The Oconee County Board of Education unanimously approved several leadership recommendations during its regular session at the Instructional Support Center on Monday.

The Board named:
• Jennifer Haygood as the Director of Elementary Education;
• Mike Stanton as the principal for Colham Ferry Elementary;
• Eric Watson as the principal of Malcom Bridge Elementary;
• Kandice Ivarie as the assistant principal for Colham Ferry Elementary;
• Katie Hunter as the assistant principal of Malcom Bridge Elementary.

“I am excited about these leaders and what each will bring to our leadership team,” Superintendent Jason Branch said. “Ms. Haygood's experience as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal in the district positions her well to make an instant impact across our seven elementary schools. Mr. Stanton and Mr. Watson have diligently served as outstanding assistant principals for several years to prepare for this moment, and the addition of Ms. Ivarie and Ms. Hunter as experienced assistant principals will enhance their teams.”

The Board also announced that Suzanne Korngold, the Assistant Superintendent of Special Education, will be retiring on Dec. 19.

“While we are enthusiastic about these new leaders, we also want to acknowledge the retirement of Assistant Superintendent of Special Education, Ms. Suzanne Korngold,” Dr. Branch said. “I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Ms. Korngold for her years of dedicated service overseeing the OCS Special Education Department. Her vision and commitment have been invaluable and her impact immeasurable.”

Ms. Haygood will be succeeding Jennifer Whitaker, who recently was named as the Chief Academic Officer. Ms. Haygood has been the principal of Malcom Bridge Elementary for the past seven years after spending the previous three as assistant principal. She joined Oconee County Schools in 2011 and taught at Malcom Bridge Elementary and High Shoals Elementary before becoming an administrator.

“I am incredibly honored and excited to continue to serve Oconee County Schools in this new role,” Ms. Haygood said. “I look forward to collaborating with the seven elementary schools and continuing to foster an environment where every student can thrive.”

Mr. Stanton has been the assistant principal for Colham Ferry Elementary the past three years under Dr. Katherine Brown, who recently was named the Chief Academic Officer for Barrow County Schools. He first joined the OCS family in 2020 as a teacher at Oconee County Primary. Ms. Ivarie came to OCS in 2018 and has served each year as the assistant principal of Rocky Branch Elementary.

“I am extremely honored by this opportunity to serve the staff and families of Colham Ferry Elementary School,” Mr. Stanton said. “I am committed to providing a positive learning environment for our students to support their academic, social, and emotional growth.”

Mr. Watson has been Ms. Haygood’s assistant principal for the past three years. He also taught at Oconee County High beginning in 2019. Ms. Hunter has been an assistant principal for High Shoals Elementary (2018-2022) and Oconee County Elementary (2022-25).

“Malcom Bridge Elementary is a special school, and I am excited to take on this leadership role with its equally special students, staff, and community,” Mr. Watson said. “I am dedicated to ensuring our students continue to receive an exceptional education in a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment.”

Ms. Korngold has overseen special education throughout her time at OCS, which began in 2012. She also had stints of coordinating student services and the gifted program during her tenure.

“Every student, every family, and every educator I have worked with has left a lasting imprint on my heart,” Ms. Korngold said. “As I step away from this role, I do so with immense gratitude and pride in all that we have accomplished together. The journey has been deeply rewarding, and I will always carry the spirit of inclusion, advocacy, and relationships that define this work.”