COVINGTON, Ga. - Although Clements Middle School will welcome a new principal this year, the face will be very familiar to students, staff, and parents. Former assistant principal Fred Richard has been tapped to replace departing principal, Joy Antone this year.

“It is indeed an honor and a distinct pleasure to be named principal of Clements Middle School,” Richard said. “I look forward to working collaboratively with staff, students, and parents within our school system to further advance the quality of educational services that is provided at Clements Middle School.

My predecessor has established a solid foundation here at Clements and we want to continue to build upon that foundation so that every student at Clements Middle School will be successful. My goal is to continue to prepare our students to become high School, college and career ready.”

Richard holds a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education from Clark Atlanta University, a master’s in educational leadership from Albany State University, and an education specialist degree in educational leadership from Valdosta State University. He has served as a coach, teacher, interim athletic director, high school assistant principal, and an interim principal in two middle schools. He served as assistant principal of Clements from 2011 until his recent promotion to principal.

“Mr. Richard is an outstanding leader who is very passionate about the Clements Middle School team, students, and community,”  NCSS Superintendent Samantha Fuhrey. “I am confident that Mr. Richard will continue the legacy of performance of the students and staff at Clements Middle School, and I look forward to all of the future successes.”