The Douglas County Board of Education and Superintendent Trent North are proud to announce the selection of five employees to key leadership positions.
Tekmekia Gilchrist, a passionate advocate for providing academic excellence for all students, will be the new Executive Director of Teaching and Learning and Career Technical & Agricultural Education. She will oversee the CTAE program, Work-Based Learning, Dual Enrollment Programs, and Professional Learning in her new role. She is the current principal and former assistant principal of New Manchester High School.
She has an undergraduate degree from the University of West Georgia. Gilchrist also holds a master’s degree in project management and another graduate degree in business education from the University of West Georgia. She earned an education specialist degree in curriculum and instruction from Piedmont College.
Gilchrist is deeply committed to the college and career success of every student. She says she is excited to serve in this new role. “The position allows me to provide Douglas County students with access to transformative educational and career opportunities,” Gilchrist says. “It will also allow me to offer professional learning opportunities to bring out the best in our employees and foster student success.”
Angela Holley has been tapped to be the new principal of Chestnut Log Middle School. Holley is the former
assistant principal of Factory Shoals Middle School and New Manchester High School. She completed her undergraduate studies at Blue Mountain College and earned a master’s degree in education from Mississippi State University. Holley earned her education specialist degree in educational leadership from Central Michigan University.
Holley is grateful and honored for this opportunity. “I want to thank the Board of Education and Superintendent North for their decision and trust in my abilities to serve and lead Chestnut Log Middle School. I am eager and excited to develop positive relationships with the students, parents, staff, and community. Together we will shape the future and grow with excellence,” she says.
Caroline Whitt will serve the Douglas County School System Human Resources Department as the Onboarding Coordinator. Whitt brings a passion for learning and two decades of educational experience to the new position. She will onboard new hires, manage onboarding for classified and certified, and coordinate professional learning for all classified employees.
Whitt attended Florida State University as an undergraduate. She later earned a graduate degree in educational leadership from Florida A&M University and an education specialist degree in education administration and supervision from Lincoln Memorial University. She is the principal of Chestnut Log Middle School and the former principal of the Performance Learning Center.
Whitt is driven to help the Douglas County School System become the best it can be to shape the future. “My motivation to lead and serve lies in my desire to develop others, help them find their voice, and maximize their potential,” Whitt says. She is excited about the opportunity to impact employees with energy, compassion, and enthusiasm.
Superintendent North says the new leaders will contribute to the school system’s culture of growth and innovation. “I am delighted to welcome these three to their new roles. I am certain they will provide thoughtful, dynamic leadership to our school system," he adds. "Their new positions will have a broader impact on our school community. Their contributions will allow us to continue cultivating the most dynamic learning environments possible for students.”
Casey Bethel has been selected to lead New Manchester High School. Bethel will replace New Manchester High School Principal Tekmekia Gilchrist, who will step into a new role as the new Executive Director of Teaching and Learning and Career, Technical and Agricultural Education.
Bethel has been an award-winning teacher, interim assistant principal, and curriculum coordinator during his educational career. He has worked in the Student Achievement Department for four years as the K-12 Science and STEM Coordinator and District Advanced Placement Coordinator. He previously worked as a Program Director for Georgia Tech's Center for Education Integrating Science, Mathematics, and Computing and one year at the Georgia Department of Education as the 2017 Georgia Teacher of the Year.
Bethel has 17 years of experience in education. He has a Bachelor's degree in Biology from Fort Valley State University and a Master's degree in Plant Genetics from the University of Georgia. He is working towards an Educational Specialist degree through the University of West Georgia.
He previously taught biology and physics at New Manchester High School for five years, where he earned the title of Georgia's Teacher of the Year. "New Manchester High School has always been home to me. I am ecstatic about returning. I eagerly anticipate bringing the experiences I've had and the lessons I've learned to the Jaguar family," he says. "With the school community's help, I will help lead New Manchester up the ladder toward excellence."
Winston Elementary School Principal Chelsie Goodman will also move to a new role to support the district's success. She will join the Student Achievement Department as the new K-5 Executive Director of Teaching and Learning.
Goodman has a Bachelor of Science in Education, a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Arkansas, and an Educational Specialist degree in Leadership from Kennesaw State University.Goodman also has extensive education experience. She taught at multiple levels in Arkansas and Georgia before joining the Douglas County School System 12 years ago. She began her DCSS career as a Social Studies Instructional Coach and transitioned to Assistant Principal at Holly Springs Elementary in 2014 before joining Winston as principal three years ago.
She is eager to work with the Department of Student Achievement to prepare today's students to be tomorrow's thinkers, leaders, and creators. "Every day, I see how quality, rigorous instruction can dramatically impact a child's trajectory," Goodman explains. "I am extremely excited to focus my efforts and attention on the district. It's an honor to impact even more students across Douglas County."
Superintendent North welcomes both leaders to their new roles. "Casey and Chelsie have impeccable reputations for building strong relationships within our school community. I am excited that they will continue that trajectory by boosting student achievement and success across our school district."