News Summary
Hamilton County Schools has announced several new principal appointments for the upcoming academic year, aiming to enhance educational leadership. The newly appointed principals, with extensive experience in education, include Brittany Randolph at Brown Middle School, Bethanie Reynolds at Loftis Middle School, Melanie Commander at Rivermont Elementary School, Yolanda Williams at Spring Creek Elementary, and Melissa Coffelt at Thrasher Elementary. These appointments reflect the district’s commitment to quality instruction and community engagement, aligning with the core values of care, collaboration, and excellence.
Harrison, TN – Hamilton County Schools has announced a series of new principal appointments for the upcoming 2025–2026 academic year, aiming to strengthen the leadership within its schools. Superintendent Dr. Justin Robertson highlighted the commitment of these new leaders towards high-quality instruction and enhanced community engagement.
The newly appointed principals bring a wealth of experience and a strong focus on student achievement. Brittany Randolph has been named the principal of Brown Middle School. With over 15 years in education, she held the position of assistant principal at Ooltewah High School, where she played a pivotal role in enhancing student success in mathematics and improving instructional practices through data-driven strategies. Randolph holds both a master’s degree in instructional leadership and a bachelor’s degree in secondary social sciences from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC).
At Loftis Middle School, Bethanie Reynolds will step in as principal. With nearly 20 years of experience in Hamilton County Schools, Reynolds previously led Ooltewah Elementary School. Her focus on academic rigor and community development has marked her career. She earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from Carson Newman University and a bachelor’s degree in education from Lee University.
Melanie Commander has been appointed as the principal of Rivermont Elementary School. She brings over 20 years of experience, having served as associate principal at Harrison Elementary and previously as assistant principal at East Ridge Elementary. Commander is recognized for her expertise in literacy development and positive behavior support. She holds both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from Middle Tennessee State University.
Yolanda Williams is set to take on the principal role at Spring Creek Elementary. With 24 years in the education sector, she currently serves as Chief of Staff for Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy. Williams is known for her strategic planning and instructional development skills across multiple campuses. She earned a Doctor of Education in Principal Leadership from Arkansas State University.
Melissa Coffelt has been selected as the new principal of Thrasher Elementary School. Currently serving as assistant principal at East Lake Elementary, Coffelt has over 20 years of experience in education. She is recognized for her commitment to student success and teacher development, along with her strong community engagement efforts. Coffelt holds a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from UTC and a master’s degree in instructional leadership from Tennessee Tech.
Deputy Superintendent Dr. Sonia Stewart remarked that each of the new principals embodies the district’s core values of care, collaboration, and excellence. The appointments are part of an ongoing effort by Hamilton County Schools to ensure strong instructional leadership and to foster inclusive school environments that support student success.
A search for a new principal at Ooltewah Elementary is set to commence soon, which will include a survey to gather feedback from families and staff. An announcement regarding this position is expected in May.
This initiative reflects Hamilton County Schools’ continuous commitment to enhancing its educational leadership and ensuring that students receive quality instruction in supportive environments.
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Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: Hamilton County Schools Announces New Principals
- Wikipedia: Hamilton County, Tennessee
- Chattanoogan: Hamilton County Schools Announces New Principals
- Google Search: Hamilton County Schools
- Tennessee Lookout: Hamilton County Principals Oppose Immigration Bill
- Google Scholar: Hamilton County education
- Local 3 News: Hamilton Co. Principals Oppose Citizenship Verification Bill
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
