With the unanimous approval of the Newton County Board of Education, Newton County School Superintendent Dr. Duke Bradley announced the appointments of three principals for the 2024-2025 school year. Current Flint Hill Elementary School principal, Mrs. Kelly Walker, will be the new principal of Mansfield Elementary. Ms. Heidi Coachman has been named principal of Flint Hill Elementary. Dr. Phonecia Wilson will take the helm at Clements Middle School. All appointments are effective July 1, 2024.
Mrs. Kelly Walker - Principal of Mansfield Elementary School
Mrs. Kelly Walker began her career in Newton County Schools as a speech language pathologist at multiple elementary schools before her promotion to assistant principal at Flint Hill Elementary School in 2012. From 2019 to 2021, she concurrently served as an assistant principal at Fairview Elementary School. In July 2021, Mrs. Walker was promoted to the principal position at Flint Hill Elementary.
Mrs. Walker holds an Associate of Arts and Sciences from Darton College, both a Bachelor of Science and a Master’s in Education in Speech Language Pathology from the State University of West Georgia, and an Education Specialist in Curriculum and Instruction from Piedmont College. She also holds an Educational Leadership Certification from the University of Georgia.
“Saying goodbye to Flint Hill after 14 amazing years is bittersweet,” said Walker. “I have so many memories from teachers and students that I will cherish! As I move to Mansfield, I am so excited about the new possibilities awaiting me. I can’t wait to meet the staff, become part of the community, and get to know the students. I know that Mansfield is an excellent school and I hope to be able to continue the traditions that are so important to the school and the community.”
Ms. Heidi Coachman - Principal of Flint Hill Elementary School
Ms. Heidi Coachman currently serves as Elementary Curriculum Coordinator for Newton County Schools. She began her career as a first-grade teacher in the DeKalb County School District in 2004. She later transferred to the Rockdale County Public Schools, where she served as an EIP teacher and instructional coach before her promotion to assistant principal at Hightower Trail Elementary School. She also served as an assistant principal at D.L. Sims Elementary School and C.J. Hicks Elementary School before accepting her current position with Newton County Schools.
Ms. Coachman holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of South Carolina and a Master of Arts in Instruction from Central Michigan University. She earned her Educational Leadership Specialist from the University of West Georgia and is currently working on her Doctorate in Education, emphasizing school improvement, from the same institution.
“I am thrilled to embark on an exciting new journey at Flint Hill Elementary School,” said Coachman. “As the new principal of Flint Hill Elementary School, I want to thank Dr. Duke Bradley, III, and the Newton County Schools school board for this opportunity to serve and for entrusting me with this fantastic leadership responsibility. I look forward to developing relationships with students, staff, and stakeholders during the upcoming school year and many more. Together, we will cultivate a high-performing school of excellence. Thank you in advance for your partnership!”
Dr. Phonecia Wilson - Principal of Clements Middle School
Dr. Phonecia Wilson currently serves as a Transformational Principal in Lamar County Schools. She began her career in education as a counselor in Lowndes County Schools and later served as a G-Nets Teacher in Griffin Spalding Schools. Dr. Wilson moved to Henry County Schools as a school counselor in 2005 and was promoted to an assistant principal position in 2008.
An educator with over 25 years of experience, Dr. Wilson earned both her Bachelor’s in Sociology with a minor in Corrections and a Master’s in Education in School Counseling from Mississippi State University. She obtained her Education Specialist in Educational Leadership from the University of West Georgia and her Doctorate in Educational Administration from Walden University.
"I am so excited about serving the learning community at Clements Middle School,” said Dr. Williams. “I look forward to learning and growing with my teachers, students, and parents. Together, we will embody the motto, ‘Excellence Without Excuses.'"
"I have every confidence that Mrs. Kelly Walker, Ms. Heidi Coachman, and Dr. Phonecia Wilson will provide extraordinary leadership at their respective schools,” said Dr. Duke Bradley, III, Superintendent of Newton County Schools. “Each of them brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of excellence in education. We anticipate a smooth transition and look forward to working closely with them as they step into their new roles, ensuring that our students and staff continue to thrive.”