New Principals Announced

Published May 17, 2013

Chad Walker Named Principal at Hunters Bend Elementary

Allendale Assistant Principal Chad Walker has been named Principal of Hunters Bend Elementary for the 2013-14 school year.

Superintendent Dr. Mike Looney re-introduced Walker to the faculty during a meeting May 14. Walker served at Hunters Bend as assistant principal for two years prior to serving at Allendale for the past three years. Walker replaces Mike Parman who announced his retirement last week.

“Chad is a great fit for Hunters Bend,” said Looney. “He knows the Hunters Bend community, and he will continue to build on the success that is in place there.”

While Walker began his teaching career in Illinois, he has been with Williamson County Schools for almost two decades. He began teaching in Williamson County Schools at Edmondson Elementary and later served as assistant principal at Fairview and Westwood elementary schools for three years prior to Hunters Bend and Allendale.

Walker said that while he will miss the Allendale community, he looks forward to leading Hunters Bend.

“Hunters Bend Elementary School is a wonderful place to teach and learn,” said Walker. “I absolutely love the community and I am eager to get reacquainted with the faculty, staff, students and parents. I simply can’t wait to get started and look forward to a long and successful future with Hunters Bend.”

Walker received his Bachelor’s from Southern Illinois University; Master’s from Middle Tennessee State University; and Education Specialist’s in Supervision and Administration from Tennessee State University.

He will begin his new role July 1.

Kate Donnelly Named Principal at Walnut Grove Elementary

Oak View Elementary Acting Principal Dr. Kate Donnelly has been named Principal of Walnut Grove Elementary School. She was introduced to the Walnut Grove faculty May 16. Donnelly replaces Jay Jordan who announced his retirement earlier this year.

“Kate has done an excellent job leading Oak View while Dr. Morris has been on leave, but he is scheduled to be returning soon,” said Superintendent Dr. Mike Looney. “I am confident that Kate will continue to build on the excellence in place at Walnut Grove.”

Donnelly began her teaching career in Connecticut. She joined Williamson County Schools in 2004 as a school counselor at Ravenwood High. She has also worked at the Central Office as the Counseling and Social Studies Specialist. She joined Oak View in 2011 as Assistant Principal and has been serving as Acting Principal at Oak View this year.

“It will be difficult to leave the Oak View community, as I have been so very fortunate to work alongside dedicated educators, engaged students and committed parents,” said Donnelly. “At the same time, I am both humbled and honored to be joining Walnut Grove Elementary. I look forward to building relationships throughout the Walnut Grove community and leading this wonderful school on a journey of continued academic excellence.”

Donnelly received her Doctorate in Educational Policy and Leadership from Vanderbilt University; she received her Master’s in Counseling from Rhode Island College; and she earned her Bachelor’s in Education and History from Providence College.

She will begin her new role July 1.