FORSYTH COUNTY — Top positions throughout Forsyth County Schools and the district’s administration will see a shake up once school lets out this summer, including a current high school principal moving to open the county’s newest campus.
Heather Gordy, principal at West Forsyth High School, was named the principal of Denmark High School, which is set to open in August 18 in southwest Forsyth, at an executive session during the Forsyth County Board of Education’s regular monthly meeting Thursday.
"Heather is an experienced instructional leader and is deeply committed to educational excellence," Forsyth County School Superintendent Jeff Bearden said.
Gordy has been with the district for 17 years.
Denmark is one of two public high schools set to open in the fall of 2018. The Alliance Academy for Innovation of Cumming-Forsyth County, projected to open at the same time, will be an alternative college and career academy program located in Cumming.
Gordy and Brandi Cannizzaro, who will be the Academy’s first principal, will work with contractors for the opening of each school, will hire their staff and hold meetings with parents and students, among other planning responsibilities, said Jennifer Caracciolo, spokeswoman for the district.
Two other principals will also be moving to another school within the district.
Kathy Carpenter, Riverwatch Middle School principal, was appointed to Director of Information Systems, effective July 1.
Drew Hayes, principal at Vickery Creek Middle School, will serve as the principal of the Academies of Creative Education, also effective July 1.
“Dr. Bearden and [Associate Superintendent of Human Resources and Legal Services] Dr. [Cindy] Salloum will meet with local school councils to determine the qualities and characteristics they would like in their next principal,” Caracciolo said.
She said the goal is to have the positions filled in February so the new principals can be at “the external job fair to begin work with their staff to fill vacancies” for next fall.
"We are fortunate to have strong principals to step into different leadership roles in the district," Bearden said. "The non-traditional offerings at ACE are growing to meet the diverse needs of our students, while the opening of Denmark, our sixth traditional high school, will provide much needed relief for our growing community."
Two district administrative changes will also become effective this summer.
Garry Puetz, transportation director, will retire at the end of June.
"Garry has worked for us for 13 years and was instrumental in founding our SOAR program, among many other initiatives, to keep our students safe and prepared while being transported," Bearden said.
Tim Fleming, current chief technology and information officer for Rome City Schools, will move to Forsyth County to serve as director of technology services, a position left empty after the retirement of Mark Klinger.