New principals at Newton High, Veterans Memorial bring experience, excitement to their roles
Staff Report
Newton High School principal, Ms. Dawn Price-Williams. | Photo courtesy of Newton County Schools
COVINGTON, Ga. — New faces adorn much of the Newton County Schools landscape this year, with two of them being tabbed as the new leaders at Newton High and Veterans Memorial Middle Schools.
Dawn Price-Williams and Marlon Gilbert were appointed as principals of Newton High School and Veterans Memorial Middle School, respectively, having been unanimously approved by the Newton County Board of Education during its July meeting, and both have hit the ground running.
Gilbert joins Newton County Schools coming over from the Henry County Schools District, where he most recently served as assistant principal of Dutchtown Middle School. He also served as an assistant principal at Flippen Elementary School in Henry County. Gilbert began his career in the Randolph County School System as a science and mathematics teacher.
He earned his Bachelor of Science in middle grades education with a concentration in mathematics and science from Fort Valley State University. Gilbert obtained a Master of Education in curriculum and instruction in accomplished teaching from Columbus State University and he obtained an Education Specialist certification in educational leadership from Albany State University. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in educational administration from South Carolina State University.
Gilbert’s desire to come to Veterans Memorial stems from an almost lifelong aspiration for a career in education.
Veterans Memorial Middle School principal, Marlon Gilbert. | Photo courtesy of Newton County Schools.
“Growing up as the child of an educator, I was naturally drawn to teaching and school administration,” he said. “By the time I was in 7th grade, I had discovered my true calling: advocating for others and ensuring they had access to opportunities. As I progressed through my undergraduate studies, I realized my commitment to equity and my goal of providing all students with fair chances, regardless of their backgrounds. Dr. (Duke) Bradley's ambitious vision to make the school district the fastest improving in Georgia deeply resonated with me. I am eager to contribute to this mission and help ensure that every student in Newton County has the opportunity to achieve a promising future.”
Though his prior career experiences are rooted in Henry County, Gilbert has done his homework on his news school’s academic tradition.
“Veterans Memorial is renowned for its culture of excellence, and my immediate aim is to fully immerse myself in its environment,” Gilbert said. “I am dedicated to supporting student growth and success by thoroughly evaluating both instructional and operational practices to maintain a high standard of education. My primary goal is to work collaboratively with the team to establish priorities, set goals, and define outcomes that will drive ongoing improvement.”
Dawn Price-Williams comes to Newton High School by way of the DeKalb County School District, where she most recently served as the district’s Area Special Education Coordinator.
She began her career in DeKalb County Schools as a special education teacher. And served as a lead special education teacher and assistant principal of instruction at Cedar Grove High School, before moving to her first district role as regional coordinator.
Price-Williams earned her Bachelor of Arts in exceptional student education P-12 from Georgia Southern University and her Master of Science in human resources administration from Central Michigan University. She then added an Education Specialist in leadership and administration from Nova Southeastern University.
Price-Williams says the challenge of assuming leadership at the county’s largest school excites her.
“I am deeply honored and excited to serve the community in this capacity,” Price-Williams said. “This role is both a responsibility and a privilege, and I am eager to collaborate with our dedicated team to continue to foster a supportive and positive learning environment for our students. After having served in large urban school districts for all of my career, I desperately wanted a change.
“As a native of the South, I have always enjoyed the traditions and rich culture of smaller towns. I intentionally sought out a school that embodied those same characteristics, but also focused on student excellence. I found that at Newton High.”
When asked her first goals for the new school year she didn’t hesitate.
“It's simple — to keep the main thing, the main thing, and the main thing is quality teaching and learning. Our plan is to layer on top of the good things already happening at NHS and to continue the work that ensures every child has every chance to succeed.”
NCS Superintendent Dr. Duke Bradley, III, expressed his confidence in the new appointments.
“We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Marlon Gilbert and Ms. Dawn Price-Williams to our leadership team. I am confident that their leadership will inspire our students, staff, and community as we continue to strive for excellence in Newton County Schools.”