Tanner, Elkmont and Creekside elementary schools will see more than just new students next school year; they will have new principals, too.

Limestone County School Board members Thursday approved Superintendent Dr. Thomas Sisk’s recommendation to hire Angie Barnes as principal at Tanner Elementary, Haley James as principal at Elkmont Elementary and Dana Rhinehart as principal at Creekside Elementary.

All three already work in the Limestone County School district but will transfer to different schools, a decision Sisk said is based on each person’s unique skill set.

“Each of them have different skill sets that give them the best fit for the schools,” he said. “We are doing this to give a renewed focus on academic instruction. Right now principals are focusing on 12 grade levels, all with different needs, and this gives (the elementary grades) more specialized attention.”

Barnes, current assistant principal at Blue Springs will go back to the place her career began.

“I’m expecting it to feel like home,” she said. I know some things have changed, but I’ve stayed in contact with people over there and I’m ready to start a new adventure and chapter in my life. I know it’s a great place; I’ve been there before and can’t wait to get back.”

For 13-and-a-half years of her career, Barnes has worked in administration.

“I love it. I wake up every morning ready to see the children,” she said. “I love children and seeing their growth. If I can change one child’s life, it’s worth everything.”

Though she will miss everyone at Blue Springs, Barnes is ready to “hit the ground running.”

Sisk said he knows Barnes will do well at Tanner because of her lengthy experience in education.

“Ms. Angie Barnes is a veteran administrator and educator from Limestone County that has extensive experience and we are delighted that the board confirmed my recommendation; she will be an excellent instructional leader at Tanner,” he said.

James, current assistant principal at Elkmont High School, is moving from the high school to the elementary school.

Her goal for the next school year is to continue the focus the school developed over the last year.

“We’ve worked intensely on instruction for reading and math and to improve student achievement,” she said. “I’m excited about staying there because we’ve been putting so much work in this year.”

James has been at Elkmont for two years already and has 17 years in education.

She said she enjoys watching students grow and mature both socially and academically.

“I love helping kids and teachers and I love parents,” she said. “They send us their best every day and it’s our job to help their children no matter what background they come from.”

Next year will be the first year the elementary school has its own principal.

James said with the school now having two administrators, it will help them to narrow their focus to their designated areas.

“I think it’s going to be a very positive change,” she said.

Sisk said he believes James will be an excellent instructional leader and is delighted board members confirmed his recommendation.

Rhinehart, assistant principal at Tanner, is taking over Creekside Elementary as the school splits from a kindergarten through fifth-grade school to a primary school serving grades K to second grade, and elementary school serving third to fifth grade.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to begin at the new school and starting in a new building,” she said. “A well established and enthusiastic faculty is a dream of many administrators so I’m looking forward to meeting the teachers and being a part of the community.”

Rhinehart has been in education for 25 years, four of them as an administrator.

She said her love for children and education is what keeps her in the field.

“I love seeing children learn,” she said.

Sisk said Rhinehart’s experience is as a veteran teacher and administrator and she brings years of academic success with her.

“We are excited for the Creekside community as we launch the new elementary school program, and we are appreciative to the Board of Education for confirming this recommendation,” he said.