The Carroll County Board of Education approved Mrs. Jennifer Shirley as the new Director of Elementary and Testing at a work session on Monday, June 16, 2014. Mrs. Shirley, a former teacher, assistant principal and principal for Carroll County will be taking over as the Director of Elementary and Testing for the district as Dr. Dana Riley plans to retire in September.

Mrs. Shirley earned her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and her Masters and Specialist in Educational Leadership all from Jacksonville State University. Mrs. Shirley started her career in education as a teacher at Lithia Springs Elementary School in Douglas County. In 2000, she moved to Carroll County as a teacher at Temple Elementary School and was named Carroll County Teacher of the Year in 2005. She then moved to Ithica Elementary School as an assistant principal for four years. Ithica Elementary was named a Reward School by the state of Georgia for Highest Performing School for two years which meant it ranked among the top 5% in the state for having the highest absolute performance over three years on statewide assessments. In 2011, she was named principal of Temple Elementary School.

During her threeyear tenure as the Principal of Temple Elementary School, Mrs. Shirley has overseen positive change resulting in achievement scores increasing in all academic areas. This past year Temple Elementary earned the highest CCRPI score in Carroll County. Mrs. Shirley and her staff expect success while focusing on the needs of all students. Through a commitment to excellence and focus on quality, the school has worked to ensure every student is prepared for middle school upon leaving Temple Elementary.

Carroll County Superintendent, Scott Cowart, said that Mrs. Shirley’s passion for teaching and learning as well as her experience as an elementary school principal will be valuable to the district. "Mrs. Shirley has a proven track record of leading a school to improve student achievement. In her new role she will support all of our elementary schools in their efforts to provide quality opportunities for students. She will be an asset for the entire school district."

“I am honored to continue to serve the community in which I have always called home,” said Mrs. Shirley. “It is always my intention to strive for excellence while focusing on success for the students of Carroll County. By supporting teachers and administrators I will lead by example, build relationships, and accept ownership and accountability while embracing change to drive improvement. Carroll County is leading the way in creating a premier school environment for students and I am very proud to work in this school district."

Mrs. Shirley and her husband Andy have 2 children, Andrew (12) and Kase (8).