School Leader Named Georgia Distinguished Principal

CANTON, GA -- A Cherokee County School District principal has been named a 2016 Georgia Distinguished Principal.

Free Home Elementary School Principal Karen Carl will receive the honor, which includes a $1,000 award, from the Georgia Association of Elementary School Principals at its fall conference.

The prestigious recognition is awarded to one principal in each of the Association’s regional districts, and winners are selected by their peers based on exemplary educational leadership.

“Congratulations to Principal Carl and the entire school community for this well-deserved recognition,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian Hightower said. “The Free Home community is very passionate about its school, and Principal Carl has exceeded its high expectations by valuing traditions, while also engaging families and partners in new initiatives to expand opportunities for students.”

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Dr. Hightower praised the school’s successful efforts to increase student literacy and achievement, as well as its focus on character education and community through projects such as the Rocket Pantry for families in need.

Carl was praised by the organization for her dual focus on new innovations in teaching and traditional lessons of ethics and good citizenship.

“In your work, you have demonstrated a concern for educational excellence, which has instilled a love of learning in your community’s young people, setting the character and quality of education during the early school years,” Association Director Hal Beaver said. “Your commitment to excellence is reflected in programs designed to meet academic and social needs of all children and the establishment of community ties with parents and local businesses.”

Carl joined Free Home in 2012 after starting her career with the district in 2006 as an assistant principal at Hickory Flat Elementary School followed by three years in the same role at Sixes Elementary School.

She previously worked in the Cobb County School District for 19 years as a teacher and instructional lead teacher.

She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in physical education from Georgia State University, her Master of Science degree in curriculum and instruction from Central Michigan University and her Education Specialist degree in teaching and learning from Piedmont College.

Under Carl’s leadership, Free Home won the Association’s School Bell Award in 2013. This distinguished honor is presented to 10 schools in Georgia each year in recognition of outstanding programs in the area of curriculum and organizational leadership.

Free Home ES was selected based on its outstanding initiative, “Cultivating a Positive Learning Environment.” The selection committee chooses exemplary programs that show positive results and reflect significant involvement of staff, students, parents and community.

The Cherokee County School Board and Hightower will recognize Carl for the honor at its May 19 meeting.

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Image via Cherokee County School District