Paulding names four new elementary principals as school year begins

The Paulding County School District introduced four elementary school principals during the Aug. 19 board meeting as the district begins the 2025—26 school year.

Superintendent Barnett asked Executive Director of Elementary Schools Paul Chaffee to present the principals and their backgrounds. Chaffee described principals as essential leaders and introduced Kim Hembry, India Hudgins, Dr. Lindy Bea and Dr. Alicia Queen.

According to the superintendent— nd Chaffee's remarks: Kim Hembry has served in the district for 18 years and returned to Abney Elementary School as principal after previous roles at Union and Ragsdale elementaries and assistant-principal positions. India Hudgins is in her 18th year in Paulding County, beginning her career at Panner Elementary and later serving at Union and Shelton elementaries before accepting the principal role at Shelton. Dr. Lindy Bea has eight years in the district and previously served as a classroom teacher and assistant principal at other local schools before becoming principal at Northside Elementary. Dr. Alicia Queen has 25 years of district service, including 23 years at Abney Elementary in classroom and literacy coach roles, and now serves as principal at Baggett Elementary.

Chaffee and the superintendent praised the principals——omments that they had already begun work at their schools and that each emphasizes service and student support. The superintendent noted parents and staff will be able to contact district leaders as needed and encouraged collaboration.

The introductions were presented as informational; no board vote was required. A district fourth grader, Reagan Ruppel, was acknowledged for providing the cover artwork for the district's fiscal year report during the same meeting.