New Principal Named for SCHS

Stephens County High School has its new principal in place for next year.

Tuesday, the Stephens County Board of Education unanimously approved the hire of Scott Kersh.

Kersh is currently an Assistant Principal at Habersham Central High School.

School Superintendent Bryan Dorsey said he is very excited to have Kersh join the team in Stephens County.

“I think he has demonstrated great leadership in his previous position,” said Dorsey. “He is well-versed and has some of the talents and skills that would enhance any school and that has been proven where he has been, so we are really excited to have him pulling us together and moving forward and keep the great things that are going on at Stephens County High School and keep them going in the right direction.”

Kersh replaces Sandy Steele, who is moving to an administrative position at the Central Office next year.

Dorsey said he was interviewing candidates throughout the search process, which lasted about a month.

According to Dorsey, he received about 15 to 18 applications, of which he interviewed about seven and took three names to the school governance team at the high school.

He said it was important to move quickly.

“To be honest, one of the challenges you have in finding administrators is finding someone that will commit to the timeframe that it will take to run on high school,” said Dorsey. “Your best week is 60 hours and it just goes up from there, so finding the right candidates and acting quickly I thought was in the interest of our students, our staff.”

Kersh, a native of Gainesville and a graduate of Johnson High School, has a total of 15 years in education as a teacher of various subjects and administrator, having worked in Hall, Banks, and Habersham counties.

He said he is humbled by the opportunity.

“I was at that point in my life where I was ready to move forward and take something a little bigger and this opportunity came open,” said Kersh. “I was looking for this type of opportunity. I did not know it would be right next door so that was nice. I really enjoyed talking with and dealing with Mr. Dorsey and the school governance panel. I appreciate that. They represented Stephens County very well. It all just really fit together.”

Kersh also said he looks forward to working with the students and all of the stakeholders at Stephens County High School.

“I just really seeing young people improve their lives through education,” said Kersh. “Education has meant a lot to me and I try to impress that on young people. Education can open doors that no one else can open. It can open doors that nobody could close. I am really inspired by the pursuit of it and want to see people do their best and really reach their potential.”

Dorsey said Kersh is set to start on July 1.

Meanwhile, Sheila Pressley will become the new Principal at the Fifth Grade Academy next year.

Dorsey said she will do an excellent job.

“She has already shown us the quality of leadership that she is capable of, working with Stephens County High School as an assistant principal,” said Dorsey. “We think that is a good transition for her and she will be able to provide the kind of leadership that will continue to move them forward.”

Pressley said she is excited for the opportunity.