The Newton County Board of Education approved the promotion of Rhonda Battle from assistant principal to principal at Middle Ridge Elementary School Tuesday night.

The move will be effective Jan. 4.

“Ms. Battle has been instrumental of fostering expectations of a culture of high expectations at Middle Ridge Elementary School and is committed to the success of the faculty and staff,” Newton County School System Superintendent Samantha Fuhrey said.

Battle received her Bachelors of Science in Early Childhood Education from Albany University, and earned her masters in early childhood development from the University of Georgia before receiving her specialist degree in educational instructional leadership from Albany State University. She added on to her specialist degree at Kennesaw University.

During her tenure in Newton County, Battle has been a teacher at the first- and third- grade levels. She has worked as a grade-level coordinator, after school program director and math department chairperson.

“Ms. Battle will provide the leadership and support necessary to ensure that students and teachers reach their best potential,” Superintendent Fuhrey said. “I look forward to the future of Middle Ridge Elementary School under the direction of Ms. Battle.

“The sky is the limit.”

Battle was present at the Board of Education Meeting to accept the position and to represent Middle Ridge Elementary School for being rewarded as one of the top schools recognized by the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports program in Georgia. The award is given to schools that have shown improvements in disciplinary incidents.

“In the future, I hope that our school continues on the path that we are on and for all of our boys and girls, our parents and our community members to continue to be involved in Middle Ridge,” Battle said. “ I look forward to seeing our boys and girls to strive to be the best that they can be.”