Letters of intent are collected on an annual basis to assist in the personnel planning process for the upcoming school year. Responses are reviewed at the school and system level to assist in overall staffing plans. We would like to announce the changes that will take place during a spring transition.
Dr. Michelle Palmer to retire as Chief Human Resources Officer, Dr. Jaime Garrett to fill Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources role, Dr. Brock Holley to lead as Principal of Calhoun Elementary School, Susan Bennett promoted to Teacher / Leader Development Coordinator. Amanda Swift will transition to PreK Director and Principal of Calhoun Early Learning Academy with Hope Stephenson to serve as System Instructional Coordinator - Literacy / Social Studies. LeighAnn Hayward to fill Stephenson’s Assistant Principalship at CES. Kelly Fuquea to retire as Work Based Learning Coordinator with Greta Hughes to transition to the role of full-time Work-Based Learning and CTAE Coordinator.
(These transitions have resulted in a K-6 Instructional Math/Science Coach, CHS CTAE Teacher - Graphic Design/Digital Marketing opening and CHS Assistant Principal / Athletic Director)
The 2023-2024 school year marks Dr. Garrett's 22nd year in education. She has served the district as a teacher, media specialist, assistant principal, and now principal of Calhoun Elementary School. Dr. Garrett was selected by her peers as the CES Teacher of the Year for the 2012-2013 school year. Dr. Garrett is a proud CHS graduate (Class of 1997). She holds a Bachelor's Degree from Kennesaw State University, Master’s from Brenau University, Specialist from Tennessee Tech University and a Doctoral Degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of West Florida. Dr. Garrett is a 2014 graduate of the Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Calhoun / Gordon County Program where she represented Calhoun City Schools. She currently serves as the Treasurer of Alpha Delta Kappa Teacher Sorority, belongs to the Gordon County Literacy Council, and is a member of the Tourism committee through the Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Garrett has served as an administrator at every level - elementary, middle and high school. She’s excited about moving to the district level to serve as Assistant Superintendent. She will lead human resources and support teaching in her new role.
Dr. Brock Holley has served Calhoun City Schools both as an assistant principal and athletic director. He has spent his entire teaching career in Calhoun City Schools working at all three levels: Calhoun Elementary, Calhoun Middle, and Calhoun High. Before transitioning to administration, Dr. Holley taught special education and coached boys basketball and baseball. Dr. Holley was raised in Conyers, Georgia and is a graduate of Heritage High School. He holds an undergraduate degree in Special Education from Georgia College, a master's degree in Special Education from Georgia College, a specialist's degree in Educational Leadership from the University of West Georgia, and a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Georgia State University. Dr. Holley is a graduate of the Chamber of Leadership Calhoun/Gordon County Program and has served numerous local and state organizations in support of the learning environment. Dr. Holley is excited to lead Calhoun Elementary School as its new principal.
A 1993 graduate of CHS, Susan Bennett has held several administrative roles. Susan obtained her bachelor's degree from Berry College in 1997 and her master's degree from Piedmont College in 2000. She completed her Educational Specialist degree in Leadership and Administration at Lincoln Memorial University in 2004. Susan also holds endorsements in Gifted Education, ESOL, and Reading. She served as an instructional coordinator and assistant principal at Calhoun Primary School and worked at the district level as Teacher/Leader Development Specialist. This is Susan’s third year as PreK Director and Principal of CELA. She opened the Early Learning Academy as principal in 2022 while building a culture of excellence with the youngest level of Jacket learners. She recognizes the district’s need to support teacher development as we continue to grow as a learning community. Ms. Bennett will do a phenomenal job in her new role as Teacher / Leader Development Coordinator.
Mrs. Amanda Swift has been a proud resident of Calhoun since 2009. She served as a literacy lead and coordinator for COLA Jr. for Calhoun Primary & Elementary and also served as one of the assistant principals at Calhoun Middle School. Most recently, Amanda served the district as one of the instructional coordinators supporting literacy and social studies. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education and a minor in Spanish from Ball State University, a Master of Education in curriculum and instruction with a specialization in literacy from Lesley University, an ESOL endorsement, leadership credentials from Kennesaw State University and is currently working on her doctorate in school improvement from the University of West Georgia. Amanda is excited to serve as the Pre-K Director and Principal of the Calhoun Early Learning Academy.
Hope Stephenson has served as an assistant principal for more than 13 years at the elementary, middle and high school levels. Mrs. Stephenson is a 1998 graduate of Coosa High School. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Middle Grades Education from Shorter College, Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education from Piedmont College, and Specialist in Educational Administration and Leadership from Lincoln Memorial University. Ms. Stephenson is a member of the 2024 cohort of the Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership / Calhoun - Gordon County. Hope is eager to support the system in her new role as system Instructional Coordinator of Literacy and Social Studies.
Mrs. Leigh Ann Hayward currently serves as the K-6 Instructional Math & Science Coach for the district. She was named the 2020 System Teacher of the Year for Calhoun City Schools and has made a significant impact as a teacher and leader. Mrs. Hayward is currently in her 16th year in the education profession. Mrs. Hayward is known for her forward-thinking and innovative use of technology in the classroom and has been instrumental in leading STEM initiatives in the elementary grades. LeighAnn has proven herself as a strong instructional leader with a focus on relationships. She will be an asset to the administrative team of Calhoun Elementary School in her new role as Assistant Principal.
Mrs. Greta Hughes is currently in her 25th year in the education profession where she serves as the Graphic Design teacher at CHS and is the Coordinator of CTAE programs. Greta began her career teaching 1st grade at Eastside Primary School, and later taught in the early intervention program at Calhoun Primary School where she was selected by her peers as Teacher of the Year. Prior to her present role, she served as an instructional technology coach. Mrs. Hughes is a 1996 graduate of Calhoun High School, holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Berry College, a Master’s Degree from Brenau University, and a Specialist Degree in Instructional Technology from University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. In recent years, Mrs. Hughes has served as a member of the Young Professionals Committee through the Chamber of Commerce. With extensive experience in career and technical programs, we are confident that Mrs. Hughes will excel in the role of Work-Based Learning & CTAE Coordinator. This full-time position will be dedicated to providing opportunities for students to explore the workforce opportunities present to them as they graduate from Calhoun High School.
Vacancies:
K-6 Instructional Math/Science Coach
Interested individuals are encouraged to submit a letter of interest to Dr. Jaime Garrett, Assistant Superintendent (garrettj@calhounschools.org).
CHS CTAE Teacher - Graphic Design / Digital Marketing
Interested individuals are encouraged to submit a letter of interest to Casey Parker, principal at Calhoun High School (parkerc@calhounschools.org) and Dr. Brandi Hayes, Director of College & Career Programs (hayesb@calhounschools.org).
CHS Assistant Principal - Athletic Director
Interested individuals are encouraged to submit a letter of interest to Casey Parker, principal at Calhoun High School (parkerc@calhounschools.org).