New Cherokee Assistant Principals Prepare For School Year

Staff Report

The Cherokee County School District’s newly-appointed assistant principals have joined returning administrators in preparing for the 2014-15 school year, which begins on Aug. 4.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Frank R. Petruzielo instituted a Superintendent’s Leadership Academy early in his tenure with the district to develop depth within the organization and prepare future Principals and Assistant Principals.

“This extremely successful initiative serves two vital purposes: it assists with identification of teacher-leaders to be considered for administrator roles, and it provides them with significant knowledge of our operations and leadership skills, which are valuable to every employee in fulfilling our primary mission of teaching and learning,” the superintedent said. “These assistant principals are our brightest new leaders, and I know they will excel in their roles of ensuring each child is prepared for future success and that every educator exceeds expectations.”

Please read more about the newly-appointed assistant principals:

Ms. Angela Greene

Newly-appointed assistant principal, Woodstock Middle School

Most recently served as a teacher on special sssignment for special education

Prior CCSD experience: preschool special education teacher

Other prior teaching experience: special education teacher in Florida

Past participant in Superintendent’s Leadership Academy I

Mr. Clay Gunter

Newly-appointed assistant principal, Sixes Elementary School

Most recently served as a teacher at Oak Grove Elementary School Fine Arts Academy

Prior CCSD experience: teacher, Boston Elementary School (Teacher of the Year, 2005-06) and E.T. Booth Middle School

Past participant in Superintendent’s Leadership Academy I

Ms. Catherine Holman

Newly-appointed assistant principal, Dean Rusk Middle School

Most recently served as a school counselor a Mill Creek Middle School (River Ridge Innovation Zone Counselor of the Year, 2013-14)

Prior CCSD experience: school counselor, Etowah High School and E.T. Booth Middle School; teacher, Dean Rusk Middle School and Clayton Elementary School

Past participant in Superintendent’s Leadership Academy I

Dr. Benjamin Lester

Newly-appointed assistant principal, Teasley Middle School

Most recently served as a Spanish teacher at Cherokee High School

Prior CCSD experience: teacher, Creekland MS

Other prior teaching experience: Kennesaw State University and University of Miami

Past participant in Superintendent’s Leadership Academy I

Mr. Craig McKinney

Newly-appointed assistant principal, E.T. Booth Middle School

Most recently served as a math teacher at Etowah High School

Prior CCSD experience: previously taught at Woodstock Middle School

Other prior teaching experience: special education teacher, Cobb County Schools

Past participant in Superintendent’s Leadership Academy I

Dr. Amanda Ruiz

Newly-appointed assistant principal, Etowah High School

Most recently served as a teacher on special assignment at Etowah High School

Prior CCSD experience: English/ESOL teacher at Etowah High School

Other prior teaching experience: Fulton County Schools

Past participant in Superintendent’s Leadership Academy I

Ms. Rachel Wasserman

Newly-appointed assistant principal, Woodstock Elementary School

Most recently served as a teacher at Woodstock Elementary School (Teacher of the Year, 2013-14; Grade Level Leader, 2013-14)

Past participant in Superintendent’s Leadership Academy I