Dothan, Ala. (WDNews) — The Dothan City Schools Board of Education has approved new principal contracts for four campuses during its April 20, 2026 meeting, naming new leadership for Highlands Elementary School, Beverlye Intermediate School, Jerry Lee Faine Elementary School and the Dothan 6th Grade Center.
Dr. Jerry “Clark” Harden will serve as principal of Highlands Elementary School for the 2026-2027 school year. Harden brings more than 25 years of experience in education and instructional leadership. He currently serves as the Performance Center Instructional and Behavioral Turnaround Administrator for Thomasville City Schools in Georgia, focusing on improving academic outcomes, strengthening school culture and implementing high-accountability practices.
Harden has also worked as a Secondary Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment and as a high school principal, where he led districtwide curriculum alignment, strategic planning and school improvement efforts.
“Taking the helm at Highlands Elementary school is an incredible opportunity to build upon a foundation of excellence,” said Dr. Harden. “My focus will center on being a highly visible leader, actively engaging with students and staff in the classrooms and hallways to ensure everyone feels supported and inspired. I can’t wait to become a member of the Highlands family.”
Aundria L. Sewell has been named principal of Beverlye Intermediate School. Sewell currently serves as principal of Dannelley Elementary School in Montgomery, where she has led school improvement efforts that increased student achievement through data-driven instruction and strategic planning.
Sewell has also served as an assistant principal and instructional leader and has been recognized as a National Presenter at the Model Schools Conference.
“I am so excited to join the Wolfpack at Beverlye Intermediate School,” said Sewell. “Leading is not about having all the answers, it’s about building a school environment where students are learning, teachers are growing, and staff are supported.”
Latoyer Hankerson has been selected as principal of Jerry Lee Faine Elementary School. Hankerson currently serves as principal of Sabal Palm Elementary in Florida, where she leads instructional programming, supports teacher development and oversees school operations focused on student achievement.
Hankerson’s background includes roles as a school improvement specialist, assistant principal and instructional leader, with a focus on data-driven decision making and academic growth.
“We are excited about Ms. Hankerson’s deep turnaround experience at the state and local levels in Florida,” said Dothan City Schools Superintendent Dr. Garrick Askew. “One example is her success, moving her current school from a letter grade of D to an A in one school year.”
Dr. Teresa K. Anderson has been named principal of the Dothan 6th Grade Center. Anderson brings more than a decade of experience in educational leadership and currently serves as principal of George W. Carver Elementary School in Richmond, Virginia.
She also has district-level experience as Director of Employee Relations, where she supported systemwide improvement efforts, leadership development and organizational effectiveness.
“It is truly an honor to be appointed as principal of Dothan 6th Grade Center,” said Dr. Anderson, “I am excited to partner with the students, staff and parents to create an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to succeed. I am honored to lead, committed to serve, and ready to make a difference at Dothan 6th Grade Center.”
Superintendent Dr. Garrick Askew said each of the new principals brings strong leadership experience and a commitment to student success.
“We are excited to welcome these leaders to the Dothan City Schools family,” said Dr. Askew. “Each of them brings a passion for students, a commitment to excellence, and the leadership needed to support our schools.”
