The Newton County Board of Training authorised the appointments of Dr. Matt Physique and Dr. Laurie C. Weaver as principals of Rocky Plains Elementary College and South Salem Elementary College, respectively, at its Tuesday, June 17, 2025, board assembly.
Physique will take the helm at Rocky Plains Elementary, house of the Cougars. He brings with him a wealth of instructional management expertise and a deep connection to the Newton County College System.
Most just lately, he served as assistant principal at Newton Excessive College, a job he returned to in 2023 after beforehand serving in the identical capability from 2018-20.
Physique’s expertise additionally contains service as each an elementary assistant principal and principal within the Troup County College System. He beforehand served as a highschool English instructor in Gwinnett County Public Faculties.
Physique holds a Bachelor of Science in English Literature from Southern Oregon College, a Grasp of Arts in Educating from Jap Oregon College and a Physician of Training from Walden College.
“I’m humbled by Dr. Bradley and the Board’s confidence in me,” Physique mentioned. “I do know there have been many certified candidates for a faculty like Rocky Plains. The truth that our board and superintendent noticed me because the individual to guide this dynamic neighborhood humbled me profoundly.”
Physique plans to prioritize relationships as he begins this new chapter.
“My first process at Rocky Plains will likely be to satisfy the employees and neighborhood,” Physique mentioned. “I sit up for shaking palms, making connections, and discovering how I can finest serve the varsity and neighborhood.”
At South Salem Elementary College, Dr. Laurie C. Weaver will assume the function of principal. Weaver at the moment serves because the Curriculum and STEM Coordinator (PreK–5) within the Greene County College System and has beforehand labored as an assistant principal, classroom instructor, and adjunct professor. Her profession contains tutorial roles in DeKalb, Rockdale, and Henry County Faculties, together with her educating profession starting in Columbus, Ohio.
Weaver earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary/Secondary Training from Youngstown State College, a Grasp of Science in Studying and Literacy from Walden College, an Academic Management Certification from Georgia State College, and a Physician of Training in Academic Management from Argosy College.
“It’s really an honor to be named the principal of South Salem Elementary College,” Weaver mentioned. “I’m grateful to Dr. Bradley and the Board of Training for entrusting me with this essential function. Their confidence in my management means a terrific deal, and I intend to guide with transparency, integrity, and a student-first mindset.”
As she steps into her new place, Weaver shared that her preliminary focus will likely be on constructing relationships and understanding the varsity neighborhood.
“My first and ongoing work will likely be to hear, study, and have interaction in constructing relationships with college students, employees, households and neighborhood companions,” Weaver mentioned. “It’s essential to me that I perceive the internal workings of South Salem—what’s working properly and the place we have now room to develop.”
Weaver’s targets embody strengthening tutorial achievement, fostering a nurturing local weather and offering academics with the help and instruments they should elevate scholar studying.
“Finally, my imaginative and prescient is that each youngster who enters our faculty feels secure, valued, and impressed, and that each employees member feels supported and heard,” Weaver mentioned.
