Heaton named new Colbert Elem. principal
BY ZACH MITCHAM
William “Billy” Heaton is Colbert Elementary School’s new principal.
Heaton, who has served as assistant principal at Malcom Bridge Elementary School in Oconee County since 2004, was named to the post last week by the county school board.
The new Colbert principal said he is excited about his new position. He said he was impressed with the elementary school after students led him on an initial tour of the campus.
“The kids took me on a tour and when I got back to the school I’m at now, I bragged on how respectful the kids were,” said Heaton. “They are just really neat kids. I could tell their parents taught them respect and manners. It just got me really excited.”
The school board received 27 applications for the post and seven people were interviewed for the job. A committee that included parents and teachers assisted in the search for a principal.
Superintendent Dr. Mitch McGhee said Heaton and one other candidate were near the top of everyone’s list.
Heaton, who grew up in Smyrna, went to the University of Georgia and worked in business from 1989 to 1999 for Heaton Electric, Dyna Electric Company and CED.
“I’m one of those people who made a career change,” said Heaton, who went to night school to earn his Masters in teaching.
Heaton taught third grade at Oconee County Elementary from 1999-2001, then instructed fifth graders from 2001-2004.
He is married with three children.
