Board names new top administrators, Newton Theme School principal

COVINGTON, Georgia – The Newton County Board of Education has approved the appointment of Shundreia Neely and Ashante Everett to senior administrative positions in the school system and has appointed LaMoyne Brunson to replace Everett as director of the Newton County Theme School.

Everett has been named student union director to replace Darren Berry, who recently announced his resignation.

Prior to serving as the director of the Newton County Theme School, Everett served as the Newton County School System (NCSS) secondary coordinator for curriculum teaching and professional learning. She also served as the district hearing officer and assistant principal at Newton County Theme School.

Previously, she was a secondary teacher of English / Language Arts and History / Social Studies at Newton County Schools.

Everett joined the NCSS team as a middle school teacher in 2009 and was named Liberty Middle School Teacher of the Year during her tenure as a teacher. She also received the Outstanding Women in Education Award in 2011. Everett began her career in education in Kansas City, Missouri.

She received her PhD in Education from Capella University in 2018, an Education Specialist in Educational Leadership from Georgia College and State University in 2014, a Masters in Education from Pittsburg State University in 2003, and a Bachelor of Arts in Dance from the University of Kansas im Year 1999.

Her duties as Director of Student Services include overseeing the district’s student information software system, track and field program, student discipline, school nursing program, and more. Dr. Everett will also chair the school system’s placement review committee, liaise with juvenile justice and other community agencies, and be responsible for numerous state-mandated reports to the Georgia Department of Education.

“I am very excited and humble to serve as Director of Student Services for Newton County Schools,” said Everett. “With my knowledge and experience in elementary, middle and high school, I strive to speak the language necessary to provide the services and support necessary to ensure an excellent education for all students. In addition, I would like to strengthen the synergy of group efficiency in order to maintain an integrative culture in which the students are well rounded and prepared for the future. “

“We are very pleased that Dr. Everett will join the operations team, ”said Chief Operations Officer Michael Barr. “She brings her extensive knowledge and leadership experience, which are extremely important for this position. Additionally, during her tenure as the director of the Newton County Theme School, she demonstrated her ability to work in positive ways with parents and the community. I assume that Dr. Everett will take off as the new Director of Study Services and I look forward to welcoming her to our team. ”

Shundreia Neely has been appointed director of the school system for secondary schools and professional learning.

Neely is now the NCSS secondary coordinator for curriculum, instruction and professional learning, a position she has held since 2019.

She is currently doing her PhD at Kennesaw State University. She received her Education Specialist degree from the University of West Georgia in 2011 and her Masters in Public Policy Administration from Mississippi State University in 1998.

She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Tougaloo College in 1996 and also holds a Leadership Add-on certification from the University of West Georgia.

Neely began her career in the DeKalb County School System as a middle school teacher in 1999. Two years later, she joined Clements Middle School as a teacher at Newton County Schools.

After eight years with Clements, Neely moved to the Central Office, where she worked as a federal program education specialist and a secondary school teacher before accepting the position of assistant principal at Alcovy High School.

In 2013, Neely moved back to the DeKalb County School District to work as the assistant principal at The Champion Theme Middle School, a position she held until 2019 when she rejoined the Newton County School System team. Since then she has been working at the head office.

Neely is a member of the Georgia Association of Educational Leadership, the Georgia Association of Curriculum and Instructional Supervisors, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Her professional development activities are as extensive as her technology skills.

“I am overwhelmed with gratitude to have been selected as the secondary school principal,” said Neely. “I want to assure you that with the support and collaboration of hard working, dedicated and experienced school principals and colleagues, I will work tirelessly to improve the system and progress of any secondary school. I will continue to lead with our core beliefs as my guide. Thanks again to everyone for the opportunity to lead the secondary school. “

NCSS Superintendent Samantha Fuhrey said, “I have no doubt that Ms. Neely will excel in her new role as Director of Secondary Schools and Professional Learning.

“Her many years of experience in the curriculum and teaching as well as in pedagogical management will do her good if she leads our secondary schools to even greater achievements.”

Brunson is moving from the Headmaster position at Fairview Elementary School to replace Everett at the themed school.

He received his PhD in Educational Leadership from Liberty University in 2015; and an Education Specialist in Educational Leadership, a Masters Degree in Education in Early Childhood Education, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education, all from Georgia College & State University.

Brunson began his career as a second grade teacher at Butts County Schools before joining the Newton County School System team in 2002.

While at NCSS, Brunson served as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal.

“When my employees and I moved to the Fairview campus in 2011, we had many opportunities for professional and personal growth,” said Brunson. “In these 10 wonderful years together we have had a lot of success in our history and we have built a great community school in Fairview.

“I am so grateful to the parents and families for encouraging and involving us, especially in this complex year that has just ended. I am so grateful for my Fairview employees. Your commitment is beyond anything I could have hoped for. I will miss her.”

He added, “I am now entering this new season to serve my community through the leadership of the Newton County Theme School. I am energetic to continue the family and community involvement work in our schools, which NCTS has done very well. With students and families from all over Newton County at NCTS, there are so many great opportunities for all of us at Newton County Theme School. I am so optimistic to lead this team! “

Fuhrey said, “With his extensive experience, I am confident that Dr. Brunson will continue the culture of high expectations at Newton County Theme School, and I am sure that his knowledge, care, and dedication will result in continued success for students and staff at Newton County Theme School. “