The Hall County School District announced Tuesday its intention to select South Hall Middle School Principal Joey Millwood as the district's next Director of Student Services.
In a press release, Superintendent Will Schofield said he would recommend Millwood for the position at Monday's school board meeting.
Millwood will step into the position vacated by Tamara Etterling, who will retire at the end of April 2024. South Hall Middle Assistant Principal, Kristi House, will assume the role of Associate Principal as Millwood transitions to his new position.
“I am truly humbled and excited to be given the opportunity to serve the students, families, and the HCSD team in this capacity,” said Millwood. “Our mission and vision to develop life ready graduates in the most caring place on earth will continue to be at the heart of what we do in Student Services and will be what drives me to learn and serve alongside this incredible group of people.”
Millwood has a total of 23 years of service in the Hall County School District. He began his career in education in 1996 as an ESOL paraprofessional at South Hall Middle School and eventually stepped into the role of instructor. Millwood left South Hall Middle in 2001 to serve as teacher and instructional coordinator at Eagle Ranch.
“The time I spent as a teacher at Eagle Ranch provided me such a deeper understanding of how important solid family structures and education are in the development of children, and how-- with enough support and time--we can overcome life’s obstacles and experience true healing," Millwood said. "All of our children deserve a chance to pursue their dreams, and they deserve to have trusted adults who will pour into them to help them achieve those dreams.”
Millwood returned to South Hall Middle as a teacher in 2006, and was promoted to Assistant Principal two years later. He was then named principal in 2018.
“I have been blessed to grow up in this community where my parents, my family, my teachers, and my mentors have poured into me," Millwood said. "I intend to honor them by doing all I can in this position to provide the support our girls and boys need.”
“The position of Director of Student Services requires a diverse number of critical skills,” said Deputy Superintendent, Kevin Bales. “A strong knowledge of how to best support struggling students - both academically and emotionally, an understanding of the resources available to enhance the success of all students; and most importantly, a heart to serve young people and their families. Joey Millwood’s experience and heart will be true assets to the district as he assumes this new role.”
Millwood has a B.S. in Middle Grades Education from Brenau University and both an M.S. in Special Education and an Ed.S in Leadership from the University of North Georgia.
