Williamson County Schools Names Two New Principals

Published February 8, 2007

Williamson County Schools Director Dr. Rebecca Sharber has announced new leadership for two Williamson County elementary schools. Both are familiar faces to the district.
Renee Garriss, who currently serves as assistant principal at Chapman’s Retreat Elementary, has been named Principal of Chapman’s Retreat for the 2007-2008 school year. Garriss will replace Tom Guinane who is moving out of state with his family at the end of this school year.

“Renee is the perfect choice to succeed Tom,” said Sharber. “She knows the students and their families; she has worked with the faculty and staff; and she will provide a seamless transition for the Chapman’s Retreat community.”

"My goal is to continue with all of the wonderful programs at Chapman’s Retreat and continue the academic excellence that has been made under Mr. Guinane’s leadership and tutelage since the opening of Chapman’s in 2003," says Garriss. "A key vision that I have for Chapman’s Retreat Elementary School is that the efforts to cultivate student success will be based on the development of positive, supportive relationships with all of the stakeholders involved in the promotion of academic success. This includes students, families, staff members, and the community at large.

Garriss taught at Scales Elementary before serving as assistant principal at Kenrose and Chapman’s Retreat.

“Renee will move Chapman’s forward without skipping a beat,” said Elementary Schools Director Dr. Steve Gallaway.

Williamson County’s newest elementary school will open under the leadership of Jonathan Ullrich. Currently serving as Heritage Middle School assistant principal, Ullrich will assume the responsibilities of opening Longview Elementary School immediately.

“Jonathan has a vested interest in establishing the Longview Elementary School community,” said Sharber. “He has been a resident of the area and an active community member for a number of years.”

"To have an opportunity to be involved at this level is a tremendous honor and a dream come true," says Ullrich. "My goal is to do whatever needs to be done in service to the surrounding community that facilitates the development of school pride and student achievement."

Ullrich has taught at Chapman’s Retreat and has served as assistant principal at both Bethesda Elementary and Heritage Middle schools.

“He has a good vision, and the energy, excitement and drive needed to open a new school,” said Gallaway.

"Each challenge associated with the task of opening a new school brings its own level of excitement," adds Ullrich. "There are so many things to do as the school literally and figurativel