Jennifer Laughridge

 

Jennifer Laughridge, an administrator and teacher in Georgia for more than 25 years, has been selected as the new principal of Oconee County Elementary School.

Laughridge was unanimously approved by the Oconee County Board of Education on Monday. Laughridge, who will be succeeding the retiring Ashley Templeton, will assume her new duties on July 3, 2023.

“We are excited to welcome Ms. Jennifer Laughridge to the Oconee County Schools’ family,” Superintendent Jason L. Branch said. “As a proven leader with over two decades of experience as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal at the elementary level, Ms. Laughridge will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to Oconee County Elementary School. I look forward to the positive leadership she will provide our students, staff, and community for years to come.”

Laughridge (pronounced lock-ridge) currently serves as the principal at East Lake Elementary School, where she is completing her eighth year. She began her administrative career in 2007, serving as an assistant principal for Bethlehem and Ola elementary schools through 2015. Laughridge taught for 10 years at Smitha Middle School and Cotton Indian Elementary School from 1997-2007.

Laughridge earned a bachelor’s degree in Middle Grades Education from Mercer University in 1997, a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Phoenix in 2004, and an Educational Leadership add-on from the University of Georgia in 2007. She holds Early Childhood Education and Teacher Support Specialist certifications.

“I am honored to be the next principal for Oconee County Elementary School,” Laughridge said. “Being a principal is both a blessing and a privilege. I look forward to partnering with the teachers, students, and the OCES community to continue to create a fun and engaging learning environment for kids."

706.769.7791

jlaughridge@oconeeschools.org

B.S. Ed. Middle Grades Education,  Mercer University
M. Ed. Curriculum and Instruction, University of Phoenix
Educational Leadership - Tier II  Endorsement- University of Georgia

Elementary Education Certification
Teacher Support Specialist 

Mrs. Katie Hunter

 

Katie Hunter is the Assistant Principal at Oconee County Elementary. Prior to Oconee County Schools, Mrs. Hunter was a gifted resource teacher and enrichment specialist in Hall County. As a resource teacher, she was fortunate to work with students in grades K-5, as well as collaborate with teachers across all grade levels. Mrs. Hunter also has experience teaching fifth grade and high school Social Studies. 

Mrs. Hunter has education degrees in Social Studies, Gifted and Creative, and Early Childhood. She also holds her Leadership Add-on. Mrs. Hunter has always been very involved in developing school programs, and she has presented at local, state, and national conferences. 

Mrs. Hunter and her husband have two sons, Logan and Wyatt. She and her family are very excited to be a part of the OCES community!

706.769.7791

khunter@oconeeschools.org

Degrees and Certifications:

B.S.Ed. Social Studies Education, University of Georgia
M.Ed. Educational Psychology, Gifted and Creative Education, University of Georgia
Ed.S. Early Childhood Education, University of Georgia
MTSS Endorsement
Gifted Endorsement

Dyslexia Endorsement- In Progress
Tier 1 Leadership Certification
Tier 2 Leadership Certification

T-6 Certification, Social Studies Education and Early Childhood Education