Alpharetta High Faculty, Parents Meet Their New Principal

Shannon Kersey acknowledged the many principals who have come before her at Alpharetta High School, saying she's seen their legacy in the classrooms and programs at the school since she first started there 12 months ago.

Kersey was the guest of honor at a meet-and-greet reception hastily arranged and held on Wednesday night. Most of those attending were faculty, staff or Local School Advisory Council members at the school.

The new principal promised to make staff training a priority because to make it the best environment for the students, the school needs to be a learning center for all. But first her goal is to listen. That's been something she said has been a priority in her 12 months as assistant principal for curriculum, but now she's looking at things from a new perspective. So the reception was the first reintroduction she is doing with the school community.

After four previous principals in seven years–Bob Burke, Buck Greene, Mary Ann Charron and Gene Dunn–Kersey said she wants to make sure the school has consistency across all of its programs and departments.

Alex Dixon, a rising senior at Alpharetta High, attended the reception with her mother.

"Change is good. And the direction Ms. Kersey wants to go in is positive for the school," Dixon said.