09/17/2025
Stephens County Board of Education names New Eastanollee and Liberty Elementary Principals for 2026-2027 School Year
By Bre Bardenwerper, School and Community Engagement Coordinator for Stephens County Schools
The Stephens County Board of Education is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Connie Yearwood as the new Principal of Eastanollee Elementary School and Carla Smith as the new Principal of Liberty Elementary School for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year. Both leaders bring years of experience, strong educational vision, and a passion for serving students, staff, and families.
Dr. Connie Yearwood – Principal, Eastanollee Elementary
With 25 years in public education, including 18 years in administration and 15 years as an elementary principal, Dr. Connie Yearwood steps into her new role with deep experience and a strong commitment to students. After beginning her career in a neighboring district, she returned home to Toccoa, where she has lived for 35 years, to serve as Principal of Liberty Elementary before accepting this new appointment at Eastanollee.
“I believe that an educated citizenry is the backbone of our democracy,” said Dr. Yearwood. “My guiding philosophy is that all students, teachers, and staff members can reach their maximum potential when given the opportunity and support to do so. I want to provide the tools, encouragement, and leadership our teachers and students need to do their best hard work.”
In her first year at Eastanollee, Dr. Yearwood will prioritize building community, uniting staff and families, and creating a shared vision, mission, and goals for the school. Her long-term goal is to ensure Eastanollee thrives as a place where every decision is centered on what is best for children. “The success of our school will be measured by the success of our students,” she said.
Carla Smith – Principal, Liberty Elementary
Carla Smith brings 16 years of classroom teaching experience, three years as Assistant Principal at Liberty, and her most recent leadership as Principal of Fifth Grade Academy. A graduate of Stephens County High School, Smith’s journey into education began with determination and resilience. After a car accident forced her to pause her college studies, she returned at age 30—while raising three children—driven by her lifelong calling to teach.
“I went into education wanting to make a difference,” Smith shared. “My vision is very student-centered. I want Liberty to be a place where every child feels safe, welcome, and valued. Building trusting relationships with students and families is the foundation for learning, and when those needs are met, students can achieve both academically and personally.”
Smith’s short-term goals include strengthening school culture, supporting academic growth, and developing staff unity, particularly as many team members will be new to Liberty. Looking ahead, she hopes Liberty will be known as a thriving community where students succeed, staff feel valued, and parents are engaged as partners in their children’s education.
A Vision for Growing Greatness
Superintendent Dr. Connie Franklin praised both appointments: “We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Yearwood and Mrs. Smith into their new leadership roles for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year. Their combined experience, dedication, and student-centered vision will help guide Eastanollee and Liberty Elementary into a strong future. With strong leadership guiding each of our schools, we remain committed to creating learning environments where students are supported, challenged, and celebrated—living out our mission of Growing Greatness every day.”
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