A familiar face to Cloudland High students will be taking on the role of interim principal when current Principal Jon Fontanez departs the school on Feb. 5.
Carter County Director of Schools Dr. Kevin Ward announced current Assistant Principal Lisa Benfield has been selected to serve as the interim principal for the remainder of the school year to replace Fontanez. Earlier this month Fontanez announced he was resigning from the school system in order to devote more time to his ministry and the church he pastors, Discover Life Church in Johnson City.
“Lisa will work closely with Jon and (Secondary School Supervisor) Danny McClain to ensure a smooth transition as she takes over on Feb. 8,” Ward said.
Some other personnel changes will also take place at Cloudland High School and Cloudland Elementary, Ward said.
“Scott Potter will be moving from Assistant Principal at Cloudland Elementary to the same position at CHS in Lisa’s place,” he said. “Scott Tester will serve as the Assistant Principal at Cloudland Elementary.”
The new staff placements will remain in effect until the end of the school year, Ward said. After the school year is completed, the school system administration will name a permanent principal and any other permanent staff changes following the annual staff placement review.
“I hope you all will join me in wishing Jon Fontanez nothing but the best as he pursues other opportunities, and in wishing Lisa, Scott Potter and Scott Tester well in their new roles,” Ward said. “I am extremely thankful for the outstanding people we have in Carter County and in their dedication to our students.”