JONESBORO — Clayton County Public Schools recently announced that Kilpatrick Elementary School Principal Candice Jester has been named Region III Principal of the Year by Magnet Schools of America.
She will represent Alabama, Georgia, Florida, the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico at the national level.
The National Principal of the year will be announced in April.
Jester has been a part of CCPS since 1998 when she began her career as a classroom teacher at North Clayton Middle School.
She has been Kilpatrick principal since 2012. The school’s Dual Language Immersion program in Spanish, which has been in place for six years, qualifies KES as a Magnet School.
Jester earned this recognition based on her steadfast commitment to promoting equity, diversity, and academic excellence among students and staff within her magnet school.
Jester’s innovative leadership has not only provided equitable academic opportunities for all students but has also fostered an environment of inclusivity and empowerment, a CCPS press released stated. Her outstanding achievements in implementing and sustaining an innovative magnet program have set a high standard for excellence within her school and community.
“I proudly speak for our Board of Education, our 50,000-plus students, and our more than 7,000 employees in congratulating Ms. Jester on this amazing honor,” said Clayton County School Superintendent Anthony Smith said. “This prestigious recognition is a testament to her exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication, and profound impact within her school’s community and throughout Clayton County.”
Jester will receive her Region III Magnet School Principal of the Year Award at an upcoming ceremony in New York City.
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