Interims named full-time principals at two Athens middle schools

Released by the Clarke County School District:

The Clarke County School District is pleased to announce that Clarke Middle School interim principal Derrick Maxwell and Coile Middle School interim principal April Braswell have been named as full-time principals of their schools effective immediately.

Mr. Maxwell and Ms. Braswell have led their schools in an interim capacity since July 2024. A rigorous search process for each position, which included input from the schools’ local school governance teams and families, an application period, and candidate interviews has taken place over the last several months. CCSD Superintendent Dr. Robbie Hooker announced the appointments today following approval by the Clarke County Board of Education at its Thursday, March 13 meeting.

“Mr. Maxwell and Ms. Braswell are both outstanding educators who have provided steady leadership during transition periods at their schools this school year and have helped mold a positive school culture that is welcoming to students, staff, and families,” said Dr. Hooker. “Both of these leaders have a great familiarity with CCSD and our community, and I look forward to them continuing to contribute their talents toward our aim of ensuring all students are in position to achieve academic success.”

Derrick Maxwell

Mr. Maxwell is in his 23rd year in education, most of which have been spent in CCSD. After

beginning his career as a teacher at Burney-Harris-Lyons Middle School for five years, he worked as an after-school program specialist at the District Office and then returned to BHL as an assistant principal. He also served as principal of Whit Davis Elementary from 2012-2016 and Cedar Shoals High School from 2018-2019. Outside of CCSD, he was principal of

Commerce Middle School from 2016-2018 and spent five years as principal at Winder-Barrow High School before his appointment at Clarke Middle last summer.

Mr. Maxwell holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Georgia, a master’s in Educational Leadership and Administration from George Washington University, a specialist degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from Lincoln Memorial University, and is in the process of earning his Doctorate of Education in Leadership from Valdosta State University.

“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have served as interim principal. It has been an

honor to get to know our Owl Community both as a father and as a leader,” said Mr. Maxwell. “I am beyond excited and deeply honored to be chosen as the principal of Clarke Middle School,

and I look forward to continuing the outstanding work alongside our wonderful staff. Clarke

Middle School is not only a beautiful building, but also a truly special community.”

April Braswell

Ms. Braswell is also in her 23rd year in education and also began her career with CCSD as a math teacher at Cedar Shoals High School. After 11 years of teaching math in Walton County schools, she returned to CCSD in 2015 as an assistant principal at Coile Middle and then joined Whitehead Road Elementary in 2019 as principal – a position she held until her interim appointment at Coile last summer.

Ms. Braswell holds two bachelor degrees from Valdosta State University in Applied Mathematics

and Secondary Education: Math. She earned her master’s in Educational Leadership from Columbus State University and holds a specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Georgia College and State University. She is also a current candidate for a Doctorate of Curriculum and Instruction from Georgia College.

“Serving as the interim principal this year has been an amazing experience, and I have truly

enjoyed working with the students, staff, and families who make Coile a great place. I am excited to continue leading and growing this wonderful school community,” said Ms. Braswell.

“Our motto at Coile, ‘Cougars Lead, Others Follow,’ speaks to the heart of what makes Coile special. My goal is to make Coile the school where parents are eager to send their children, where educators feel valued and inspired to work, and where students know they are loved, challenged, and supported daily.”