From left to right: Glen Harding, Dr. Cynthia Beers, and LaTeisha Drummond.
The Carroll County Board of Education continues to fill leadership roles for the next school year as retiring Superintendent Scott Cowart prepares to hand over the role to incoming Superintendent Dr. Jessica Ainsworth on July 1.
“Thank you to our board for moving quickly to name leaders for next year,” Ainsworth said. “I am excited about the team we are putting together. All of these leaders understand that our priority is connecting with people in meaningful ways that positively change lives. Working together, we will continue to build first choice schools recognized in academics, arts, athletics, and activities — all focused on student success.”
Associate Superintendent Glen Harding
The board voted May 11 to elevate current Assistant Superintendent of Support Services Glen Harding to Associate Superintendent for the new school year. With 22 years of experience at both the school and district levels, Harding has served as assistant superintendent since 2022, overseeing areas including safety, facilities, school nutrition, technology, transportation, student registration, waivers, and attendance.
As Associate Superintendent, Harding will work closely with Ainsworth to provide strategic leadership across the district, taking on broader, cross-functional responsibilities. He will coordinate system-wide initiatives, support the extended cabinet, and ensure alignment and execution of the district’s key priorities.
“We have built a great team in Support Services, and I look forward to continuing to connect our people across schools and departments to create a unified team focused on providing great service and genuinely caring about our students, our families, and each other,” Harding said.
Harding earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of West Georgia, a master’s degree in leadership from Jacksonville State University, and a specialist degree in leadership from Lincoln Memorial University. He is also a graduate of the Georgia Superintendent Association’s Superintendent Development Program.
Director of Middle and High Schools Dr. Cynthia Beers
Temple Middle School Principal Dr. Cynthia Beers has been named Director of Middle and High Schools, a position made available following the promotion of Jennifer Shirley to Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning. Beers has served as principal of TMS since 2022 and previously worked as Coordinator of High School Instructional Support at the district level. She also has five years of experience as an assistant principal at both the middle and high school levels.
“I am honored to join the outstanding team in the Teaching and Learning department and continue Carroll County Schools’ strong commitment to excellence,” Beers said. “I look forward to collaborating with our middle and high schools to positively change lives through high-quality instruction that prepares every student for success.”
Beers earned her bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, and doctorate degrees from the University of West Georgia and also holds a graduate certificate in educational leadership from UWG. She is a two-time STAR teacher, received an AP Champion Award in 2016, and served on Governor Nathan Deal’s Legislative Task Force for Educational Reform.
Director of Career, Technical and Agricultural Education LaTeisha Drummond
College & Career Academy South Principal LaTeisha Drummond has been selected to succeed retiring Cindy Clanton as Director of Career, Technical and Agricultural Education. A Carroll County native, Drummond joined the 24STRONG Team in 2013 and has gained extensive experience both in the classroom and as an administrator. She has served as principal at both College & Career Academy campuses.
“I am truly honored and excited to continue the outstanding work and strong foundation established by Ms. Cindy Clanton, whose 24-plus years of dedication to CTAE have made a lasting impact on our students and community,” Drummond said. “As I step into this role, my focus remains on continuously improving student achievement while expanding opportunities that prepare every student for success in college, careers, and life. I am committed to empowering students with the skills, experiences, and confidence they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.”
Drummond is an alumna of both West Georgia Technical College and the University of West Georgia. She holds an associate degree in business administration, a bachelor’s degree in business education, a master’s degree in instructional technology, and a Tier I certification in educational leadership. She has also completed the Aspiring Leaders program through the district’s partnership with the Georgia Leadership Institute for School Improvement and is currently completing the Georgia Superintendent Association District Office Development Program.
Assistant Principals
Additional changes for the upcoming school year include new assistant principal appointments. Central Middle School teacher AnDrell Roberts will become an assistant principal at Central High School. Ithica Elementary School Instructional Coach C.J. Starnes will become an assistant principal at Bay Springs Middle School. Villa Rica High School teacher Chris Valentine will become an assistant principal at Villa Rica Middle School.