South Forsyth High Names New Principal

Jeff Cheney has been selected as the new principal of .

The Forsyth County Board of Education announced Cheney's promotion Friday in an e-mail. He will formally begin his duties on June 1, replacing .

"I am humbled, honored, and very excited to assume the role of principal at South Forsyth High School," said Cheney. "I have had the privilege to learn from two outstanding leaders in our district; Dr. Gary Davison and Dr. Jason Branch. Dr. Branch has been a tremendous role model and valuable resource for me the past four years. His leadership in our community will be sorely missed."

Cheney currently serves as assistant principal at South, a position he's held since 2006.

His academic experience is extensive. He earned a bachelor's degree from the State University of New York College, and his master's degree and leadership certification from Georgia Southern University. Cheney taught at the elementary and middle school level, and served as an athletic director in Savannah, Ga. He also worked as both an assistant principal and principal of Oglethorpe Charter Middle School in Savannah. 

"It has been my privilege to work closely with our staff, school, and community the last six years," he said. "One thing has remained constant at South Forsyth - an exceptional staff dedicated to delivering a world class education, supported by a community with shared academic values. I have full trust and confidence in our staff and know they will continue to focus on supporting student achievement. I am also confident that South Forsyth High School will continue to be a flagship high school in our county, state, and nation. Go War Eagles!"    

Other principal changes to date for next year, 2012-13, include the following:

• Ron McAllister, current Principal, will become the Principal at Kelly Mill Elementary, opening in August 2012.

• Kristan Morse, current Principal, will become the Principal at Vickery Creek Elementary.

• Paige Andrews, current Silver City Assistant Principal, will become Principal at Silver City.

• Barbara Vella, current Assistant Principal, will become the Principal at , replacing the retiring Dave Culpepper.