During a called meeting Thursday, March 31, the Clarke County Board of Education approved the hire of Dr. Carletha Pearson as the new principal of Winterville Elementary School beginning with the 2022-23 school year. 

Dr. Pearson, who currently serves as assistant principal at Whitehead Road Elementary, will officially start in her new role June 1. She replaces former Winterville principal Dr. Donna Elder, who was hired as the Clarke County School District’s Executive Director of Federal Programs in January 2022. Dr. Melanie James, who has served since then as interim principal, will resume her role as assistant principal next school year.

“I am honored and humbled to serve as the new principal of Winterville Elementary School,” said Dr. Pearson after the school board approved her hire. “I have learned and heard many great things about the ‘Winnerbees’ and am excited to work alongside the dedicated staff, scholars, families, and community members to provide a world-class educational experience that will continue to inspire every child to achieve at high levels and become lifelong learners with the knowledge, skills, and moral character to positively impact the city of Winterville.”

Dr. Pearson is a 12-year public education veteran and has been in her current role as assistant principal at Whitehead since July 2013. Prior to her time in Clarke County, she spent three years with the Osceola County School District in Kissimmee, Florida, first as a district Title I program specialist and then as a literacy coach at Pleasant Hill Elementary School. 

Dr. Pearson earned a bachelors degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Texas at El Paso, a masters degree in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University, and then earned her doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Georgia in May 2021. 

“We are delighted to see Dr. Pearson step into her new role at Winterville Elementary and continue her excellent work in Clarke County schools,” said CCSD superintendent Dr. Xernona Thomas. “She is a data-driven leader who will work with her school’s parents and stakeholders to uphold Winterville’s strong tradition of achievement and its outstanding culture.”