Hall County Schools Superintendent Will Schofield announced Wednesday three district staff changes.
Press releases from Hall County Schools say Schofield will make the recommendations at the school board meeting on Monday, Apr. 15.
Michele Hood will be recommended as the Director of Innovative and Advanced Programs for the Hall County School District.
Hood is currently the Dean of Howard E. Ivester Early College, and she will continue to serve in that role as she takes up her new role on Jul. 1. She will replace Laurie Ecke, who will retire at the end of the school year.
“Within our District, I have witnessed a steadfast dedication to fostering an environment where every student can thrive, where their passions are nurtured, and their talents are celebrated,” Hood said. “Character, competency and rigor for all resonates deeply with my own values, and it is this shared vision that drives my enthusiasm for this added position. With 37 Programs of Choice created under the previous Directors, Dr. Sally Krisel and Dr. Laurie Ecke, Hall County ensures that rigor is not just a goal but a standard upheld for all students. These programs and schools not only challenge students academically but also provide the necessary support for both student and teacher growth, creating success that is not only attainable but expected.”
Schofield announced he will recommend Laurie Hitzges, the current Principal of World Language Academy Middle School, as the next Principal of McEver Arts Academy for the 2024-25 school year.
Hitzges will replace current Principal, Brittney Bennett, who will transition full-time to the role of Director of Federal Programs for the district.
“I am excited to continue my professional journey as the new principal at the McEver Arts Academy in the 2024-2025 school year,” Hitzges said. “And I look forward to working together with the faculty, staff, students and community to prepare for the transition to a new school the following year.”
Dana Walker will be recommended as the next Principal of Chestnut Mountain Creative School of Inquiry.
Walker currently serves as the Associate Principal at Chestnut Mountain.
She will begin the principal role on Jun. 1 replacing the current Principal, Betsy Ainsworth, who will transition full-time to the role of Director of Special Education for the district.
“I am thrilled and honored to be selected as the next Principal of Chestnut Mountain Creative School of Inquiry,” Walker said. “Thank you to Mr. Schofield and the Hall County Board of Education for the opportunity to serve the Chestnut Mountain community in this new role. The Chestnut Mountain community is special. I have had the privilege of being a part of it for the past twelve years as a parent, teacher, and administrator. The staff, students, and parents make it the special place that it is. As principal, I look forward to continuing to foster the relationships I have with these amazing individuals. I am excited and eager to build on Chestnut Mountain’s rich traditions, as well as expand our school’s focus on creativity and inquiry-based learning experiences for our Warriors as we move forward together.”
