Though the Mansfield Elementary School family was saddened to hear of the pending retirement of G.W. Davis next year, it found its excitement again since it was announced that popular assistant principal Lynn DiNardo will step into the position.

During her 21-year career with the Newton County School System, DiNardo has been the assistant principal at both Ficquett and Rocky Plains elementary schools before moving to Mansfield two years ago.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 1983 from Fitchburg State College in Fitchburg, Mass., her master’s in administration/supervision from Troy University in 2002, as well as a reading specialist certification that same year from Troy University, an education leadership certification from West Georgia College in 2005 and her doctorate in educational leadership in 2010 from Walden University. 

With MES being one of the top schools in the county, DiNardo plans to keep doing what’s made it so successful in the past — work with and support the other educators in the building toward a common goal of success. 

“The faculty and staff at MES are fabulous. They all work together with one goal in mind, student achievement. The families and community have supported MES and I hope will continue to support us as we strive towards excellence,” said DiNardo in an email Thursday. “We will continue to use research-based instructional strategies, focus on implementing Common Core Georgia Performance Standards, and work as a community to reach our goal of providing quality learning experiences to promote a love of learning.” 

And when asked how she feels about being the successor of the longest-standing principal in Newton County, DiNardo spoke highly of Davis, saying he has been instrumental to the success of the school.

“Mr. Davis has played a very important role in the success of Mansfield Elementary School. He and I have worked together for the past two years with one goal in mind — student achievement. My hope is that the faculty, staff, students and parents continue to strive to attain the same high standards that have been a part of MFES for many years. At Mansfield Elementary School we will move forward with implementing the CCGPS and working towards providing educational excellence for all students,” she said. 

As for Davis, he couldn’t think of a better person to step into his shoes.

“I am tremendously pleased that the Newton County School System has appointed Dr. Lynne DiNardo as principal of Mansfield Elementary School,” he said Wednesday. “She is a hard worker with a heart for children. As a resident of our community she has come to understand just how special a community-centered school can be. I can only wish for her that she will feel as blessed to serve the Mansfield School family as I have been the past two decades. For me leaving is difficult. I really love this school. Her appointment makes a hard thing much easier.”