CCS Announces Senior Leadership Changes

Carrollton City Schools has announced senior leadership changes for the upcoming school year. Dr. Anna Clifton, assistant superintendent of teaching and learning, will retire after nearly three decades in education. Dr. Kylie Carroll has been appointed to succeed her and Courtney Walker has been named the new principal of Carrollton Elementary School. Dr. Ryan McKinnon has been named future principal of the proposed Carrollton Early Learning School, which is currently in its planning stages.

Clifton began her teaching career nearly 30 years ago and quickly advanced into leadership. She has served eight years as assistant superintendent, overseeing several departments, including school improvement, budget, and human resources.

“We are happy for Dr. Clifton as she embarks on the next chapter of her life. Her leadership has been pivotal to the success of our schools, and her commitment to school improvement, nurturing talent, and fostering a positive work environment has left a lasting impact on our district,” said Carrollton City Schools Superintendent Dr. Mark Albertus. “We are grateful for her years of dedicated service and wish her the best as she retires from education.”

Carroll will transition to assistant superintendent of teaching and learning, bringing extensive classroom and leadership experience to the role. Serving as principal of CES for the past eight years, she has demonstrated a commitment to school improvement, community engagement and academic excellence. She also serves the community in various ways, including as board chair of the Carroll County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and the Georgia Department of Education Training and Implementation Advisory Committee, providing her with unique insight into state and local educational needs. She and her husband, John, have one son, Campbell.

Walker, also named the 2024 National Assistant Principal of the Year, has a wealth of experience in educational leadership and brings a strong foundation in early childhood education to the role of CES principal. She has served as an elementary teacher, cheerleading coach, University of West Georgia Early Childhood Education Instructor for nearly a decade, and a Teaching as a Pathway instructor. In her most recent leadership role at CHS, she led master scheduling, student programs, school improvement and professional development, equipping her with the skills and insight to foster academic growth and enhance school culture. She and her husband, Jason, have four children, Brooke, Reese, Whitleigh and Saxsyn.

McKinnon brings experience as an educator, state championship coach, and school leader into his role as future principal of the newly announced Carrollton Early Learning School, which is in the planning stages. He currently serves as an assistant principal at CES, overseeing pre-K and kindergarten programs, coordinating school testing and leading school data initiatives to improve student achievement. McKinnon also teaches in the Leadership, Research, and School Improvement Department at the University of West Georgia. His experience will be instrumental in shaping the new state-of-the-art school into a model of excellence. McKinnon and his wife, Nikki, have three sons, Liam, Dawson and Greyson.

“As we welcome these exceptional leaders into their new roles, I am excited about the future of Carrollton City Schools. Dr. Carroll, Mrs. Walker and Dr. McKinnon bring a wealth of experience and vision to our district. Their commitment to excellence will continue to propel us forward,” said Dr. Albertus. “I look forward to seeing the great things they will accomplish as we build on the strong foundation set by those before them.”