New principals named at three county schools: Collier takes Bobby Ray helm for the second time
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Current teacher and former Bobby Ray Elementary principal Bonnie Collier has been named that school’s new principal, while longtime county teacher Marsha Newman has been chosen to take the helm at West Elementary and current Warren County Middle School assistant principal Betty Wood was chosen as her school’s new leader.
In making the announcements yesterday, Director of Schools Dr. Jerry Hale expressed confidence in selecting the three women.
“We were looking for the right fit for each of the schools who would work well within them,” said Hale. “We wanted people with the philosophical leanings in agreement with what the schools are already doing and ones who the staffs could work well and interact with. We’ve found that in these three individuals.”
Choosing the new principals was a selection committee made up of Hale, director of instruction Bobby Cox, human resources director Roy Pierce and school board chairman Edd Cantrell.
With 21 years experience in the education field, Collier has spent the majority of her career in the classroom, teaching over the years at Eastside, the junior high, Dibrell and Bobby Ray. As the latter school’s first principal, she oversaw its creation in 1995 and continued to lead it for two years, before expressing an interest to return to the classroom.
She said she was prompted to reapply for the position because of the “incredible staff” at the school.
Being selected as Bobby Ray’s principal “is very exciting for me,” said Collier, who noted she will continue to the support the school’s 45-15 calendar. “I love 45-15. It’s worked well for the students and it’s a great program for Bobby Ray.”
Newman’s selection as West Elementary’s new principal marks the second administrative post for the veteran teacher, who brings with her eight years experience teaching outside Warren County. Having first taught in Palatka, Fla., and in Memphis city schools, she has spent the majority of her career here, teaching at Eastside and Northside Elementary Schools, where she served as assistant principal. She made the move to the middle school when it opened in 1994. In all she has taught 23 years.
“I’m at a place in my life when I want to step up and provide the new leadership Troy Jones’ retirement has created. West has always been considered a great school. We hope to continue that, and hopefully make it an exemplary school,” she said.
Wood, a longtime county teacher, coach and administrator, brings to the middle school a wealth of experience, including seven years experience as one of the middle school’s assistant principals.
She began her career in 1980 and has taught and coached at Morrison, Irving College, the senior high, the junior high and the middle school.
She said, having taught at all levels, she finds the middle school concept to be her favorite and one which provides a vital transition between the elementary and high school grades.
“I plan to continue the same kind of traditions we’ve developed at the middle school and continue, though higher test scores, to build on that progress,” she said.