Piedmont honors site teachers of the year, names new intermediate principal

The Piedmont School Board opened its meeting with presentations honoring site teachers of the year and a personnel announcement from the superintendent.

At the start of the meeting, a presenter named Charity Lane of the Piedmont Early Childhood Center as a site teacher of the year, saying, "She is known for her welcoming smile, her genuine kindness and her willingness to share ideas that lift others up." The board and meeting participants offered congratulations to honorees across district schools.

Other teachers recognized included Misty Moon of Northwood Elementary, a speech-language pathologist in her fifteenth year and second year in the district; Jennifer Shipley, with seven years at Piedmont and 12 years in the classroom overall; Shannon Elliott, credited with 11 years at Piedmont and 21 years total; Keith Hatchett of Piedmont Intermediate; Tracy North, a seventh-grade English/language arts teacher; and Shelley Thomas, honored as Piedmont High School's teacher of the year after 29 years of service.

Later in the superintendent's report, the board was introduced to Stephanie Hodges as "the first ever Stone Ridge Intermediate principal," and the superintendent said Brett will serve as her assistant. The superintendent and board members publicly thanked staff and teachers for their service to students and the community.

The recognitions took place early in the agenda during the presentations portion of the meeting. The board did not take formal action on the recognitions beyond public acknowledgment. The superintendent closed the report by encouraging the board to review the district's monthly communications roundup, Piedmont Focus, which highlights positive stories from each site.