News Summary
Hamilton County Schools has announced several new principal assignments aimed at fostering student achievement and community engagement for the upcoming academic year. Appointed principals include Rachel Turner at Collegiate High, Sarah Yarbrough at Ooltewah Elementary, and Amanda Baron at the North River Future Ready Center, among others. Each new leader brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to improving educational quality and connection within the community, aligning with the district’s focus on effective leadership and student success.
Chattanooga—Hamilton County Schools has announced a series of new principal assignments for the upcoming 2025-2026 academic year, featuring experienced educators who bring diverse backgrounds and aims to strengthen the district’s commitment to student achievement and community connection.
Rachel Turner is set to become the principal of Collegiate High, taking on the responsibility of leading not only Collegiate High but also the Polytech Academy at Chattanooga State Community College and the Mechatronics Academy at Volkswagen. Turner, who is currently the assistant principal at Tyner Academy, has a solid background in education with two master’s degrees in Educational Leadership and Curriculum and Instruction. She previously served as the K–12 Social Studies Content Lead for Hamilton County Schools and is known for her focus on student achievement using data-driven instruction.
Sarah Yarbrough will assume the role of principal at Ooltewah Elementary School after serving as assistant principal at Middle Valley Elementary for seven years. With over two decades of experience in public education, Yarbrough has dedicated her career to inclusive practices and academic growth, holding a master’s degree in elementary education and an Educational Specialist degree in principal licensure from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
Amanda Baron has been named the principal of the North River Future Ready Center. Previously co-principal at Sequoyah High School, she has extensive experience as an assistant principal at both Soddy Daisy High and East Lake Academy. Baron played a pivotal role in launching the North River Future Ready Center, which has seen an enrollment of over 190 students since its inception.
Also making headlines, Brittany Randolph has been appointed as principal of Brown Middle School. Randolph brings over 15 years of experience in the educational system and is currently serving as an assistant principal at Ooltewah High School, where she has contributed to student success initiatives.
Bethanie Reynolds will take over leadership at Loftis Middle School. With nearly 20 years of service in Hamilton County Schools, Reynolds is recognized for her previous role as principal of Ooltewah Elementary, where she focused on enhancing educational quality and student engagement.
Melanie Commander has been designated as the principal of Rivermont Elementary School. She brings over 20 years of experience and is currently serving as associate principal at Harrison Elementary, where she fostered an inclusive and positive environment for students and staff alike.
Yolanda Williams will lead Spring Creek Elementary as its new principal. With 24 years of experience in both public and charter education, she previously held the role of chief of staff for Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy and Montessori Elementary at Highland Park, where she worked extensively on educational program development.
Melissa Coffelt has been appointed as principal of Thrasher Elementary School. Bringing over 20 years of experience within Hamilton County Schools, Coffelt currently serves as assistant principal at East Lake Elementary, where she has been an advocate for academic excellence and student well-being.
This strategic selection of principals underscores the district’s focus on cultivating effective leaders who aim to create challenging yet supportive learning environments while building strong ties with the community. Superintendent Dr. Justin Robertson highlighted the essential role that strong leadership plays in promoting educational success, exemplifying the district’s dedication to elevating student experiences and outcomes across Hamilton County.
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Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: New Principals Appointed
- Wikipedia: Hamilton County, Tennessee
- Chattanoogan: Hamilton County Schools Leadership
- Google Search: Hamilton County Schools
- Local 3 News: Funding Request for Hamilton Co. Schools
- Google Scholar: Hamilton County Schools Leadership
- Times Free Press: Hamilton County Schools New Principals
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Public Education in Tennessee
