Amanda Pevey
Elmore Autauga News
The Elmore County Board of Education recognized four administrative appointments during a special called board meeting this morning, highlighting educators and leaders who district officials say will help strengthen schools and expand opportunities for students across the county.
Millbrook Middle School Principal Tarica Lamar introduced Erin Griffies as the school’s new seventh-grade assistant principal. Griffies joins the administrative team after serving as a special education teacher at Redland Middle School.
Dennis recognized Dalton Watson as the new assistant principal for Redland Elementary School. Watson was unable to attend the meeting because he was teaching summer school classes during the break.
For Redland Middle School, Principal Tank King introduced April Emmanuel as the school’s new assistant principal.
The meeting also marked the announcement of a newly created district-level position: Co-Curriculum Director of Specialized Academic Programs. Dennis said the K-12 role was designed to support and coordinate specialized learning initiatives across the district while working alongside other directors and coordinators.
“I was looking for an individual that we have seen exhibit tremendous talents, super intelligent on managing, developing and coordination,” Dennis said.
Dennis recognized Dr. Renee Labaza-Tucker as the district’s first director to serve in the new position.
Labaza-Tucker thanked district leaders for the opportunity and shared her enthusiasm for expanding hands-on learning opportunities for students.
“I just want to say thank you, thank you Mr. Dennis for giving me this opportunity,” she said. “I am so excited. I love STEM and I love STEAM. I love anything that is project based. This has been my passion for a long time, so I am just excited about this opportunity.”
The appointments come as Elmore County schools continue preparing for the upcoming academic year, with district leaders emphasizing collaboration, innovation and student-centered learning throughout the system.
