Athens ISD announces leadership shifts

By Toni Garrard Clay/AISD Communications Coordinator

Athens ISD Superintendent Blake Stiles announced some upcoming changes in key district personnel assignments Wednesday.

Effective July 1, Athens High School Principal Jami Ivey will take over as director of secondary curriculum and instruction for the middle school and high school. Athens Middle School Principal Ginger Morrison will replace Ivey at the high school. And Central Athens Elementary Principal Jennifer Risinger will step into the principal’s position at the middle school. The district will begin a formal search for the principal’s position at Central.

“We’re very fortunate to have a deep well of talented leadership in the district, and we’re putting it to good use,” said Stiles. “Mrs. Ivey has done a remarkable job at the high school, and no one is better positioned to guide our secondary curriculum needs.

“Mrs. Morrison took over at the middle school at a critical time and has more than lived up to the mission we set before her there. She’s an excellent fit for the leadership role at the high school.

“And Mrs. Risinger has excelled wherever we’ve asked her to serve. She’ll be returning to familiar ground at the middle school, having been a standout there during her previous tenure as an assistant principal.”

Mrs. Ivey has been an educator for 22 years. She’s been with Athens ISD for 16 years, having served as a classroom teacher, testing coordinator, administrator in charge of opening the Pinnacle Early College High School and, since 2011, AHS principal.

Mrs. Morrison began her teaching career with AISD 24 years ago and has held many positions during that time, including classroom teacher, master teacher, testing coordinator, assistant principal and, for the past two years, principal at AMS.

Mrs. Risinger has been an educator for 10 years. During her three and a half years at Athens ISD, she has been the district testing coordinator, assistant principal at AMS, and, for the past two years, principal at Central Athens.

“These administrators have done an outstanding job in their past and current roles within AISD, and I have no doubt they will do the same in their new roles,” said Assistant Superintendent Dr. Janie Sims. “We are finishing what I feel certain will be a record year for Athens ISD, as our students have excelled in more areas than ever before. These ladies will assist the district in achieving at even greater levels.”