Barrow County Schools Announces Hiring of New Elementary School Principal

The Barrow County School System has announced it has hired a new principal for Bethlehem Elementary School. 

Mindy Higgins replaces Marisa Grant as the school's principal. The school system shared Higgins' letter to the school's staff in a recent e-mail. 

Dear Bethlehem Elementary Staff,

I am so excited to become the next instructional leader at Bethlehem Elementary! I was overjoyed to receive the call from Dr. Creel expressing her intent to recommend me to the Board of Education for this coveted position. I am currently finishing up some obligations at my current position in Indiana before heading to Georgia (which will be very soon). I look forward to meeting all of you and learning about the strengths of our school and how we can work together to continue on a path of excellence. I am also excited to meet the students, parents, and community members that make up our overall school community.

You should know that I am a very hands-on principal and will visit your classrooms as much as possible. I enjoy interacting with the students on a regular basis and will do my best to learn every child's name as quickly as possible. My number one priority is student success-whether it be academically, socially, or emotionally, and I will support you in your efforts to help all of our Stars reach their full potential. In addition, I also greatly enjoy facilitating professional development and supporting my staff in becoming the best educators they can be. My door is always open to you, and I encourage you to come and speak with me about anything. It's going to be a great experience getting to know all of you!

When I began my relocation process, I was searching for my next school family. I believe with all of my heart that Bethlehem is going to be just that and this is where I am meant to be. I can't wait to get started!

Warmest regards,

Mindy Higgins

The Barrow Journal reports the Barrow County Board of Education also recently hired Ralph Neeley, the Union Grove High School athletic director in Henry County, as the new assistant principal and athletic director at Apalachee High School, as well as Paula Rufus, who will work in “educational leadership” at the system’s headquarters to oversee federal programs and accreditation.

The first day of the 2013-14 school year is Wednesday, Aug. 7. Open houses are scheduled for Monday, Aug. 5. Elementary school open houses will be held from 8 to 11 a.m., middle school from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and high school from noon to 2 p.m.