Calhoun City Schools is proud to announce several new hires, leadership transitions, and staff additions as we continue our commitment to excellence in education. From experienced administrators stepping into new leadership roles to dedicated educators and staff joining the Jacket Family, these changes reflect our district’s ongoing efforts to support student success, innovation, and growth.
We invite you to learn more about the talented individuals who will be making an impact across our schools in the upcoming year. Join us in welcoming and congratulating them on their new roles!
#ProudToBeAYellowJacket
Casey Parker to Lead Accountability & Assessment
for Calhoun City Schools
Calhoun City Schools is grateful for the dedicated leadership of Casey Parker, who has faithfully served as principal of Calhoun High School since 2021. As she steps into a new district leadership role, the 2025-2026 school year will mark her 25th year in education, all of which have been spent serving the students of Calhoun City Schools.
Mrs. Parker began her career in 2001 as a general music teacher at Eastside Primary School, where she was recognized as Calhoun Primary School and Calhoun City Schools’ Teacher of the Year for 2010-2011. That same year, she transitioned to Calhoun High School as choral and music director for the fine arts department, leading her students to eight region and eight state championships and earning a Shuler Award nomination as a musical theatre director.
Her passion for student growth and instructional excellence led her into school administration, where she served as an instructional coordinator at Calhoun Middle School before becoming an assistant principal at CHS and CMS for four years. In these roles, she played a key part in professional development, SST/504 interventions, school-wide and state testing, scheduling, hospital homebound services, and Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). She also coordinated the Advanced Placement (AP) program at CHS for four years.
Before taking the helm at CHS, Mrs. Parker served as principal of Calhoun Middle School, where her leadership team drove student growth and achievement through strong instructional practices and PLCs.
In her new role as Director of Accountability and Assessment, Mrs. Parker will lead the development, implementation, and oversight of accountability and assessment systems for the district. She will work to monitor student success, identify areas for growth, and ensure data-driven decision-making to support all students. Her experience, expertise, and deep understanding of curriculum and assessment make her exceptionally well-equipped for this position.
Beyond her primary role, she will continue to support the district in a variety of areas as needed, ensuring that CCS remains at the forefront of educational excellence. We are excited for Mrs. Parker as she steps into this important role and continues her unwavering commitment to the students, staff, and community of Calhoun City Schools.
Dr. Allison Eubanks to Lead CHS as Principal
Calhoun City Schools is proud to announce that Dr. Allison Eubanks, current principal of Calhoun Middle School, will transition into the role of Calhoun High School Principal at the close of this school year.
Dr. Eubanks is no stranger to the CHS Campus, having previously served as both a teacher and administrator for many years. She began her teaching career at Calhoun High School in 2005, where she taught English for ten years and was recognized as CHS Teacher of the Year and Calhoun City Schools System Teacher of the Year in 2013-2014. Her leadership journey led her to roles as an academic intervention specialist, instructional coordinator, and assistant principal at both Calhoun Middle and High School before stepping into the principalship.
In 2019, Dr. Eubanks moved to the CES/CPS Complex to gain additional administrative experience before returning to the CHS Campus as Calhoun Middle School principal in 2021. Under her leadership, Calhoun Middle School made history by becoming the first middle school in Georgia to be named a 2023-2024 Capturing Kids' Hearts National Showcase School, an honor recognizing schools that prioritize a positive culture and climate for learning. Additionally, CMS earned recognition as a Distinguished Title I School and a Math Leaders School during her tenure.
Dr. Eubanks holds a doctoral degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of West Florida. She is a 2017 graduate of the Chamber of Commerce Leadership Calhoun/Gordon County Program and serves as past president of the Gordon County Literacy Council. She has also contributed to the community through her work with United Way's allocation panel, helping secure funding for local initiatives.
As the next principal of Calhoun High School, Dr. Eubanks will uphold the tradition of excellence that defines Calhoun City Schools while continuing to innovate and enhance opportunities for students in grades 9-12.
She is excited to return home to CHS and continue making a lasting impact on students, staff, and the community. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Eubanks on this exciting new role!
Welcome Dr. Matt Maynor as CMS Principal
Calhoun City Schools is excited to welcome Dr. Matt Maynor, a veteran educator and accomplished leader, to Jacket Country as the new principal of Calhoun Middle School.
With 28 years of experience as both a teacher and administrator, Dr. Maynor has worked at every educational level, bringing a wealth of knowledge, leadership, and innovation to his new role. He previously served as principal of Enota Multiple Intelligences Academy and Gainesville Middle School in Gainesville City Schools for six years before transitioning to Catoosa County Schools. During his nearly decade-long tenure in Catoosa, he held multiple leadership roles, including Secondary Curriculum and Improvement Specialist, CTAE Director, and Principal of the College and Career Academy. Most recently, he served as Acceleration Coordinator for Hamilton County Schools in Tennessee. Now, he is excited to return home to Georgia and join the Calhoun community.
Dr. Maynor is a graduate of Lee University and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and he earned his doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Alabama.
“Three words describe Dr. Maynor and his work ethic: focused, personable, and determined. He demonstrates strong leadership by staying focused on what matters most, building relationships that foster collaboration, and ensuring that all students learn at high levels,” shared Dr. Nichols, former Assistant Superintendent of Catoosa County Schools.
Calhoun City Schools is confident that Dr. Maynor will bring his passion for education, strategic leadership, and commitment to excellence to CMS, ensuring that our students, staff, and community continue to thrive. Welcome to the Jacket Family, Dr. Maynor!
Tiffany Watson Named Associate Principal of CPS
With the pending retirement of Mrs. Mana Smith, principal of Calhoun Primary School, Tiffany Watson will return to the CPS/CES complex as Associate Principal. As part of succession planning, this transition will prepare her to step into the role of principal following Mrs. Smith’s anticipated retirement at the close of the 2025-2026 school year.
A dedicated educator with over 25 years of experience at Calhoun City Schools, Tiffany previously served as an administrator at the complex from 2017 to 2021. Before moving into administration, she taught 3rd grade, 5th grade, gifted education, and ESOL, bringing a strong curricular background that has continued to serve her well. For the past four years, she has been a key leader at Calhoun High School as Assistant Principal of Curriculum and Instruction, further strengthening her expertise in academic leadership and instructional excellence.
A 1996 graduate of Calhoun High School, Tiffany earned her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from The State University of West Georgia, followed by a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from West Georgia and a Specialist’s degree in Administrative Leadership from Lincoln Memorial University. She also holds endorsements in Gifted Education, ESOL, and Math.
With her extensive experience, leadership skills, and deep commitment to student success, Mrs. Watson is the ideal choice to lead Calhoun Primary School into the future. Please join us in congratulating Tiffany Watson on her new role!
Heather Morris Named Assistant Principal of CES
Calhoun City Schools is proud to announce that Heather Morris, a Calhoun High School graduate and veteran educator, will step into the role of Assistant Principal at Calhoun Elementary School for the 2025-2026 school year.
Mrs. Morris began her teaching career in 2013 as an elementary teacher in the Cherokee County School District before returning to her hometown of Calhoun in 2018 to join Calhoun City Schools.
Her dedication to student success extends beyond the classroom, as she has played a vital role in various district leadership initiatives. She has served on the Leadership Committee, acted as Secretary for the School Governance Team, and participated in both the Community Leadership Academy for Student Success (CLASS) and the Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Committee. Through these roles, she has helped drive data-driven decisions that prioritize student achievement, safety, and well-being.
Mrs. Morris holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education, both from Reinhardt University. She also earned a Specialist Degree in Media and Instructional Technology from the University of West Georgia, where she is currently pursuing her Tier 1 Educational Leadership Certification. Additionally, she holds endorsements in Reading, Gifted Education, and ESOL instruction.
With a strong passion for leadership, student growth, and instructional excellence, Mrs. Morris is well-prepared to make a lasting impact at Calhoun Elementary School. Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Morris on her new role!
CHS Welcomes Leigh Ann Hayward as Assistant Principal
Calhoun City Schools is proud to announce that Mrs. Leigh Ann Hayward will join the Calhoun High School administrative team as Assistant Principal, overseeing curriculum, instruction, and scheduling.
Mrs. Hayward currently serves as Assistant Principal at Calhoun Elementary School and previously held the role of K-6 Instructional Math & Science Coach for the district. A dedicated educator with 17 years of experience, she was recognized as Calhoun City Schools’ 2020 System Teacher of the Year and has consistently demonstrated excellence in teaching and leadership.
Known for her innovative use of technology in the classroom, Mrs. Hayward has been instrumental in advancing STEM education in the elementary grades. She has also played a key role in curriculum development and instructional coaching across the district.
Mrs. Hayward holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Kennesaw State University, a Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education from Liberty University, and a Specialist’s Degree in Teacher Leadership and Tier 1 Leadership. She also holds Reading, Mathematics, and Dyslexia endorsements and was nominated for the Presidential Award for Teaching Mathematics and Science. In addition, she serves on the NWGA RESA Math/Science Leaders and Liaisons and is the co-founder of the NWGA Math Assessment Collaborative.
Leigh Ann is a proven instructional leader who prioritizes strong relationships and student success. Her expertise, dedication, and passion for education will make her an invaluable asset to the Calhoun High School team. Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Hayward on this exciting new role!
Calhoun City Schools is excited to welcome Dr. Brittany Phinazee to the CHS/CMS Campus as an Instructional Literacy Coach!
With 14 years of experience in education, including a decade in the classroom, Dr. Phinazee has taught English at both the middle and high school levels in a variety of educational settings. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English and a Master’s degree in Reading from the University of West Georgia, as well as a Doctorate in Reading, Literacy, and Assessment from Walden University.
For the past four years, Dr. Phinazee has served as the district literacy coach for grades 8-12 in Floyd County Schools, where she played a key role in improving student achievement. Her leadership in literacy instruction and intervention strategies contributed to a 10% increase in students meeting or exceeding proficiency on the Georgia Milestones assessment in just one year.
Beyond her classroom and coaching experience, Dr. Phinazee has been actively involved in statewide educational initiatives, including the Georgia Milestones, NAVVY, and NWEA GMAP assessments. She has worked on the Georgia Milestones item analysis and bias review committees, ensuring assessment quality and fairness, and has been a member of the Georgia ELA Standards Committee for the past four years, helping to shape literacy standards across the state.
With her extensive expertise in literacy instruction, curriculum development, and assessment design, Dr. Phinazee will be an invaluable asset to students, teachers, and administrators at Calhoun City Schools.
Join us in welcoming Dr. Phinazee to the Jacket Family!
Douglas Hasty named Transportation Supervisor
Effective July 1, 2025
With the planned retirement of longtime Transportation Supervisor Geary Cooper on June 30, 2025, Calhoun City Schools is pleased to announce that veteran driver Douglas Hasty will step into the role for the upcoming (2025-2026) school year.
A 1987 graduate of Calhoun High School, Douglas is a lifelong Yellow Jacket with extensive experience in student transportation. This year, he has been serving as Lead Driver, working closely with Geary and the transportation team to gain hands-on experience in department operations. In this role, he has not only deepened his understanding of day-to-day logistics but has also explored new ways to enhance and grow CCS transportation services.
While we will greatly miss Geary’s leadership and dedication, we are excited for the future and look forward to the innovative ideas and forward-thinking leadership Douglas will bring to the role. Please join us in congratulating Douglas Hasty on this well-deserved transition!
Tommy Hoblitzell Named CCS System
Strength and Conditioning Coach
As Calhoun City Schools continues to elevate and expand its athletic programs, CCS is implementing a comprehensive strength and conditioning program to benefit all sports. A well-structured strength and training program is a key foundation for long-term success, enhancing performance and injury prevention for both male and female athletes at CMS & CHS.
To lead this initiative, CCS has introduced a new System Strength and Conditioning Coach position. This role is dedicated to supporting all CCS athletic programs by designing and implementing intentional, sport-specific training regimens. Collaborating with coaches across all sports, this position will ensure athletes receive year-round training both in and out of the weight room.
CCS is proud to announce that Tommie Hoblitzell, a veteran educator, weight training teacher, and football coach, has been selected to serve in this new system-wide role. Now in his 27th year of physical education and 18th year at Calhoun High School, Coach Hoblitzell has been instrumental in the success of CHS athletics. As the football strength coordinator and linebackers coach, he has helped lead teams to multiple state and region championships while also training athletes across various sports in the weight room.
In this new role, Coach Hoblitzell will fully dedicate his expertise to strengthening CCS athletic programs, providing specialized training to all teams while continuing to lead the CHS weight room during the instructional day. While he will remain involved with football training, he is excited to collaborate with all CCS coaches and athletes, sharing his passion for strength and conditioning across all programs. Join us in congratulating Coach Hoblitzell on this new role as we continue to build champions at Calhoun!
Allie Kirby Named CHS Head Softball Coach,
Set to Join CMS Staff
Join us in welcoming Allie Kirby as a CMS math teacher and CHS Head Softball Coach! She steps into this role following the legendary tenure of Coach Diane Smith, who retired after 39 incredible seasons leading the program. Coach Kirby is excited to carry on the tradition of excellence that has defined Calhoun Softball for decades.
A Dalton High School graduate (Class of 2013), Allie was a standout athlete, excelling in varsity softball and basketball. She earned 1st-Team All-Area and All-Region honors throughout her high school career, was named to the Georgia-Tennessee All-Star Roster, and was recognized as a Chattanooga Best of Preps nominee in 2013.
Allie went on to play Division I softball at Austin Peay State University as a four-year scholarship athlete. She earned All-OVC honors, set the single-season saves record as a sophomore, and graduated in May 2017 with a B.S. in Biology.
Returning home to Dalton, Allie began her career in coaching and education, serving as an assistant softball coach for six years before becoming Head Softball Coach at Dalton in 2023. Under her leadership, the team made its first state playoff appearance since 2018. She is currently in her 8th year in education and will graduate with a Master’s degree in December.
Allie is married to Alex Kirby (CHS Class of 2012), and they are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their first child, Koen Brooks Kirby, in February.
Allie shared that she is excited, honored, and thankful for the opportunity to continue her coaching and teaching career at Calhoun City Schools. Welcome to the Jacket Family, Allie!
CHS Names Thomas Osborne as Band Director
Thomas Osborne, CMS Band Director will assume the role of High School Band Director for the 2025-2026 school year following the retirement of Mr. Brown. Thomas is a graduate of Jacksonville State University and has been an integral part of the Calhoun band program for the past four years. He has served as the Director of Bands at Calhoun Elementary and Middle Schools, as well as the Assistant Band Director at CHS, working alongside Mr. Brown.
A summa cum laude graduate in K-12 Music Education, Mr. Osborne also served as Trumpet Section Leader for the renowned Jacksonville State University Marching Southerners and performed with the JSU Jazz 1 and Chamber Winds ensembles. Currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Music Education at the University of West Georgia, Osborne is deeply committed to the continued growth and excellence of Calhoun's music programs.
As he steps into his new role, Mr. Osborne is eager to lead the Calhoun High School Band into its next chapter of excellence. “I cannot wait to continue and refine the legacy of the Calhoun High School Band,” he shared.
Haley Miller to Lead CMS Band Program
Calhoun City Schools is excited to announce Haley Miller as the new Calhoun Middle School Band Director. In her role, Ms. Miller will collaborate with CHS Director Thomas Osborne to support the Calhoun Marching Yellow Jackets.
A graduate of Jacksonville State University and a native of Semmes, Alabama, Ms. Miller brings a wealth of experience and passion for music education. During her time at JSU, she served as Head Section Leader for the Marching Southerners Clarinet Line and participated in a variety of ensembles. Her work as a Graduate Teaching Assistant allowed her to gain hands-on experience with renowned programs like the JSU Chamber Winds, Symphonic Band, and Marching Southerners.
Ms. Miller is eager to lead the Calhoun Middle School band program and collaborate with Mr. Osborne to inspire students and uphold a legacy of excellence in the arts. Together, they are dedicated to continuing the tradition of pride and achievement that defines “The Best Band in the Land.”
Casey Brooks Joins Mid-Year at the Campus
Calhoun City Schools is excited to welcome Casey Brooks to Calhoun Middle and High School as he steps in midyear to fill the vacancy. In this role, Casey will support the ISS program and work closely with at-risk students, ensuring they stay on track academically while temporarily removed from class.
A graduate of Sonoraville High School, Casey attended Georgia Highlands College and Liberty University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management.
Casey also brings a strong background in service and leadership. He served as a Supply Technician in the United States Air Force, where he managed inventory, logistics, and equipment distribution for soldiers. During his military service, he discovered his passion for education while coaching a sixth-grade football team, which inspired him to pursue a career working with students.
With experience in ISS support in a neighboring school district, Casey is committed to building positive relationships with students, encouraging personal growth, and helping them transition successfully back into the classroom. Additionally, he is excited to contribute to Jacket athletics and looks forward to opportunities to support coaching efforts on campus. Welcome to the Jacket Family, Casey!
CMS Welcomes Mallory Parker as Science Teacher
We are thrilled to welcome Mallory Parker as a CMS Science Teacher! Mallory is a graduate of the University of North Georgia, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Forensics. A standout athlete, she played collegiate softball at UNG from 2019-2024, including the 2023 season when she won the Division II National Championship!
Mallory joins CMS from Wesleyan School in Peachtree Corners, where she currently teaches middle school science. She has discovered a true passion for working with middle school students and feels incredibly blessed and excited to be part of CCS next year.
We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Mallory to the Jacket family!
Gracen Shook to Join CMS Staff
We are excited to welcome Gracen Shook as a paraprofessional at CMS! A Ringgold native and graduate of Heritage High School, Gracen earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a minor in Mathematics from Dalton State College in Fall 2023.
Gracen is no stranger to Calhoun—this past fall, he served as an assistant softball coach at CMS, making an immediate impact on our students and athletes. Beyond the classroom, he has a passion for sports and spends his summers as the public address announcer for the Chattanooga Lookouts, the Double-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds.
Gracen is excited to officially join the Calhoun family and help continue our tradition of excellence.
CELA Welcomes Aleah Cox
Calhoun City Schools is excited to welcome Aleah Cox to the Jacket Family as a paraprofessional at Calhoun Early Learning Academy!
A proud Calhoun High School graduate, Aleah is currently pursuing a degree in Elementary Education at Dalton State College. She brings valuable experience working with young learners, having served as both a classroom intern and a substitute teacher, primarily supporting Pre-K and kindergarten students. Additionally, she has led instructional activities at the local library, further demonstrating her passion for early childhood education.
Aleah is eager to support students and teachers as she continues her journey toward becoming an educator. Welcome home, Aleah!
Welcome Brittany Carver to the CELA Team
Brittany is no stranger to CCS, having spent time in a kindergarten classroom as a substitute teacher this year. A 2013 graduate of Gordon Central High School, she has lived in Gordon County and dedicated the past seven years as a stay-at-home mom to her two sons, Hayden and Tucker Teague.
Brittany is an active member of Heritage Baptist Church and is thrilled to join the CELA staff. We are excited to have her as part of the Jacket Family and look forward to the impact she will make on our young learners!
Ashley Kelly Returns to Teach at CPS
A Calhoun High School graduate, Ashley is a proud example of the Calhoun College & Career Academy’s “Grow Our Own” initiative through the Teaching as a Profession CTAE Pathway, which encourages alumni to return and teach where they once learned. This year, she has already made an impact in CCS, serving in long-term substitute roles at CELA, CPS, and CES.
Ashley earned her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Georgia Southern University and is set to graduate in August with a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, also from Georgia Southern. Her journey as an educator began in CHS’s Work-Based Learning program, where she gained hands-on experience assisting in a Pre-K classroom.
Now, she returns home to Calhoun City Schools to continue making a difference in the lives of young learners. Welcome home, Ashley!
It's always great to be a Yellow Jacket!
Our mission is to inspire all students to become lifelong learners in the pursuit of excellence.