September 27, 2019–12:20 a.m.
NEWS RELEASE
As the outgoing principal of Coosa Middle School (CMS), Dr. Vondell Ringer, officially takes on her new position as Support Services Specialist for Floyd County Schools (FCS) on Monday, October 14, 2019, Superintendent Dr. Jeff Wilson has appointed Mr. Joseph Pethel as Interim Principal of CMS, also effective October 14, 2019. Mr. Pethel currently serves FCS as Armuchee Elementary’s assistant principal.
Tuesday afternoon, Dr. Wilson met with CMS’ Local School Governance Team (LSGT) and faculty to announce Dr. Ringer’s new role and introduce Mr. Pethel as their interim principal.
“Mr. Pethel has the background, skills, and disposition needed to be an excellent principal. He is knowledgeable and will bring great enthusiasm to his new assignment,” said Dr. Wilson. “I am fully confident in Mr. Pethel’s ability to lead Coosa Middle School at the next level.”
The majority of Mr. Pethel’s career in education has been spent at the middle school level. Prior to becoming the assistant principal at Armuchee Elementary in 2017, he taught at Adairsville Middle School for nine and a half years and served as their assistant principal for three and a half years. Pethel also has experience as a middle and high school coach and served as Adairsville Middle’s athletic director for six years. He graduated with an Educational Specialist degree and Educational Master’s degree from Jacksonville State University in Alabama and a Bachelor’s degree from Berry College.
“My philosophy in education has always been: When you give your absolute best–great things can happen. This new opportunity will give me the chance to live this philosophy,” said Pethel. “It has been a great honor to work and serve at Armuchee Elementary School alongside Principal Rodney Stewart. Over the last two years, I have formed lasting bonds with the amazing teachers, staff, and students at Armuchee Elementary. I also believe my time at AES has prepared me for leadership at CMS. I look forward to building new relationships with the students, teachers, staff, administrators, and stakeholders in the Coosa community.”
