At its November 18, 2021, business meeting, the Gwinnett County Board of Education appointed a new district leader and principals for three schools- Arcado Elementary, Corley Elementary, and Head Elementary.
- Paula Thompson, an assistant principal at Harbins Elementary School, has been tapped to serve as the new principal at Arcado Elementary School. She will fill the vacancy created as Penny Young retires in December.
- Aleshia Duckworth, an assistant principal at Sycamore Elementary School, will be the new principal at Corley Elementary School. She will transition to this new position with the retirement of Ruth Tomlinson on December 31.
- Tonya Burnley, the principal of Magill Elementary School, will transfer to the principal position at Head Elementary School, filling the role held by Lisa Marie Johnson. Mrs. Johnson also is retiring at the end of December.
- The Board appointed Melissa E. Walker, the principal of Jordan
Middle School, as a new Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Schools. Dr. Walker will move to the District Office to fill the position previously held by
Dr. Donna Ledford who has retired.
Dr. Paula Thompson, Principal, Arcado Elementary School
GCPS Employment:
2012-Present Assistant Principal, Harbins Elementary School
2006-2012 Gifted Teacher K-5, Alcova Elementary School
1998-2006 5th Grade Teacher and Gifted Teacher (Grades 2-5), McKendree Elementary School
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education—Kennesaw State University
Master’s degree in Foundations in Education—Troy University
Specialist’s degree in Teacher Leadership—Walden University
Doctorate in Teacher Leadership—Walden University
Educational Leadership Certificate—Georgia State University
Dr. Thompson is a graduate of the 2021 Quality-Plus Leader Academy, Aspiring Principal Program, Cohort 14 and the 2012 Quality-Plus Leader Academy, Aspiring Leader program Cohort 3.
Aleshia Duckworth, Principal, Corley Elementary Middle School
GCPS Employment:
2019-Present Assistant Principal, Sycamore Elementary School
2015-2019 Assistant Principal, Corley Elementary School
2010-2015 Instructional Coach/Teacher, Jenkins Elementary School
2008-2010 5th Grade Teacher, Winn Holt Elementary School
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education—North Carolina A&T State University
Master’s degree in Reading and Literacy—Walden University
Specialist’s degree in Educational Leadership—Argosy University
Ms. Duckworth is a graduate of the 2015 Quality-Plus Leader Academy, Aspiring Leader Program, Cohort 6.
Dr. Tonya Burnley, Principal, Head Elementary School
GCPS Employment:
2017-Present Principal, Magill Elementary School
2012-2017 Principal, Gwin Oaks Elementary School
2007-2012 Assistant Principal, Meadowcreek Elementary School
2006-2007 Teacher, Snellville Middle School
2003-2006 Teacher, Magill Elementary School
Other Employment:
2017- Present Adjunct Professor, Thomas University
2001-2003 Teacher, Harriet Tubman Elementary School (Fulton County Schools)
1998-2001 Insurance Agent, Allstate and InsurAmerica
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Marketing—Georgia State University
Master’s degree in Elementary Education—Georgia State University
Specialist’s degree in Administration/Supervision—Lincoln Memorial University
Doctorate in Educational Leadership—Mercer University
Dr. Burnley is a graduate of the 2012 Quality-Plus Leader Academy, Aspiring Principal Program, Cohort 6
Dr. Melissa E. Walker, Assistant Superintendent, Elementary Schools
GCPS Employment:
2015-Present Principal, Jordan Middle School
2010-2015 Principal, Benefield Elementary School
2005-2010 Assistant Principal, Richards Middle School
1999-2005 Special Education Teacher, Crews Middle School
Other Employment:
1998-1999 Special Education Teacher, Clayton County Public Schools
1996-1998 Special Education Teacher, Milpitas Unified School District (CA)
1993-1996 Special Education Teacher, Alief Independent School District (TX)
1990-1993 Behavior Specialist and Special Education Teacher, Department of Defense Dependent Schools (Germany)
1987-1990 Special Education Teacher, Alief Independent School District (TX)
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction—Texas A&M University
Master’s degree in Educational Administration—Texas A&M University
Doctorate in Educational Administration—Texas A&M University
Dr. Walker is a graduate of the 2009 Quality-Plus Leader Academy, Aspiring Principal Program, Cohort 3