The Oconee County Board of Education approved two leadership appointments on Monday, naming Nicole Elkins as Executive Director of Special Education and Kristin Harrison as Director of Secondary Education.

“Mrs. Elkins and Mrs. Harrison are exceptional leaders who bring deep experience, strong instructional leadership, and a true heart for students,” said Superintendent Dr. Melissa Butler. “They have each demonstrated a commitment to excellence in their work and a dedication to supporting both students and staff. Their leadership will have a lasting impact on our district.”

Mrs. Elkins has been an Early Childhood Intervention Specialist with Catoosa County Schools and an adjunct professor at the University of West Georgia since 2023 and 2022, respectively. She previously held roles as Catoosa County’s Special Education Facilitator and Ringgold High’s Lead Special Education Teacher, supporting district-wide initiatives, coordinating services for students with disabilities, and ensuring compliance with state and federal requirements. She also taught special education at South Paulding and Social Circle middle schools.

Mrs. Elkins holds a bachelor’s in Behavior Disorder and Intellectual Disability, a master’s in Teach and Learn in Exemplary Teaching, and a specialist in Curriculum and Instruction from Valdosta State University.

“I am honored to join Oconee County Schools and serve in a role that supports students, families, and educators,” Mrs. Elkins said. “I am committed to strengthening systems of support for students with diverse needs and working alongside our educators to ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed.”

Mrs. Harrison has been principal of Malcom Bridge Middle for the past three years and brings more than two decades of experience in education to her new role.

Mrs. Harrison was an assistant principal at Oconee County Middle, which was recognized as a GASSP Breakout School in 2019 for its collaborative leadership in curriculum, instruction, and assessment. She also taught science and Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) courses at Oconee County High and coached basketball and volleyball. Mrs. Harrison began her career as a science teacher at Oconee County Middle, then taught science in the Anniston (Ala.) School District.

A 1998 graduate of Oconee County High, Mrs. Harrison earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Science Education from the University of Georgia, as well as a specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Piedmont College. She is on track to complete her doctorate in School Improvement from West Georgia in December.

“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the students, staff, and families of Oconee County Schools in this new role,” Mrs. Harrison said. “As a graduate of Oconee County Schools, this district means a great deal to me, and I look forward to supporting our secondary schools and building on the strong foundation already in place.”

For a complete report on Monday’s Board of Education meeting, please click here.