School Year Begins with Two New Principals

Woodstock Elementary and Brent Elementary Schools will begin the 2009-2010 school year with new principals. Mrs. Shea Moody Essman will head up Woodstock Elementary School and Dr. Mechelle Hollifield will be at Brent Elementary School.  

Mrs. Essman received her certification in administration and supervision from the University of Montevallo in 2005.  She also holds a BS in Early Childhood/Elementary Education from the University of Alabama; and a Master of Early Childhood Education from the University of Montevallo. 

She comes from a long line of educators.  Her grandmother, Essie Moody, was a teacher at Eoline and at West Blocton Elementary School; her mother, MaryAnn Moody was Special Education Coordinator; her father, Morris Moody, is a former West Blocton High School principal; and her sister, Tish Elmore, currently teaches math at West Blocton High School.

Mrs. Essman has taught for the past fifteen years within the Bibb County School System, the same system in which she began school as a kindergartener and received her high school diploma, which she earned at West Blocton High School. 

“It is a great honor to be a leader in the same school system that provided so much for me,” said Essman.  “It is my goal to make each student feel capable of success and to realize their full potential.  I look forward to working with my fellow teachers, parents and the community in order to help each child at Woodstock Elementary reach their fullest potential.”

Mrs. Essman is married to Chris Essman, also a West Blocton High School graduate.  The Essmans have three daughters: Amanda, Kristen and Kathleen.

Dr. Mechelle Hollifield, also a Bibb County native who graduated from Bibb County High School, has taught within the Bibb County School System for 20 years, beginning her career as a teacher at Brent Elementary School. She has also served as assistant principal and as principal at Brent Elementary. She has also been an instructor at the University of Alabama. 

Dr. Hollifield earned her Bachelors of Science, Masters of Education and Education Specialist Degrees from University of Montevallo, graduating with Highest Honors (1992 & 1994).  She earned her Doctorate of Education from the University of Alabama, where she was awarded Most Outstanding Elementary Education Graduate Student in 2001. Lastly, Dr. Hollifield underwent Classroom Organization and Management Training with the University of Vanderbilt.

Throughout her career, Dr. Hollifield has earned the following honors:  Most Outstanding Elementary Education Graduate Students 2001; Jacksonville State Teacher of the Year Runner-up; National Board of Professional Teaching Standards Certified; and Bibb County Teacher of the Year.

“I am very excited to be back as principal of Brent Elementary,” said Dr. Hollifield. I have always thought that successful schools were built by caring individuals, not by expensive programs. Since I've been back at Brent Elementary, I have been greeted by caring and dedicated faculty and staff members. I've witnessed these teachers give up their summer vacations to train, plan and prepare for a successful 2009-2010 school year. I am really looking forward to the coming year and leading this dedicated and caring team of teachers.”

Dr. Hollifield is married to Joe Hollifield, of Brent, and they have two daughters, Haleigh and Kelly, who are both students at Bibb County High School.

Dr. Don Elam, Superintendent of Bibb County Schools, stated “We are fortunate to have two individuals of such high caliber moving into leadership positions at Woodstock Elementary and Brent Elementary Schools.  Mrs. Essman and Dr. Hollifield have served the district with integrity during their tenure in the Bibb County School System.  I am confident that they will continue to serve our students and the communities with credibility, and will provide prudent leadership in their new positions.”