Williams/Jackson

ALBANY, Ga. -- Leadership at two Dougherty County School System schools is changing for the 2023-2024 school year, Superintendent Kenneth Dyer announced Tuesday.

Dr. Shanekia Williams will become the new principal at Merry Acres Middle School and Dr. LaToyia Jackson will become the new principal at Live Oak Elementary School.

“These are two dynamic leaders who I believe will connect well with their respective students and families and will do great things in these new roles,” Dyer said.

Williams is transitioning to Merry Acres after having been the principal at Live Oak Elementary School since 2018. Jackson is being promoted from her role as assistant principal at Live Oak where she has served since 2021.

Williams, who before becoming the principal at Live Oak served as an assistant principal at Radium Springs Elementary School, said that she believes becoming principal at Merry Acres is a great opportunity to serve the students and families of that school community.

“While I will certainly miss my Live Oak family, I am honored to be chosen to embark on this new journey to serve as principal of Merry Acres Middle School,” Williams said. “Although stepping into a new role is always a challenge, I believe that pressure is nothing more than the shadow of a great opportunity, and that with this opportunity, we can really impact the students and families at Merry Acres in meaningful ways.”

Jackson, who previously served the students of Dougherty County as an assistant principal at Lincoln Elementary Magnet School and Westover Comprehensive High School, said that she is excited to take on the role of principal at Live Oak.

“It is truly an honor and a privilege to be named the principal of the soaring hawks of Live Oak Elementary School,” Jackson said. “I am elated to be a servant leader to a team of fantastic educators who have taught and molded my children and so many others. My goal is to ensure that we continue to create a foundation that is cemented in academic success and growth, coupled with a positive learning environment and personalized learning for all students. Together, we will continue to soar!”

Williams holds a doctorate degree in Leadership in Educational Administration from Capella University, which she earned in 2019. She holds a specialist in Education for Mathematics degree from Nova Southeastern University, a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Albany State University, and a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Albany State University.

Jackson currently holds a doctorate degree in Instructional Leadership from Nova Southeastern University, a specialist degree in Curriculum/Instruction Management and Administration from Nova Southeastern University, a master’s degree in Reading Education from Georgia Southwestern University and a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education from Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University.

Two School Leadership Changes for School Year 2024 Announced