Muscogee County school will have new principal if board OKs recommendation next week
A Columbus school will have a familiar face as its new principal if the Muscogee County School District board approves the superintendent’s recommendation next week.
Elizabeth Lester, assistant principal of Blanchard Elementary School the past five years, has been selected for promotion by MCSD superintendent David Lewis.
The board is scheduled to vote on the recommendation during its Nov. 18 meeting.
Lester would succeed Stephanie Dalton-Faulk, who last month was promoted to MCSD school effectiveness director, replacing the retired Susan Jones.
Here is some background information about Lester, according to her resume attached to the board’s agenda:
Lester has been an educator for 32 years, all in MCSD. Before joining Blanchard, she was a:
- Physical education teacher at Hardaway High School (1992-96) and Shaw High School (1996-98)
- Paraprofessional at Midland Academy (2002-03)
- Third-grade teacher at Midland (2003-07) and Eagle Ridge Academy (2007-08)
- Physical education teacher at Eagle Ridge (2008-18)
- Academic dean at Eagle Ridge and Midland (2018-19).
All of Lester’s education also has been local.
After graduating from Shaw High School (1986), she earned three degrees from Columbus State University: a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education (1992), a master’s degree in early childhood education (2002) and a specialist’s degree in education leadership (2016). She also earned a teacher support and coaching endorsement from MCSD (2018).
“Mrs. Lester has a proven record of success in various positions that has prepared her well for this new leadership role that include completion of our district’s Aspiring Principal Program as well as serving as a director of a Summer Learning Experience at three different sites,” Lewis told the Ledger-Enquirer in an email Tuesday. “Having served as the assistant principal at Blanchard Elementary School, she is very familiar with the school community and conveyed a compelling vision for the school during her interview that builds upon its success to date. Moreover, her appointment will provide seamless continuity that is particularly beneficial with a leadership change occurring during the school year.”
If the board votes for approval, Lester would become principal Nov 19. Lewis recommended her among the 25 candidates interviewed for MCSD principal positions from a pool of 81 applicants, he said.
This story was originally published November 11, 2024 at 12:03 PM.
