacher at Ashworth Middle School, where she taught for six years before going to Red Bud Elementary as a reading teacher in 2001. In 2005, Mrs. Hayes was named Assistant Principal at Red Bud Elementary, serving in that capacity for five years before being named Principal. "I am very excited and honored to have the opportunity to be a part of the growth of the Red Bud community. Being the Principal of Red Bud Middle School will be a wonderful experience that will enable me to continue to foster relationships with stakeholders, as well as cultivate new relationships. The aspiration of the school will be to develop students who are prepared to be engaged, responsible learners. At Red Bud Elementary School, our students are taught to Reach Beyond Expectations in all that they do. We hope to continue this tradition at Red Bud Middle School where we plan to continue to teach students to Reach Beyond Expectations, while Motivating them to Succeed. "

Sonoraville High School Feeder Program Restructuring:

• With this move, Mrs. Hayes will be a part of the restructuring of the Sonoraville High School feeder pattern approved by the Board of Education on Monday night. With its opening in January 2014, the new facility will house the 6^th and 7^th grade classes currently held at Sonoraville Middle School. "The innovative vision of making Red Bud Middle School a 6^th and 7^th grade facility will allow our students to prepare for their secondary education in an environment that will focus on the transition to the next level," said Hayes.

• Beginning in August 2014, the current Sonoraville Middle School facility will be converted to a pre-high school academy for 8^th and 9^th graders. Not only will this alleviate over-crowding at Sonoraville Middle School, it will assist Sonoraville High School in placing students in permanent buildings as well. Allen Bowen, current Sonoraville Middle School Principal, is thrilled about the opportunity it will provide his students. "I am tremendously excited about the opportunity before us. The Sonoraville 8^th and 9^th Grade Academy will afford a truly unique opportunity for our students as it will serve as a medium between middle school and high school. I eagerly anticipate working closely with Jenny (Hayes) from Red Bud Middle and Bruce (Potts) from Sonoraville High. These two are tremendous educational leaders and, as a team, we will design exceptional opportunities for students in all three buildings that help comprise the Phoenix Nation."  Bruce Potts shares Mr. Bowen’s enthusiasm. "The restructuring of the Sonoraville feeder pattern has been a topic of discussion for some time. From a community standpoint, it makes for good use of facilities and space to maximize the instructional opportunities for our students. Offering smaller schools in the educational journey also holds to the community principles that have shaped Sonoraville Elementary, Middle and High Schools over the past few years. We see this as a positive move that will enhance all of our programs."

Other New Principals:

Replacing Mrs. Hayes as Principal at Red Bud Elementary will be Mrs. Katie Vaughan, Assistant Principal at Ashworth Middle School. Mrs. Vaughan began her career as an elementary teacher and served as a Literacy Coach at Tolbert Elementary before moving to her current position at Ashworth Middle School five years ago. She holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from Berry College in Early Childhood Education, as well as an Educational Specialist in Educational Administration from Lincoln Memorial University. "I love being a part of Gordon County Schools, and I feel privileged to work in such an outstanding school system.　 I am very excited to become a member of Red Bud Elementary School to help continue their reputation of excellence."

Mr. Chad Moore was named Principal at Belwood Elementary School, replacing Doug Clark who will move to Gordon Central High School in 2013-14. Mr. Moore currently serves as Assistant Principal at Sonoraville Elementary School, following a teaching career that began at Ashworth Middle School in 2004. Mr. Moore holds an undergraduate degree from Shorter College, a Master of Education degree from Kennesaw State, an Educational Specialist degree from Berry College, and is currently pursuing an Educational Doctorate in Leadership from Liberty University. "I am honored to be the next principal at Belwood Elementary School.  Belwood has a strong tradition of excellence and student achievement, and I’m blessed to have the opportunity to build upon that tradition.  As principal I will work to build strong relationships with all stakeholders, maintain a high expectation of teaching and learning, and provide the support that teachers and students need to be successful. We have a great responsibility to the students and families of Belwood to prepare them for success in an increasingly challenging and global society.  There is a great team of teachers and support staff there, and I’m extremely grateful and excited about the opportunity to lead them.  I can’t wait to get started."

Dr. Susan Remillard, Superintendent of Gordon County Schools, commented on the changes that will be occurring in the district beginning on July 1. "It is all about doing what is best for our students, and the restructuring of the feeder pattern for Sonoraville High School will allow us to increase security in our facilities and provide a smaller, more nurturing environment in these schools. It will also allow us the opportunity to be innovative in our instructional strategies and enhance the opportunities we provide to our students." When asked about the changes in school leadership, Remillard commented, "We have strong leaders in our district, and I am excited that we are able to promote those who have worked hard to make a difference in the lives of Gordon County students. I have every confidence that those we’ve named will continue to increase the level of excellence our schools have obtained over the past several years."