David Leenman may not have set out to become an assistant superintendent, but his career—and calling—have steadily led him to this moment.
Appointed in February, Leenman now serves as the newest assistant superintendent for Habersham County School System. He succeeds Patrick Franklin, who was promoted to superintendent following the retirement of longtime district leader Matthew Cooper.
With roots in the classroom and a leadership style shaped by years of mentoring students, Leenman enters the role with a clear sense of purpose: to keep students at the center.
A career sparked by mentors
Leenman grew up in Greenville, South Carolina, but his path to education began in Georgia, where a soccer scholarship brought him to Toccoa Falls College in the early 2000s. Initially drawn to athletic coaching—thanks to the powerful influence of mentors during his youth—he soon found a deeper connection to education.
“When I was at Toccoa Falls, I really grew,” Leenman said. “Education was something I always wanted to really do. I loved being in school. I loved the social aspect of high school. I wanted to connect with students in the same way people connected with me as a young person. As that developed, I saw what school leadership could be and how that could affect so many students when done the right way. That’s why I wanted to leave the classroom and get into school leadership – to ensure quality education for all students.”
Leenman earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary history education in 2006, as well as a master’s in sports management from the U.S. Sports Academy. About ten years ago, he completed a specialist degree in teacher leadership at Valdosta State University.
Career to today
In 2006, Leenman began his teaching career at Cass Middle School in Bartow County, where he taught history and special education for five years. He later returned to Stephens County Middle School and continued teaching for another five years.
In 2016, Leenman joined Habersham County Schools as assistant principal at the Ninth Grade Academy. He was promoted to principal four years later, a role that deepened his focus on student achievement and character development.
A philosophy rooted in student character
Quoting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Leenman shared a foundational belief that guides his work: “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.”
Now, Leenman views education not just as a pathway to academic success, but as a means of shaping thoughtful, ethical and morally upstanding young citizens.
“That’s kind of how my educational philosophy is,” he explained. “Academics is important, but being the right kind of person is also important.”
As assistant superintendent, Leenman hopes to help shape policy with a simple guiding principle: Always do what’s best for students.
“I think young people need direction, and that’s how I always saw my purpose in life,” he said. “My coaches taught me how to treat people, and those life lessons have helped me throughout my career. There are vast choices our students have available to them, but at the end of the day, things that matter are: Character, reading and writing and arithmetic. But character is very important.”
Looking ahead
Leenman is stepping into his new role with humility and a readiness to support Franklin and the district at large.
“I want my kids to have the best education to set them up to have the best life chance, and I think all kids deserve that,” he said. “Habersham schools provide that to a very diverse student population. We are able to reach all of our kids. Our mission is: ‘Success for all Students.’ And I truly believe we put our money where our mouth is. I believe we do a great job in Habersham of making sure all of our students have great education, which will then open up opportunities in their lives.”
“Together, the future is very bright for Habersham County schools,” Leenman added.
Habersham County Board of Education Chairman Russ Nelson expressed confidence in Leenman in February.
“I’m very confident he’s been selected,” Nelson said. “I think he’s going to do a great job.”
Franklin also described Leenman as an ideal fit. “I think he’s got the necessary skillset,” Franklin said. “He’s going to do a great job.”
