With the retirement of Ruth Anne Smith, parents at the Newton County Theme School at Ficquett will work with a new principal next school year. During a special called board meeting on Thursday, March 29, the Newton County Board of Education approved Mr. James Meneguzzo to take the helm at the theme school effective July 1, 2012. Meneguzzo is currently an assistant principal at Indian Creek Middle School.

"It is going to be very difficult saying goodbye to all the wonderful administrators, faculty, and staff at Indian Creek Middle School," said Meneguzzo. "In my time there I have had the honor to work with outstanding educators and the most wonderful people who created a positive, safe, and engaging learning environment for all students and a working environment where you always felt like you were part of a family. I am very grateful for the time I had at Indian Creek Middle School and am extremely excited about the new journey I am about to embark on at the Newton County Theme School. I look forward to building new relationships and working together with the administration, faculty, and staff to provide the best educational experience possible for all of our students and a working environment that people are excited to come to each and every day."

Meneguzzo began his education career as a math teacher at The Gatewood School in Eatonton, Georgia in 1998. In 2002 he joined Newton County Schools as a math teacher at Cousins Middle School. He served as a math and business education teacher at Eastside High School from 2005 to 2008 before accepting a promotion to assistant principal of Indian Creek Middle School in 2008-a position he still holds.

Meneguzzo earned his bachelor's degree in mathematics, business administration from Northern Michigan University in 1997 and his master's in education in occupational studies from the University of Georgia in 2005. Meneguzzo received his education specialist's degree in educational leadership from Nova Southeastern University in 2008 and is currently working on his doctorate in education in educational leadership at the University of Georgia.

"Mr. Meneguzzo is a great fit for our parent involvement school," said Gary Mathews, superintendent for Newton County Schools. "I believe we`ve selected an effective instructional leader for this emerging K-8 school calling on faculty and parents to give students only their very best."

For more information contact Ms. Sherri Davis-Viniard, Director of Public Relations for Newton County Schools at 770-784-2908.