BOE Approves Three New Elementary Assistant Principals

The Jackson County Board of Education approved the hires of three new elementary school assistant principals on Monday night. The Board approved Mrs. Kristen Muller for Gum Springs Elementary School, Mrs. Alicia Lapinsky for Heroes Elementary School and Dr. Brittany Norris for West Jackson Elementary School.

All three will begin their new duties in July.

Muller at GSES

Muller will replace Mrs. Alison Stover, who was recently named the new principal at North Jackson Elementary School.

"We are excited to welcome Mrs. Muller to Jackson County and our Gum Springs community," GSES principal Mr. Joshua Todd said. "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."

Mrs. Muller has served as an assistant principal at Smyrna Elementary School in Cobb County for four years. Muller had previously served as an elementary classroom teacher since 2008.

"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," Muller said. "I appreciate Mr. Joshua Todd, Dr. Philip Brown and the Board of Education for this opportunity to serve in Jackson County.

Muller, who is certified in gifted education, holds a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Kennesaw State University and a Master's Degree from Jones International University. She also holds an Educational Leadership Tier 1 certificate from the University of West Georgia.

Mrs. Muller and her husband, Rob, have one daughter named Rylie, who plays Division I college lacrosse at Kennesaw State University.

Lapinsky at HES

Lapinsky, who will take over assistant principal duties for Aja Ledford following her promotion to principal at HES, is in her first year as a special education teacher at Gum Springs Elementary School. 

​"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​," Lapinsky said.

Prior to joining the Jackson County School System, Lapinsky served as an assistant principal for three years at the elementary school level in Gwinnett County. 

"Heroes Elementary School is excited to welcome Mrs. Lapinsky to our school family and administrative team," said Aja Ledford, who will officially begin her principal duties at HES on July 1. "Mrs. Lapinsky has extensive elementary school experience, and her knowledge of special education and curriculum will be a critical component in joining our administrative team. We know she will play a valuable role in ensuring all students' needs are met in a warm, welcoming environment."

Lapinsky holds a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Georgia State University, a Master's Degree from Walden University and an Educational Leadership Tier 1 certificate from the University of West Georgia.

Lapinsky and her husband, Jonathan, have a son named Jax. 

Dr. Norris at WJES

Dr. Norris is currently an instructional coach at Holsenbeck Elementary School in Barrow County, a position she has held since 2023. She will replace Mr. John Canupp, who is retiring following this school year. 

"We are excited to welcome Dr. Norris to the West Jackson Elementary School family," WJES principal Lori King said. "Dr. Norris brings a wealth of knowledge to our building and I know she is looking forward to supporting our students and staff through strong instructional practices."

"I am overjoyed with excitement," Dr. Norris said. "I went to West Jackson Elementary when it was West Jackson Intermediate. I was in the first third grade class, so it is like a homecoming to give back to the community that gave me so much. I am overjoyed to come back and serve our community." 

Prior to her current role, Dr. Norris served as a third and fourth grade teacher in Barrow, Clarke and Gwinnett County. In her current role as instructional coach, Dr. Norris conducts professional learning for staff that aligns with the Georgia Department of Education's standards and curriculum, Georgia Milestones and pacing guides. She has also planned and organized parent engagement opportunities, creating learning progressions and implemented a math intervention program aided in standardized test administration. 

"I am committed to success for every student who walks in the doors," Dr. Norris said. "It takes a community and we should have all stakeholders involved. It takes a village. As far as support I give, I want to make sure all students can learn and that teachers can be successful in teaching."

Dr. Norris holds a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Brenau University, a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Georgia, a Specialist Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Liberty University and a Doctorate in Elementary Education from Brenau. She also holds her Educational Leadership Tier 1 Certification from the University of West Georgia. 

Dr. Norris and her husband, Isaiah, have two daughters, Emma (5) and Eliza (3).