New principal approved for Barrrow Elementary School

Released today by the Clarke County School District

Athens, Georgia — Clarke County School District Interim Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Scott today

announced the appointment of Dr. Kristina Lerch-Batson as Assistant Principal of Barrow Elementary

School beginning in the 2026-27 school year.

Dr. Lerch-Batson, whose appointment was approved by the Clarke County Board of Education at its

Thursday, April 2 meeting, has been an assistant principal at Clarke Middle School since 2020. She will

replace outgoing Assistant Principal Jennifer Leahy, who is retiring after 12 years at Barrow and 31 years

in education in Georgia – including time as a special education teacher at Coile Middle and Clarke

Central High schools.

“Dr. Lerch-Batson brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in instructional leadership,

” said Barrow Principal Dr. Ellen Sabatini.

“Her strong background in implementing best instructional practices, Panalyzing data, and setting meaningful goals for school improvement will be invaluable to our community. She is deeply committed to forging strong relationships and pbuilding trust with students, families, and staff. We eagerly anticipate welcoming her to our Barrow community and the positive impact she will undoubtedly have.”

Dr. Lerch-Batson has spent her entire educational career at Clarke Middle. She joined the school in 2011

as a math teacher and was named the school’s 2014-15 Teacher of the Year. She was promoted to an

instructional coach position in 2018 before moving into the assistant principal position two years later.

Dr. Lerch-Batson holds a doctoral degree in Tier II Educational Leadership and master's and bachelor's

degrees in Mathematics education, all from the University of Georgia. She also earned a Tier I

Educational Leadership certificate from Kennesaw State University.

“I am excited about the opportunity to join the team at Barrow Elementary and contribute to the great

work being done in this community,” said Dr. Lerch-Batson. “I believe in CCSD and am proud to continue

serving the students and families of Clarke County in a new role.”