Marietta City Schools Appoints Three New Principals

The recently approved the appointments of three local educators as principals. With the appointments, Devonne Harper becomes the new principal of ; Jennifer Hernandez takes the helm of the ; and Sarah Towler assumes the top educator role at .

Devonne Harper

Harper, currently an assistant principal at , has been promoted to principal at Lockheed Elementary, effective July 1. Gabriel Carmona, Lockheed's current principal, was as the new principal at Marietta Sixth Grade Academy.

"Dr. Harper brings over 20 years education experience both as a teacher and more recently as an administrator in an elementary school setting in Georgia," said Marietta City Schools Superintendent Emily Lembeck. "Her ability to work with teachers and students, and her background as a system-level elementary literacy coach are assets that will benefit students and instructional staff."

Harper joined Marietta City Schools in 2003, and since 2005, she has worked as an assistant principal at A.L. Burruss and schools.

Harper earned her bachelor’s and master’s degree in early childhood education at the University of Georgia. She earned her doctorate in curriculum development and systemic change from Nova Southeastern University.

Jennifer Hernandez

Hernandez, currently the school system’s magnet program administrator and administrator on special assignment for science, has been promoted to principal of Marietta Center for Advanced Academics. She assumes the role on July 1, replacing Karen Smits, who was recently named principal of .

"Ms. Hernandez brings 14 years combined experience as an elementary and middle grades teacher in Virginia, Florida and Georgia and five years direct administrative experience at the elementary level," Lembeck said. "She has been involved with MCAA since its inception, and her expertise with Science, Mathematics, Engineering and Technology elementary and middle grades magnet programs will provide a seamless leadership transition that will allow the school to continue to rocket forward!"

Hernandez earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degree in education at Old Dominion University. She also graduated as an education specialist in administration and leadership from Lincoln Memorial University.

Sarah Towler

Towler, the school system’s director of state and federal programs, will become principal of Dunleith on July 1. She replaces current principal Tiffany Pollock.

Towler has more than 20 years of experience as an elementary teacher and administrator in Texas and Washington and four years working with Title I and state and federal programs in Georgia.

"Sarah brings a well rounded teaching and administrative background as a principal,” Lembeck said. “Her expertise in managing state and federal title programs, as well as her knowledge of parental engagement initiatives, are assets that will benefit students, their families and her staff."

Towler earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education at Stephen F. Austin State University in Texas and her master’s in educational administration at the University of Houston.