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Dothan City Schools Board of Education Approves New School Principals

The Dothan City Schools Board of Education approved new principal contracts during its April 20, 2026 meeting. The Board named leaders for Highlands Elementary School, Beverlye Intermediate School, Jerry Lee Faine Elementary School, and Dothan 6th Grade Center.

Dr. Jerry “Clark” Harden has been named principal of Highlands Elementary School for the 2026-2027 school year. Dr. Harden brings more than 25 years of experience in education and instructional leadership. Dr. Clark is currently the Performance Center Instructional and Behavioral Turnaround Administrator for Thomasville City Schools in Georgia, with focuses on improving academic outcomes, strengthening school culture, and implementing restorative, high accountability practices.

Harden has also served as a Secondary Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment and as a high school principal, where he led district wide curriculum alignment, strategic planning, and school improvement efforts. His extensive background in leadership development, data driven decision making, and student support positions him to build on the strong foundation at Highlands Elementary School.

“Taking the helm at Highlands Elementary school is an incredible opportunity to build upon a foundation of excellence,” said Dr. Harden. “My focus will center on being a highly visible leader, actively engaging with students and staff in the classrooms and hallways to ensure everyone feels supported and inspired. I can’t wait to become a member of the Highlands family.”

Aundria L. Sewell has been named principal of Beverlye Intermediate School for the 2026-2027 school year. Sewell currently serves as principal of Dannelley Elementary School in Montgomery, Alabama, where she has led school improvement efforts that increased student achievement through data-driven instruction, strategic planning, and a focus on high expectations for both students and staff.

Sewell brings a strong background in instructional leadership and professional learning, having previously served as an assistant principal and instructional leader. She has been recognized as a National Presenter at the Model Schools Conference and is known for building collaborative school cultures that support continuous improvement and student success. Her commitment to data driven instruction, strong school culture, and continuous improvement positions her to build on the success at Beverlye Intermediate School.

“I am so excited to join the Wolfpack at Beverlye Intermediate School,” said Sewell. “Leading is not about having all the answers, it’s about building a school environment where students are learning, teachers are growing, and staff are supported.”

Latoyer Hankerson has been named principal of Jerry Lee Faine Elementary School for the 2026-2027 school year. Hankerson currently serves as principal of Sabal Palm Elementary in Florida, where she leads instructional programming, supports teacher development, and ensures strong operations focused on student achievement.

With experience as a school improvement specialist, assistant principal, and instructional leader, Hankerson has a proven track record of using data to guide decision making and improve outcomes. Her work in curriculum development, staff coaching, and stakeholder engagement has contributed to sustained academic growth and positive school culture. Her experience in instructional leadership, school improvement, and student support positions her to continue fostering a positive and high achieving environment at Jerry Lee Faine Elementary School.

“We are excited about Ms. Hankerson’s deep turnaround experience at the state and local levels in Florida,” said Dothan City Schools Superintendent Dr. Garrick Askew. “One example is her success, moving her current school from a letter grade of D to an A in one school year.”

Dr. Teresa K. Anderson has been named principal of Dothan 6th Grade Center, bringing more than a decade of experience in educational leadership and organizational development. She currently serves as principal at George W. Carver Elementary School in Richmond, Virginia, where she has led initiatives focused on strengthening instructional practices, improving staff performance, and aligning systems to support student success.

Anderson also brings experience in district level leadership as Director of Employee Relations, where she supported systemwide improvement efforts, leadership development, and organizational effectiveness across multiple schools. Her expertise in coaching, data driven decision making, and building strong teams positions her to lead continued success at Dothan 6th Grade Center.

“It is truly an honor to be appointed as principal of Dothan 6th Grade Center,” said Dr. Anderson, “I am excited to partner with the students, staff and parents to create an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to succeed. I am honored to lead, committed to serve, and ready to make a difference at Dothan 6th Grade Center.”

Dothan City Schools Superintendent Dr. Garrick Askew said the new principals bring a strong background of proven experience, leadership, and a shared commitment to student success.

“We are excited to welcome these leaders to the Dothan City Schools family,” said Dr. Askew. “Each of them brings a passion for students, a commitment to excellence, and the leadership needed to support our schools.”