CHATTANOOGA — Hamilton County Schools announced three district leadership appointments for the 2026-2027 school year, naming Andrew LaFevor principal of East Hamilton Middle School, Keunta Graham program principal of the Harrison Bay Future Ready Center, and Dr. Lorie Collier Director of Elementary School Operations for the MidTown Learning Community. The district said a survey will be sent to families and staff to gather feedback as the search begins for a new principal at Snow Hill Elementary School, with an announcement planned for May.

"I'm proud to welcome these accomplished leaders into new roles across Hamilton County Schools. Each of these individuals have experience upholding excellence while creating innovative solutions to keep progress moving forward. Their experience and leadership will help us continue our district's progress as we create greater opportunities for students, families, and staff across Hamilton County Schools." Superintendent Dr. Justin Robertson said.

LaFevor moves to East Hamilton Middle School from Snow Hill Elementary School, where he served as principal and focused on increasing student achievement and decreasing chronic absenteeism. He previously was assistant principal at Westview Elementary School, where he helped lead initiatives that resulted in STEM designation status and the Governor's Civic Seal designation. Before moving into administration, he served as an academic coach, dean of students, and middle grades teacher at Red Bank Middle School.

LaFevor holds a Bachelor of Arts in Middle Grades Education from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and a Master of Education in School Administration from Tennessee Technological University. He is a graduate of the HCS Aspiring Principal LEAD Program and the Aspiring Assistant Principal LEAD Program, and has participated in a leadership development program through the Public Education Foundation.

"I am incredibly humbled and excited to serve as the new principal of East Hamilton Middle School. I look forward to working alongside our students, staff, and families to build strong relationships, create meaningful opportunities, and prepare every student for success in high school and beyond. It is truly an honor to become part of the East Ham Fam." LaFevor said.

Graham has served as assistant principal at STEM School Chattanooga since 2023, where he led professional learning communities, supported instructional improvement efforts, and directed STEM Jubilee. Previously, he was dean of students at East Ridge High School, where he re-established the RTI2B team. He holds a Bachelor of Liberal Arts from Middle Tennessee State University and a Master of Education in School Leadership from Belhaven University.

"I am excited to have the opportunity to lead the Harrison Bay Future Ready Center and continue my work in Workforce Development and College Schools. Harrison Bay Future Ready Center is positioned for tremendous growth as students in the Harrison Bay Community continue seeking meaningful opportunities to develop their skills through our innovative pathways. I look forward to building on the strong foundation already in place while helping create an environment where students are inspired, engaged, and excited about their future." Graham said.

Collier has served as principal of Harrison Elementary School since 2023 and previously was principal at Calvin Donaldson Elementary School. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from SUNY Buffalo State University, a Master of Arts in Education from Tusculum College, Education Specialist degrees from Lincoln Memorial University and the University of Tennessee, and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of the Cumberlands.