BOE Names Leaders for Norton and Starling Elementary Schools

As part of a special called meeting that coincided with the public hearing on the millage rate, the Gwinnett County Board of Education named Melanie Lee, currently an assistant principal at Norton Elementary School, as the new principal of Norton and Rachel Ernst, an assistant principal at McConnell Middle School, as the principal of Starling Elementary School. Ms. Lee and Ms. Ernst will fill the principal vacancies created as sitting principals Dr. Terry Watlington and Dr. Donna Ledford transition to the central office as assistant superintendents. The appointments are effective
July 3, 2017.

Melanie Lee,

Principal of Norton Elementary School

GCPS Employment:

2011- Present                   Assistant Principal, Norton Elementary School

2004-2011                        Teacher, Gwin Oaks Elementary School

Other Employment:

1998-2004                        Assistant Vice President, Client Account Specialist, Bank of America

1993-1998                        Lead Teller, Bank of America

Education:

Bachelor’s degree— Brenau University

Master’s degree in Education— Brenau University

Specialist’s degree in Educational Administration and Supervision—Lincoln Memorial University

Ms. Lee is a member of the 2017 Quality-Plus Leadership Academy, Aspiring Principals Program.

Rachel Ernst,

Principal of Starling Elementary School

GCPS Employment:

2011- Present                   Assistant Principal, McConnell Middle School

2009-2011                        Assistant Principal, Rosebud Elementary School

2003-2009                        Teacher, McConnell Middle School

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Middle Grades Education— Georgia State University

Master’s degree in Middle Grades Education — Brenau University

Specialist’s degree in Educational Administration and Supervision— Lincoln Memorial University

Ms. Ernst is a member of the 2017 Quality-Plus Leadership Academy, Aspiring Principals Program.