Newton High School assistant principal Sandra Owens has been named principal of Alcovy High School, and the educator said she is honored to be named the school’s new leader.

The Newton County Board of Education unanimously approved Owens’ appointment at its meeting Tuesday night after discussing the matter in executive session. Outgoing superintendent Gary Mathews made the announcement after the vote to approve all items discussed in executive session.

“Dr. Owens will put Alcovy on a very good path,” Mathews said Tuesday.

Owens has been an administrator with the NCSS for the past seven years, serving at Newton High School and at Clements Middle School.

“I plan to lead Alcovy into a new chapter by focusing on student learning, using data in our planning, and supporting the teachers so we can provide educational excellence for all of our students,” she said. 

Owens said her goals for Alcovy include increasing the graduation rate, establishing effective professional learning communities, and improving parental involvement.

She said her challenges include improving the school’s climate and establishing an effective instructional-focus program that addresses all of AHS students’ needs.

“I am a resident of the Alcovy district, and the students and faculty are in need of a new direction, one I believe I can provide,” Owens said in explaining why she applied for the AHS principal’s position. “The students, faculty and staff will receive 100 percent of my attention, support and dedication.”

Owens holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Central Arkansas and an master’s degree in human resources management from Central Michigan University.

She also has an education specialist degree in math education from the University of Georgia, and an education doctorate in teacher leadership from Walden University.

Owens is a National Board Certified Teacher and Georgia Master Teacher. Her educational philosophy has developed over the past 23 years, she said.

“I believe in implementing practices that create a dynamic learning environment by promoting a school culture that encourages collaboration between the staff, faculty, students and the community,” she said. “This will be achieved through utilizing research based-practices so the students can become successful college-and career-ready participants of the 21st century global community.”

Owens replaces Vic Lee, who has served as interim principal at Alcovy since November 2012, when former principal LaQuanda Carpenter went on maternity leave.

Carpenter left the school system earlier this year to follow her husband and fellow administrator Dennis Carpenter, who got a superintendent’s job in Missouri.

Owens will begin as AHS principal July 1.