The Walton County School District has named two new principals for the 2023-2024 school year. At this week’s Called Meeting, the Walton County Board of Education unanimously approved the principal recommendations of Carrie Collins at Loganville Elementary School and Jennifer Squires at Youth Elementary School.
“We look forward to welcoming these leaders into their new roles for the upcoming school year,” said Superintendent Nathan Franklin. “With proven track records of exceptional leadership and student success, we are confident in their abilities to build on the great traditions and excellence of these elementary schools.”
Loganville Elementary School’s Assistant Principal Carrie Collins will be replacing Camie McGaughey, who was recently named the district’s director of federal programs. Collins began her career in Walton County, teaching at Atha Road Elementary and Sharon Elementary Schools from 2003 to 2011. She served at the middle school level from 2011 to 2016 as a seventh grade teacher at Youth Middle School. In 2016, Collins joined Loganville Elementary School where she served one year as a second grade teacher before being named the school’s assistant principal in 2017. Collins holds a bachelor’s degree from Georgia College & State Univesity, a master’s degree from Piedmont College and a specialist degree from the University of Georgia.
“I am thrilled and honored to have been selected as the new Loganville Elementary School principal,” said Collins. “I am a proud Loganville Elementary alumna and have spent my entire professional career in WCSD. Continuing to serve our amazing school community in this new leadership role and working with our students, parents, and staff to ensure our school’s continued success is truly a dream come true!”
Jennifer Squires is an experienced educator and seasoned administrator who will be joining the Walton County community as the principal at Youth Elementary School, replacing Susan Enfinger who was recently named the district’s new middle school director. Beginning her career in 2006, Squires spent seven years in the classroom as an elementary school special education teacher. From 2013 to 2016, she served as an instructional coach before being named an assistant principal at County Line Elementary School in Barrow County. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia as well as a master’s and specialist degree from Piedmont College.
“I am thrilled and honored to serve as the next principal of Youth Elementary School,” said Squires. “With a passion for nurturing young minds and a commitment to fostering a positive learning environment, I am dedicated to empowering every student to achieve their full potential and shaping a brighter future together.”
Prior to Board approval, the Walton County School District utilizes hiring committees composed of district administrators and parents to select administrative candidates.