The Stephens County School System has selected a replacement for current Director of Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) Rod Pipkin, who recently announced retirement, according to school officials.
Joni Whitfield, who has served as principal of the Stephens County Fifth Grade Academy since 2018, will replace Pipkin on July 1.
Prior to leading the Fifth Grade Academy, Whitfield was assistant principal at Stephens County Middle School from 2015 to 2018. Whitfield began her career as a teacher at the middle school, where she worked from 2002 to 2015.
“Joni Whitfield has demonstrated a deep commitment to student success,” Stephens County Superintendent Connie Franklin said. “She is an active part of the high school agriculture program. She served on the CTAE Advisory Panel for many years through her daughter and son’s participation in the agriculture, business and healthcare pathways. Her experience and vision for CTAE will be instrumental in growing our programs and strengthening partnerships with local businesses and industries.”
School officials believe Whitfield’s leadership and experience will play a pivotal role in advancing the CTAE programs at Stephens County High School and foster strong community connections in the years ahead.
