(STONE MOUNTAIN, GA) – The DeKalb County School District (DCSD) schools started the 2023-24 school year with new leadership. In announcing the appointment of these exceptional principals, DCSD Superintendent Dr. Devon Horton expressed his enthusiasm for these administrators and their dedication to advancing excellence in education.
“We are proud to welcome these outstanding leaders in their new roles because of their commitment to Disrupting for Excellence for our students,” Dr. Horton said. “I am confident these newly appointed principals will drive innovation, inclusivity, equity, and educational excellence throughout the 2023-24 academic year and beyond.
“Their collective dedication to students, staff, families, and the community positively reflects the District’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of successful citizens to achieve their potential now.”
The incoming principals (sorted alphabetically by School Name) are:
Druid Hills Middle School – Ms. Shaveeta Bonner — Taking the helm at Druid Hills Middle School, Ms. Bonner brings 22 years of educational experience, 17 of which were spent at Druid Hills Middle School. Her journey included roles to include science teacher, international baccalaureate (IB) coordinator, assistant principal, and parent. Ms. Bonner’s primary focus as principal is preparing all students to be lifelong learners and responsible citizens equipped to meet the challenges of a global society.
Fairington Elementary School – Mr. Alexion Clowers — Assuming the lead at Fairington Elementary School, Mr. Clowers has 25 years of experience in education. His background includes 15 years as a teacher, high school head coach, instructional support specialist, and assistant principal, all with DCSD. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education from Georgia Southern University and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Albany State University. His goal as principal is to continue to provide a supportive climate and culture at Fairington that is conducive to teaching and learning.
Fernbank Elementary School – Mrs. Aaronlyn Wright — With more than 15 years of experience, Mrs. Wright is ready to lead Fernbank Elementary School. Having served as a teacher, academic coach, instructional support specialist, and assistant principal, she is excited to partner with the community to ensure students receive an exceptional educational experience.
DeKalb Elementary School of the Arts – Dr. LaTonya Donald — A product of DCSD, Dr. Donald returned to the district to teach in 1999. She has also taught in Atlanta Public School District and internationally with Abu Dhabi Education Council. While living abroad, she has held various positions, including instructional support specialist, assistant principal, and principal. She has experience in STEM certification and leadership experience in K-8 settings. She was an assistant principal at Pleasantdale Elementary School before accepting her new role as principal at DeKalb Elementary School of the Arts.
Lithonia High School – Dr. Mulanta Wilkins — Dr. Wilkins began her educational journey as a Southwest DeKalb High School science teacher. In her leadership journey, she served as a high school principal in Atlanta Public Schools and as a high school assistant principal in Fulton County Schools. Her leadership has resulted in data-driven improvements, which yielded substantial academic gains for scholars. Dr. Wilkins believes it takes a village to raise a child. She is looking forward to a collaborative partnership with the Lithonia High School community to cultivate an environment of academic excellence.
McLendon Elementary School – Mr. Raft Ingram — With 16 years in education, Mr. Ingram is the new principal at McClendon Elementary School. Beginning as a special education teacher, he has also served as a case manager, mentor, sponsor, and athletics coach. As an assistant principal for nine years, he focuses on student learning and success.
Oak Grove Elementary School – Ms. Valarie Kennedy — Ms. Kennedy’s journey with the DCSD began in 1994. After her tenure as a fifth-grade teacher, she transitioned to roles to include an instructional support specialist before ascending to assistant principal at Oak Grove. Her pride in becoming the new principal is evident as she prepares to lead Oak Grove Elementary School.
Robert Shaw Traditional Theme School – Dr. Kim Williams — Boasting 28 years in education, including 26 with DCSD, Dr. Williams is now leading Robert Shaw Traditional Theme School. Her multifaceted career includes roles as a teacher, reading specialist, District trainer, Title I instructional coach, academic coach, and assistant principal. Dr. Williams’s goal is to uphold the school’s legacy of academic excellence.
Stephenson High School – Dr. Kalisha Sackey — With 23 years of experience in education, Dr. Sackey takes charge at Stephenson High School. Her rich background includes roles as a high school math teacher, academic coach, and Assistant Principal, with a significant portion of her service dedicated to Stephenson High School. Dr. Sackey is poised to continue the work of improvement at the school.
Stone Mountain Middle School – Ms. Marshea Warner — A Druid Hills High School graduate, Ms. Warner returns to her roots at Stone Mountain Middle School. With over two decades of experience in education, she has been a middle school teacher, Response to Intervention specialist, assistant principal, and now principal. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Middle Childhood Education and master’s in educational leadership from Georgia State University and a specialist degree in Educational Leadership from the University of West Florida. Ms. Warner is thrilled for the chance to guide the Stone Mountain Community as they endeavor to “Shift the Ship!”
