The Jackson County Board of Education approved the appointments of three new elementary school assistant principals on Mar. 10. Kristen Muller will join Gum Springs Elementary School, Alicia Lapinsky will serve at Heroes Elementary School, and Dr. Brittany Norris will take the role at West Jackson Elementary School. All three are set to begin their duties in July.
These appointments come as part of leadership transitions within the district, with each new assistant principal bringing experience from other schools or districts. The changes aim to support ongoing academic growth and provide stability for students and staff.
At Gum Springs Elementary, Muller replaces Alison Stover, who was recently named principal at North Jackson Elementary School. Principal Joshua Todd said, “We are excited to welcome Mrs. Muller to Jackson County and our Gum Springs community. Mrs. Muller has a proven track record of student success and supporting educators as an assistant principal in her current district. I know we are all looking forward to working alongside her to ensure we provide an academically challenging curriculum while supporting our students on a daily basis.” Muller previously served as an assistant principal at Smyrna Elementary School in Cobb County for four years and has been an elementary classroom teacher since 2008.
Muller said, “I am excited to join the Jackson County School System to continue working on the growth that has been established at Gum Springs and within the community. I appreciate Mr. Joshua Todd, Dr. Philip Brown and the Board of Education for this opportunity to serve in Jackson County.” She holds degrees from Kennesaw State University and Jones International University, along with certification in gifted education.
Lapinsky will take over as assistant principal at Heroes Elementary following Aja Ledford’s promotion to principal there. Lapinsky is currently a special education teacher at Gum Springs Elementary and previously served as an assistant principal for three years in Gwinnett County schools. Lapinsky said, “I am humbled by the opportunity to join the leadership team at Heroes Elementary and look forward to working alongside the staff and families to support all students as they learn, grow, and reach their full potential.” Ledford said, “Heroes Elementary School is excited to welcome Mrs. Lapinsky to our school family and administrative team… We know she will play a valuable role in ensuring all students’ needs are met in a warm, welcoming environment.” Lapinsky holds degrees from Georgia State University and Walden University.
Dr. Norris joins West Jackson Elementary after serving as instructional coach at Holsenbeck Elementary School in Barrow County since 2023; she replaces John Canupp upon his retirement this year. Principal Lori King said, “We are excited to welcome Dr. Norris to the West Jackson Elementary School family… I know she is looking forward to supporting our students and staff through strong instructional practices.” Norris reflected on returning: “I went to West Jackson Elementary when it was West Jackson Intermediate… it is like a homecoming… I am overjoyed to come back and serve our community.” She also stated her commitment: “It takes a community… As far as support I give, I want to make sure all students can learn and that teachers can be successful in teaching.” Norris holds multiple degrees including a doctorate from Brenau University.
The board’s decision highlights its focus on experienced leadership during times of transition within local schools.
