N E W S R E L E A S E

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 26, 2008 Contact: Communication and Media Relations, 678-301-6020

GCPS names second cohort of “Quality-Plus Leader Academy, Aspiring Principal Program” Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) named the participants of the Class

of 2008 “Quality-Plus Leader Academy, Aspiring Principal Program” (QPLA), a

GCPS initiative to train and develop future school principals. The Academy’s

second cohort consists of 24 participants; 17 who currently serve as assistant

principals from around the county, and seven who within the last year have been

appointed to serve as school leaders.

The members of the Class of 2008 are:

Dr. Donna Bishop, W.J. Cooper Elementary (2008-09 Principal) Dr. Vince Botta, Creekland Middle Lawanna Caudle, Lawrenceville Elementary Clent Chatham, J.P. McConnell Middle Maryanne Grimes, GIVE Center West (current Principal) Dr. Dora Hill, Norcross Elementary (current Principal) Kim Holland, T.Carl Buice School (current Principal) Reginald Kirkland, J.E. Richards Middle Jeff Lee, Freeman’s Mill Elementary Dr. Eddie Maresh, Glenn C. Jones Middle Dr. Jeff Mathews, Parkview High (2008-09 Gwinnett School of Mathematics,

Science, and Technology Principal) Priscilla McHam, Cedar Hill Elementary Dr. F. A. McLeod, Camp Creek Elementary (2008-09 Berkeley Lake Elementary

Principal) Susan Opferman, Creekland Middle Julia Osborne, Berkmar High Daundria Phillips, Fort Daniel Elementary Niki Ross, Phoenix High Dr. Charlotte Sadler, Margaret Winn Holt Elementary (2008-09 Parsons

Elementary Principal) Kay Sands, Trickum Middle Debra Scott, Corley Elementary Emily Thomas, Cedar Hill Elementary Paul Waters, Grayson High Paul Willis, Grayson Elementary Kerensa Wing, Collins Hill High

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As the largest school system in Georgia, Gwinnett County Public Schools

continues to grow by approximately 4,000 new students each school year. The

addition of many new schools in the next few years, coupled with the retirement of

a number of current leaders are factors in the need for additional principals. District

succession planning reveals the need for 100 new principals and 400 new assistant

principals by 2012. The first cohort graduated in December. Out of the 36

participants in the inaugural class, 15 already have been appointed to serve as

school leaders.

The 24 members of the Class of 2008 were selected for the Academy through

an application process, a review of their experience and education, and interviews.

The assistant principal participants also needed the recommendation of their

current principal.

The Quality-Plus Leader Academy, Aspiring Principal Program operates with a

curriculum created and developed by school system executive leaders, who also

serve as the Academy’s professors. Participants will receive a comprehensive

year-long training in curriculum and instruction, school budgets, human resources,

operations management, community relations, and more.

The Academy is supported by a $3.7 million dollar grant from the Eli and

Edythe Broad Foundation.

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