After five decades in public education and 23 years leading Oak Hill Elementary School, longtime principal Dr. Brenda Gammans has announced her retirement, closing an extraordinary chapter of service, leadership, and impact in Newton County Schools. 

Gammans’ retirement comes at a historic moment for Oak Hill Elementary School. In May, the school was recognized by the Georgia Governor’s Office of Student Achievement as a 2025 SSAS Greatest Gains Platinum Award winner, placing Oak Hill in the top one percent of schools statewide for academic growth. The school was also recently named a “Beating the Odds” school by GOSA. 

For Gammans, the recognition reflects years of dedication by students, teachers, staff, and families. 

“I am proud of the recognition Oak Hill has received over the years, including honors such as the Georgia Greatest Gains recognition and the Beating the Odds award,” Gammans said. “I am especially proud that we have created an environment where all students—regardless of background or ability—have had opportunities to succeed. More than awards, I am proud of the culture and consistency we have built together.”

 Gammans began her career in education 50 years ago after being inspired by her high school science teacher, Mr. George Phillip. 

“My high school science teacher, Mr. George Phillip, had a tremendous influence on me,” Gammans said. “He encouraged me to pursue science and math and consider education as a career. I always loved school and found that I enjoyed helping others understand concepts and explaining things in ways that made sense. Education felt like a natural fit.” 

Although she never imagined she would spend more than two decades leading the same school community, Gammans said Oak Hill quickly became much more than a workplace. 

“When I first began teaching 50 years ago, I simply hoped to make a difference in students’ lives,” Gammans said. “I never imagined that I would have the privilege of spending 23 years leading the same school community. Looking back now, I realize what a gift that has been. Oak Hill became much more than a workplace—it became home.” 

Throughout her career, Gammans became known for prioritizing relationships and creating a culture of family and belonging at Oak Hill. 

“I wanted Oak Hill to be more than just a place where people came to work or attend school,” Gammans said. “I hoped to create a sense of family and belonging where students, staff, and families felt valued, supported, and cared for.” 

Dr. Duke Bradley, III, said Dr. Gammans leaves behind a remarkable legacy in Newton County Schools. 

“Dr. Brenda Gammans has dedicated her life to serving students and families, and her impact on Oak Hill Elementary School and Newton County Schools cannot be overstated,” Bradley said. “For 23 years, she has led Oak Hill with heart, consistency, and a deep commitment to students. The recent recognition of Oak Hill as one of the top schools in Georgia for academic growth is a fitting reflection of the culture of excellence she helped build. We are grateful for her extraordinary service and wish her nothing but the very best in retirement.” 

Over the years, Gammans witnessed dramatic changes in education, including advances in technology, curriculum, and instructional practices. Still, she believes some things never changed. 

“While many things have changed, the need for strong relationships and caring adults in schools has never changed,” she said. 

Among the greatest joys of her career, Gammans said, has been watching students grow up and later return to serve their own community. 

“The greatest joy has been watching students succeed and seeing former Oak Hill students return to teach and serve in our community,” Gammans said. “It has also been a blessing to work alongside dedicated colleagues who became much more than coworkers—they became family.” 

As she prepares for retirement, Gammans said she looks forward to spending more time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

 “It is a mix of emotions,” she said. “There is excitement for the future, but also a little nervousness because education has been such a large part of my life for so many years. I know I will miss the people and the daily routines, but I am looking forward to spending more time with my family and enjoying this next chapter.” 

Reflecting on the legacy she hopes to leave behind, Gammans said she simply hopes people remember how deeply she cared for others. 

“I hope my legacy is one of service, relationships, and making a positive difference in the lives of others,” she said. “I hope people remember that I cared deeply about students, families, and staff and worked every day to help create opportunities for success.” 

As she closes this chapter, Gammans expressed gratitude to the Oak Hill and Newton County Schools communities she has served for half a century. 

“I would simply like to say thank you,” Gammans said. “Thank you to the students, families, staff members, and community members who have allowed me to be part of their lives over the past 50 years. I have been incredibly blessed by the relationships and experiences I have had, and I will always carry Oak Hill and Newton County with me."