There is a new White Elementary School Warrior in town! Meet Amanda Elrod!
After teaching for 16 years at Euharlee Elementary School and serving as assistant principal for the last three years, Elrod is excited to assume the “Chief” position at White Elementary and continue the strong tradition of raising Warriors to be Colonels!
“Euharlee Elementary has been my home away from home for the last 19 years,” says Elrod. “To say that it is hard to leave Euharlee is an understatement. Having peace with leaving and excitement to join a new staff tells me this is the right move for this time in my life. The relationships formed with the staff, parents, and students will always be precious to me. We have truly become a family and have grown together both professionally and personally.”
Among many recent accolades, Elrod helped Euharlee Elementary achieve state recognition. In 2019, Euharlee Elementary was named a Title I Reward School for being among the top 5% of greatest improving Title I schools. Elrod also led her school’s Professional Learning Communities process, increased rigor schoolwide, and maintained a five-star climate rating for positive school culture.
“Some accomplishments include seeing gains in student achievement and growth in teacher effectiveness and leader capacity,” adds Elrod. “I enjoy celebrating the right work and the fruits that come from it. There is no greater investment than that of investing in people. I’m grateful for opportunities to invest in others as I’ve had so many invest in me.”
Elrod will succeed White Elementary School Principal Amy Heater, who is taking the top spot at Cloverleaf Elementary School at the end of this academic year.
Coincidentally, Elrod and Heater both attended Kennesaw State University at the same time, started teaching the same year, and spent their 19-year careers at their respective schools before this new transition.
“I plan to meet as soon as possible with my Guiding Coalition, getting to know each member, celebrating successes, and planning for the upcoming year,” says Elrod. “Data will be evaluated as we set goals and action steps, continuing our mission of preparing students academically and socially, to be successful today and prepared for tomorrow. I’m looking forward to speaking with each staff member and establishing relationships with all stakeholders.”
The Bartow County Board of Education unanimously approved this appointment on April 19.