Erica Whitlock named principal of Tesnatee Gap Elementary School

CLEVELAND, Ga. — Tesnatee Gap Elementary School in White County has a new principal.

The White County Board of Education on Thursday unanimously approved the appointment of Erica Whitlock as principal.

Superintendent Dr. Jonathan Stribling told the board before the vote, “Mrs. Whitlock is a seasoned, homegrown White County educator who graduated from White County High School, came back to teach here, has risen through the ranks in the White County school system and, upon your approval, has the opportunity to attain her goal of being principal. Very proud to sign my name next to Mrs. Whitlock.”

A news release from the school system said Whitlock’s familiarity with the district’s standards and culture of putting students first positions her to seamlessly guide Tesnatee Gap Elementary into its next chapter of success.

Whitlock brings more than two decades of local elementary education experience to the position. She previously served as assistant principal at Tesnatee Gap Elementary and spent five years as the school’s instructional coach, specializing in standards-based curriculum development, data-driven lesson planning and professional development implementation.

Jill Baughman, assistant superintendent of teaching and learning, said, “I’m so proud of Mrs. Whitlock and grateful for her contributions to White County Schools. She has a strong foundation in her knowledge of the elementary curriculum and a passion for driving student achievement. I’m excited to see her lead and serve the staff, families and students at Tesnatee Gap Elementary School.”

Whitlock will assume her administrative duties as principal immediately, spearheading preparations for the upcoming school year.

Whitlock said, “Serving the Tesnatee Gap Elementary School community in this role is an honor, a privilege and a responsibility that I do not take lightly. I am deeply committed to supporting our staff, serving our students and continuing the work that helps every child grow, learn and succeed.”