The Hall County School System announced Friday the retirement of three long-time team members.
Hall County School’s Director of Communications Stan Lewis said Amy Bright, Principal of Flowery Branch Elementary School, Tamara Etterling, Director of Student Services and Kristin Finley, Principal of North Hall Middle School will all retire after the 2023-24 school year.
“Bright's career in the Hall County School District has seen her positively impact the lives of countless students and their families,” Lewis said.
Throughout Bright's tenure, she served in pivotal roles throughout various Hall County schools including Sardis Elementary, Martin Elementary, White Sulphur Elementary and Flowery Branch Elementary.
“The Hall County School District has been my home for thirty-one years,” Bright said. “I’ve had the opportunity to work with some of the finest educators in this business, making many of them my life-long friends. These lasting relationships are what make a school feel like home. The opportunity to serve the boys and girls of our school community has been one of the biggest blessings of my life. I will truly miss the students, teachers, and families at Flowery Branch Elementary School.”
Superintendent Will Schofield expressed gratitude for Bright's commitment to the school district.
"Amy Bright has been an exemplary leader, teacher, and advocate for students throughout her remarkable 31-year career. Her influence extends beyond the walls of the classroom, shaping the educational experience of countless students and fostering a positive environment for learning."
Etterling has been a part of the Hall County School District team since 1993 during that time she has worked as a special education teacher, assistant principal, principal and director of student services.
Lewis said she served at Chestnut Mountain Elementary School, East Hall Middle School, Martin Elementary, and North Hall Middle School.
"Tamara Etterling has been a driving force in our district for nearly three decades. Her commitment to students, families, and staff has been solid,” Schofield said. “Through her leadership roles as both a teacher and administrator, Tamara has made a lasting impact on the Hall County School District."
Lewis said as director of student services, Etterling played a pivotal role in shaping and enhancing support systems for students across the district.
“I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together in the Hall County School District,” Etterling said. “And I believe that the foundation we've built will continue to positively influence the educational landscape. As I embark on this new chapter of my life, I want to express my deepest appreciation to all stakeholders for the support, collaboration, and commitment to our shared goals. Hall County is a special place indeed.”
Finley has served with the school system for 26 years where she has worked as a teacher and principal.
"Kristin Finley has been a true champion for education, demonstrating unwavering commitment and leadership throughout her career. Her dedication to the students, staff, and families of North Hall Middle School has been exemplary, and her impact on the Hall County School District as a whole is greatly appreciated,” Schofield said.
Finley commented on her time at Hall County Schools.
“While in the Hall County School District, I’ve been honored to serve in three different communities. I started in North Hall, went to West, then East, and then returned to North,” Finley said. “It seems fitting that as I close this chapter of my life, I have come full circle. I am proud of the work being done in all of our schools, and because of this noble work, Hall County’s future is bright.”
