Atlanta Public Schools Adjusts Academic Calendar and Leadership

News Summary

Atlanta Public Schools (APS) has shifted the start date for the upcoming academic year to August 4. Alongside this adjustment, APS has appointed 20 new principals, enhancing leadership within the district. The appointments reflect a commitment to improving student outcomes and align with district goals. The new leaders bring extensive experience in educational administration, with many having dedicated decades to the field. These changes aim to foster a better learning environment for students and staff as APS prepares for the new school year.

Atlanta – Atlanta Public Schools (APS) has officially moved the first day of school for the 2025-2026 academic year to Monday, August 4, 2025. This change marks a shift from the previously scheduled start date of Friday, August 1. The decision to adjust the calendar was made by the APS Board of Education to better align with district objectives and student needs.

In an effort to enhance leadership across the district, APS has appointed 20 new principals who will take on their roles for the upcoming school year. The announcements include a group of thirteen principals appointed effective July 1, complemented by a previous announcement detailing the appointments of seven additional principals last month.

New Principal Appointments

The recently appointed principals are as follows:

• Chante’ Blackwell
• Phillip Braziel
• Holly Brookins
• Chendra Dupree
• Dante Edwards
• Octavius Harris
• Keenya Jackson
• Kimberly Latchman
• Gerard Latimore
• Langston Longley
• Lami Ojezua
• Stacey Welsh Perot
• Heather P. Stephenson

Prior to this, seven additional principals were appointed, including:

• Brian Baron, Principal at Morningside Elementary School
• Summer Clayton, Principal at E. Rivers Elementary School
• Tiauna Crooms, Principal at Booker T. Washington High School
• Shermain Jennings, Principal at Frederick Douglass High School
• Angela Mitchell, Principal at North Atlanta High School
• Kristy Reese, Principal at L.O. Kimberly Elementary School
• Adib Shakir, Principal at Michael R. Hollis Innovation Academy

Qualifications of New Leaders

The newly appointed leaders bring a wealth of experience and expertise in educational administration. Gregory Goodwin has been appointed as Executive Director of Athletics, drawing from over 30 years in educational athletics and school leadership. Brian Baron, with over 20 years in education, previously held the roles of assistant principal and interim principal at Morningside Elementary School.

Summer Clayton is recognized for her thirty-year career and previously acted as assistant principal at Glenwood Elementary School. Tiauna Crooms has showcased strong leadership at Booker T. Washington High School, where she successfully led initiatives aimed at improving student achievement. Shermain Jennings brings 23 years of educational experience, having served as interim principal at Frederick Douglass High School.

Angela Mitchell, with 24 years in education, was formerly the assistant principal at North Atlanta High School, while Kristy Reese has dedicated over 20 years to education and demonstrated a commitment to student achievement at Kimberly Elementary School. Adib Shakir, who was recognized as the zone’s principal of the year, was previously principal at Princeton Elementary School.

Conclusion

The adjustments to the academic calendar and the new principal appointments are part of Atlanta Public Schools’ ongoing efforts to enhance student experiences and outcomes. As the school district prepares for the upcoming academic year, these changes are expected to foster a positive environment for both students and staff.

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Additional Resources

• WSB TV: Atlanta Public Schools Announces New First Day of School, 13 New Principals
• Wikipedia: Atlanta Public Schools
• Atlanta News First: 20 New Principals Take Helm at APS Schools for 2025-26 Year
• Google Search: Atlanta Public Schools new principals
• Rough Draft Atlanta: Atlanta Public Schools New Principals
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
• Macon.com: Atlanta Public Schools New Principal Appointments
• Google News: Atlanta Public Schools
• Atlanta News First: APS Pushes Back Start Date for New School Year