Friday, March 14, 2003
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Friday, March 14, 2003 |
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New principals named Coweta County School Superintendent Peggy Connell has announced that Smokey Road Middle School Principal Steve Barker will become the new principal of Newnan High School, and White Oak Elementary School Assistant Principal Fate Simmons will become the new principal of Thomas Crossroads Elementary School, effective July 1. Barker and Simmons will take the helms of the schools as two veteran principals Alan Wood and Hattie Dunn retire at the end of the school year. "These were two crucial decisions for us, because Mr. Barker and Mr. Simmons will follow two very experienced, very successful principals at these schools," said Dr. Connell. "But I have the utmost confidence that they are the best people for the jobs, that Mr. Simmons and Mr. Barker will provide excellent leadership at their new schools, and that they will fulfill their new roles wonderfully." Barker has 13 years of experience as an educator and administrator. He earned his B.S. in education with an emphasis on social studies from Shorter College, earned his master's of administration and has recently earned his doctorate in education leadership from Nova Southeastern University. Barker began his teaching career in Coweta County in 1990, teaching social studies. He became an assistant principal at Northgate High School in 1997 and then principal of Canongate Elementary School in 1999. He has served as principal of Smokey Road Middle School since the 2001-02 school year. Barker follows longtime Newnan High principal Wood, who will retire at the end of this school year after a 32-year career in education and 20 years of service as principal of Newnan High. Wood, a Newnan native and alumnus of Newnan High School, announced his retirement to school faculty and staff last month. His last day as principal will be June 30. Simmons has seven years of experience as a teacher and an administrator, following service in both the military and in law enforcement. He served from 1989 to 1997 in the U.S. Army and U.S. Army Reserves, and as a correctional officer in Rivers State Prison in Milledgeville, Georgia. Simmons earned his B.S. in special education, his master's in special education and administration/supervision, and his Ed.S. in six-year sdministration and supervision, all from Georgia College and State University. He is currently pursuing his doctorate in education leadership from Nova Southeastern University. He taught three years in Putnam County schools before serving two years as assistant principal of Sandersville Elementary School in Washington County. He has served as assistant principal at White Oak Elementary School since 2002. Simmons follows veteran educator and administrator Dunn, who will retire at the end of this school year after a 33-year career in education. Dunn has taught and served as an administrator in several Coweta County Schools since beginning her career in 1970. She has served as principal of Thomas Crossroads Elementary since 1994, when the school was opened. Her last day as principal will be June 30.
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