The departure of Demorest Elementary School Principal Connie Yearwood has created a shuffling of administrative personnel within the Habersham County School System. Yearwood is leaving Demorest after 11 years to become principal of Liberty Elementary School in Stephens County.
During a called board meeting Tuesday, the Habersham County School Board named Woodville Elementary School Principal Lana Jones to succeed her.
Habersham County School Superintendent Matthew Cooper says the school system has made it a goal to promote people who live and work in Habersham County. He calls Jones the “perfect candidate” to succeed Yearwood.
“Lana Jones was born and raised here in Habersham County and she has been very loyal to our school system,” Cooper says. “Principal Jones began her administrative career at Demorest Elementary and she will be a great fit for the school.”
Jones’ transfer from Woodville to Demorest created an immediate vacancy for a principal at Woodville.
The school board gave that job to current South Habersham Middle School Assistant Principal B.J. Addison.
“B.J. Addison is one of our most experienced Assistant Principals and he is the kind of leader that can serve and lead at any level,” Cooper says. “He has the personality and skill set to excel as an elementary principal. I am confident that he will provide exceptional leadership at Woodville Elementary School next year.”
At the May regular board meeting, South Habersham Middle School Principal Daphne Penick expects to have a recommendation for Addison’s successor at South Habersham Middle School.
