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Administration

Kara Dutton - Principal

I am Mrs. Kara Dutton, the proud principal of Jackson Elementary. I was fortunate to be at Jackson as an assistant principal from 2002 to 2013.  Returning home to Jackson and the Peachtree Ridge cluster in July 2017, I want you to know that I am committed to our students, parents, and community.  I pledge my full support, hard work, and dedication to continuing that tradition of excellence.

I live in the community and both my children attended Jackson kindergarten through fifth grade.  I consider Jackson Elementary "home".  I have been an educator for over 20 years and continue to enjoy being at school with the children, families, and staff every day.

I have learned many important lessons, but there is one foundational element to my leadership style. My role is to support teaching and learning. I firmly believe that all children can learn. My vision for the school is for all students to have the knowledge, skills, abilities, and attitudes to reach their fullest potential as independent, productive, and responsible citizens.  

In closing, I would like to share what I feel is one of the most important things about me that you should know… I am passionate about educating children. I absolutely love what I do and I cannot wait to work with you to continue and enhance the academic excellence at Jackson Elementary! I look forward to meeting each of you and to working together to ensure that every child at Jackson receives a solid foundation on which to build future learning. We are One Ridge!

Terrence Stover - Assistant Principal, 2nd & 4th Grade 

Hello! My name is Terrence Stover, and I am honored to serve as one of the Assistant Principals at Jackson Elementary. I am excited to continue being a part of the incredible Peachtree Ridge Cluster and the Jackson community.

Before joining the team at Jackson, I taught ESOL, Sheltered U.S. History, African American Studies, and Ethnic Studies at both Peachtree Ridge and South Gwinnett High School. I’ve also coached Varsity Football at both schools and proudly served as the Girls Flag Football Coach at Peachtree Ridge, helping student-athletes grow on and off the field.

I earned my teaching certification from Georgia Gwinnett College, my Master’s degree from Georgia Southern University, and my Specialist degree from the University of Alabama—Roll Tide! I am currently pursuing my Ph.D. in Educational Leadership, also from Alabama.

I believe in the power of relationships, equity, and high expectations, and I’m committed to ensuring every child feels seen, supported, and empowered to succeed. I look forward to partnering with our amazing staff, families, and students this year. #OneRidge

Karen Dougherty - Assistant Principal, Kindergarten, Special Education & Title I

Hi! I’m Karen Dougherty, and I’m proud to serve as the Assistant Principal at Jackson Elementary. Jackson has been my home for 24 years—13 years as a classroom teacher and the past 11 as an assistant principal. I truly love our Jackson family and the Peachtree Ridge community! I am deeply committed to supporting students, staff, and families.

I have the privilege of supporting our kindergarten, special education, and Title I programs. Before stepping into administration, I taught 3rd grade, 5th grade, and K-5 math specials. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Auburn University (War Eagle!), a master’s in Elementary Math and Reading from Walden University, and a specialist degree in Educational Leadership from the University of West Georgia.

I’m passionate about helping students grow in both academics and social-emotional. I believe in building strong connections with our families and the community as they are the heart of our work. My goal is to help create a positive school climate and foster strong relationships through communication and collaboration. Our family and community partnerships are what make our school such a special place for children to learn and thrive.

Tennille McDaniel - Assistant Principal, 3rd & 5th Grade

Hi there! I am thrilled to be a Jackson Lion, and looking forward to another fantastic year! My name is Tennille McDaniel and I am the assistant principal for 2nd and 3rd grade at Jackson Elementary School. As an educator for over 20 years, I served as a teacher of grades 1st through 5th, Instructional Coach and County Math Instructional Specialist. I am married to Patrick McDaniel and we are proud parents of a son, Patrick McDaniel II, and daughter, Kendall McDaniel. Both are currently attending universities and working towards their dream careers. I enjoy reading, traveling, being a service to others and spending time with family and friends.

Genna McCurley- Assistant Principals, 1st Grade

Genna McCurley, Assistant Principal

 

Hello! I am Dr. Genna McCurley and I am looking forward to another amazing year at Jackson! This year, I will be supporting 1st grade and Testing for all grade levels. Although this is only my second year at Jackson, I have worked in Gwinnett County Public Schools for over 17 years as a classroom teacher and Assistant Principal. I attended the University of Georgia for my undergraduate degrees and Georgia State University for my graduate degrees. I am very passionate about preparing our students to be life-long learners. My goal is to help each child achieve their post-secondary goals and that starts at the Elementary school level. I fully believe that every child can achieve success!