Two longtime educators with the Gainesville City School System have announced their retirement.
New Holland Knowledge Academy Principal Bertha Shields and Fair Street International Academy Principal Gwenell Brown will step down at the end of the current school year.
"These two leaders have given their whole heart to this school system for many years and have made a lasting impact," said Dr. Jeremy Williams, Superintendent, Gainesville City Schools, making the announcement in a media statement. “With a combined tenure of 77 years it’s safe to say they are true Red Elephants that will leave a strong legacy.”
Shields, a 1979 graduate of Gainesville High School, began her career at Gainesville City Schools in 1984 as a paraprofessional. Since then, she has served as a gifted teacher, ESOL teacher and assistant principal before becoming principal for New Holland Knowledge Academy.
"Teaching will always be one of my passions. Although it will be in a different capacity, I will continue to instill a love for learning in the lives of others,” said Shields.
Brown has been an educator for 40 years, 28 of those years with Gainesville City School System. Brown attended Fair Street as a student in 1964, the same school where she has been principal.
"I feel like I have come full circle because I started school at Fair Street in 1964 and graduated from Gainesville High in 1976. I am ending my career where I started. I will continue to work in my community and be active in education by volunteering and being a mentor to help students be successful in getting their education. I am grateful to have served in my community and the opportunities to touch the lives of many students," said Brown.
Brown has worked at Enota, New Holland and Fair Street schools, teaching students in kindergarten through 5th grade, as well as ESOL; she has also been an assistant principal and principal.
Williams said a job search to fill the principal's position at both schools will begin soon.
