(Carrollton, Ga. – April 23, 2015) During the Thursday, April 23, 2015, Board meeting, the Carroll County Board of Education approved four new principals. Mrs. Marti Stephens was approved as the new Principal for Bay Springs Middle School; Mr. Jimmy LeBlanc will become the Principal for Central Middle School; Principal for Sharps Creek Elementary will be Mrs. Shelly Hester; and Mrs. Greta Jackson will assume the role of Principal for Villa Rica Middle School.
Mrs. Marti Stephens earned her Bachelor’s and her Master’s degree from West Georgia College and her Specialist degree from Jacksonville State University. Mrs. Stephens started her education career as a teacher at Sand Hill Elementary School. In 2001, she moved to Jonesville Middle School as the Assistant Principal before accepting a promotion at Heard County Middle School as Principal in 2004. Ms. Stephens and her husband relocated in 2011 where she became an Assistant Principal for Waldo Pafford Elementary School. Mrs. Stephens has served as Assistant Principal for the Bay Spring Middle School since 2013. Mrs. Stephens stated, “I look forward to serving Bay Springs Middle and the Bay Springs community in a new capacity. My goal is to continue working to make Bay Springs a premier learning environment.” Mrs. Stephens and her husband have two adult children, Amanda Dillard and Nathan, as well as one grandchild, Starrett (7 months).
Mr. Jimmy LeBlanc earned his Bachelor’s degree and his Master’s degree from the University of West Georgia, and his Specialist degree from the Jacksonville State University. Mr. LeBlanc started his education career as a teacher and coach at Central High School in 1987. In 1999, he was promoted to an Assistant Principal position at Central High School. Mr. LeBlanc was appointed and has served as Assistant Principal at Central Middle School since 2013. Mr. LeBlanc stated, “I am very excited to be given the opportunity to serve the Central community and the Central Cluster of schools, I am looking forward to continuing the progress that has been made by Mr. Harding and the fine faculty and staff at Central Middle School. I consider it an honor to be able to serve the Central community, partnering with parents and community members to seek excellence in all areas.” Mr. LeBlanc and his wife Cheri have four children, Taylor Woods (24), Madison (22), Sydney (19), and Davis (14). He and his family are members of Oak Grove Baptist Church.
Mrs. Shelly Hester earned her Bachelor’s degree at Mercer University, her Master’s degree from Piedmont College and her Specialist degree from the University of West Georgia. Mrs. Hester started her education career in 1995 teaching at Beulah Elementary School in the Douglas County School System. After serving various elementary schools she was promoted to a district-wide Instructional Coach position in 2009. Mrs. Hester has served as an Assistant Principal for Winston Elementary School since 2012. Mrs. Hester stated, “I am honored to be joining the Carroll County School System, the Sharp Creek family and the Temple Cluster. The mission in Carroll County Schools is to develop globally competitive college and career graduates. I am a strong believer that we create the foundation for successful graduates during a students elementary school years. I am committed and focused on the success of all students, building strong relationships and creating a positive learning and working environment.“ Mrs. Hester and her husband have two children, Claudia (18) and McKenzie (13).
Mrs. Greta Jackson earned her Bachelor’s degree from Mercer University, her Master’s degree from Kennesaw State University, and will complete her Specialist degree from Columbus State University by January. Mrs. Jackson started her education career as a teacher at Starr’s Mill High School in 2000. In 2009, she moved to Douglas County as an Instructional Coach and was promoted to an English Language Arts Improvement Specialist in 2011. She served as the School Improvement Grant Coordinator for Lithia Springs High School from 2012 – 2014. Mrs. Jackson has served as Assistant Principal at Villa Rica High School since 2014. Mrs. Jackson stated, “Iam thrilled to be joining the Villa Rica Middle School family and I am looking forward to working with staff and the community to create an enriching educational experience for students. We are VR!”
Superintendent, Scott Cowart, stated that the school system is excited to add four quality leaders to the leadership ranks in Carroll County. Each of these leaders have the skills, characteristics and attributes to help our school system reach our vision to be recognized for premier schools and as a premier school system.
