The Carroll County Board of Education continues to fill leadership roles for next school year as retiring Superintendent Scott Cowart plans to hand the reins to incoming Superintendent Dr. Jessica Ainsworth July 1.
“Thank you to our board for moving quickly to name leaders for next year,” Ainsworth said. “I am excited about the team we are putting together. All of these leaders understand that our priority is connecting with people in meaningful ways that positively change lives. Working together, we will continue to build first choice schools recognized in academics, arts, athletics and activities – all focused on student success.”
Associate Superintendent Glen Harding
The board voted May 11 to elevate current Assistant Superintendent of Support Services Glen Harding to Associate Superintendent for the new school year. After 22 years of experience at both the school and district level, Harding has served as assistant superintendent since 2022, overseeing diverse areas including safety, facilities, school nutrition, technology, transportation, student registration, waivers and attendance.
As Associate Superintendent, Harding will work closely with Ainsworth to provide strategic leadership to the entire district with broader, cross-functional responsibilities across multiple departments. He will coordinate system-wide initiatives and lead and support the extended cabinet. In this role, he will also ensure alignment, coherence, and effective execution of the district’s key priorities.
“We have built a great team in Support Services, and I look forward to continuing to connect our people across schools and departments to create a unified team focused on providing great service and genuinely caring about our students, our families and each other,” Harding said.
Harding earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of West Georgia, a master’s degree in leadership from Jacksonville State University, and a specialist degree in leadership from Lincoln Memorial University. In addition, he is a graduate of the Georgia Superintendent Association’s Superintendent Development Program.
Director of Middle and High Schools Dr. Cynthia Beers
Temple Middle School Principal Dr. Cynthia Beers has been named Director of Middle and High Schools, a position available due to the promotion of Jennifer Shirley to Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning. Beers has served as principal of TMS since 2022 and was Coordinator of High School Instructional Support at the district level prior to that time. She has five years of additional leadership experience as an assistant principal experience at both the middle and high school levels.
“I am honored to join the outstanding team in the Teaching and Learning department and continue Carroll County Schools’ strong commitment to excellence,” Beers said. “I look forward to collaborating with our middle and high schools to positively change lives through high-quality instruction that prepares every student for success.”
Beers’s bachelor’s, master’s, specialist and doctorate degrees are all from the University of West Georgia, with a graduate certificate in educational leadership from UWG, as well. She is a two-time STAR teacher, received an AP Champion Award in 2016 and served on Governor Nathan Deal’s Legislative Task Force for Educational Reform.
Director of Career, Technical and Agricultural Education LaTeisha Drummond
College & Career Academy South Principal LaTeisha Drummond has been selected to succeed the retiring Cindy Clanton as Director of Career, Technical and Agricultural Education. Drummond is a native of Carroll County and joined the 24STRONG Team in 2013. During her tenure, she has gained a broad range of experience in the classroom and as an administrator. She has served as principal of both College & Career Academy campuses at different times.
“I am truly honored and excited to continue the outstanding work and strong foundation established by Ms. Cindy Clanton, whose 24-plus years of dedication to CTAE have made a lasting impact on our students and community,” Drummond said. “As I step into this role, my focus remains on continuously improving student achievement while expanding opportunities that prepare every student for success in college, careers, and life. I am committed to empowering students with the skills, experiences, and confidence they need to thrive in an ever-changing world."
Drummond is an alumna of both West Georgia Technical College and the University of West Georgia. She has an associate degree in business administration, a bachelor’s degree in business education, a master’s of education in instructional technology, and a Tier I certification in educational leadership. Additionally, Drummond completed the Aspiring Leaders program through the district’s partnership with the Georgia Leadership Institute for School Improvement and is currently completing the Georgia Superintendent Association District Office Development Program.
Additional changes for next school year announced by the board of education include new assistant principals. Central Middle School teacher AnDrell Roberts will become an assistant principal at Central High School. Ithica Elementary School Instructional Coach C.J. Starnes will become an assistant principal at Bay Springs Middle School. Villa Rica High School teacher Chris Valentine will become an assistant principal at Villa Rica Middle School.