Two new Clarke County School District administrators begin their new jobs today: the Clarke County School Board last week voted to hire Dr. Jennifer Scott as the District’s new Chief of Student and Family Support, while Wesley Mellina was named the new Chief Executive Officer of the Athens Community Career Academy.
From the Clarke Co School District website…
During its Thursday, Aug. 11 meeting, the Clarke County Board of Education approved the hire of veteran educator Dr. Jennifer Scott as the Clarke County School District’s new Chief of Student and Family Supports.
Her start date in the role will be Monday, Aug. 15. Dr. Scott, who is in her 25th year with CCSD, has extensive experience in supporting and engaging students, families, and communities at both the school and district level. She currently serves as an Executive Director of Leadership Development, a role she has held since 2019, overseeing and promoting the professional growth and development of principals at seven of the district’s 14 elementary schools.
In her new role, she will oversee the Division of Student and Family Supports, a merger of the Division of Student Support Services and the former Division of Community Engagement — including the areas of family and community engagement, school nursing services, school psychology services, school social work, migrant education, and student registration.
“We are very excited to have Dr. Scott in the role of Chief of Student and Family Supports,” said CCSD Superintendent Dr. Xernona Thomas. “Dr. Scott is a strategic thinker who is committed to providing a quality educational experience for all children. Her proven leadership skills and commitment to both students and families will advance our work in addressing the needs of the whole child.”
After two years at Colbert Elementary School in Madison County, Dr. Scott joined CCSD in 1998 as a classroom teacher at Timothy Road Elementary School. She later became assistant principal at TRES in 2007 before moving across town to Barnett Shoals Elementary School, where she was principal from 2011-2019. While at Barnett Shoals, she provided instructional leadership that led to a steady and consistent increase in student performance, resulting in a 13-point rise in the school’s CCRPI rating over a three-year period. She also fostered community partnerships aimed at supporting the academic and social needs of her school community.
Dr. Scott holds a bachelor’s degree in Speech Communications, a masters in Early Childhood Education, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership, all from the University of Georgia. “I am excited to join the Student and Family Supports team,” said Dr. Scott.
“I remain committed to ensuring equitable learning opportunities for all Clarke County School District students by removing barriers which limit access to instruction. This is an integral part of the service provided by the Division of Student and Family Supports. I look forward to collaborating with all of our departments to work in the best interests of our students.
During its Thursday, Aug. 11 meeting, the Clarke County Board of Education approved the hire of Wesley Mellina as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Athens Community Career Academy.
Mr. Mellina, who has served as the academy’s Workforce Development Coordinator since 2018, brings to his new role extensive experience in promoting workforce development opportunities for students and helping students develop and prepare for their post-secondary plans. As CEO, he will work with CCSD’s high schools, students, and families to develop personalized plans for accessing college and career programs and collaborate with the local business community to develop internships and experiences while promoting economic development.
“The Athens Community Career Academy provides an amazing opportunity for our students. Mr. Mellina’s experience with this program will provide the leadership needed to expand our efforts in workforce development,” said CCSD Superintendent Dr. Xernona Thomas. “He has shown a commitment to developing strong community partnerships and will continue to advance our efforts to establish career pathways aligned with the needs of local business and industry.”
Prior to his time at ACCA, Mr. Mellina was an Academic Support Specialist from 2015-2018 at Clarke Central High School, where he also served as Work-Based Learning Coordinator and as a Family Engagement Specialist. He holds a bachelor’s degree in History and Secondary Education from Columbus State University.
“As Workforce Development Coordinator, I have been fortunate to be a part of an amazing Athens Community Career Academy team that is passionate about preparing CCSD students for college and careers,” said Mr. Mellina. “It is truly an honor to be named CEO of ACCA and to have the opportunity to continue to expand academic and career.”
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