Dr. Artie Brunson will have a brand new job, effective July 11; however, his commute to work will remain exactly the same. The current assistant principal at Fairview Elementary School has been promoted to serve as the school’s next principal. On the recommendation of Newton County School System (NCSS) Superintendent Samantha Fuhrey, the Newton County Board of Education approved his appointment at a special called meeting on June 2. Dr. Brunson will replace Dr.  Naomi Cobb, who was recently selected to take the helm at Newton County Theme School.

“This is an incredible honor to be selected as Fairview’s principal, and I am so happy to be at this place and time so I can serve and lead our staff and students as we all improve and aspire to be our best,” said Brunson. “Covington is my hometown, so this is an especially big honor to me.  My family and I have all attended Newton County Schools, and others in my family are educators here, too.  During my fourteen years with NCSS, I’ve worked with outstanding teachers at West Newton, Livingston, Ficquett, and Fairview.  Their encouragement and support—especially during these last few weeks—have been immeasurable and greatly appreciated.  I am surrounded by people who care about children and who understand the value of education.”

Dr. Brunson holds a bachelor of science in early childhood education, a master’s in education degree in early childhood education, and an educational specialist’s degree in educational leadership from Georgia College and State University. In 2015, he earned a doctorate in educational leadership from Liberty University.

Dr. Brunson began his career as a second grade teacher in Butts County Schools from 1996 to 2002 before joining the Newton County School System in 2002. He served as a second grade teacher and literacy coach at West Newton Elementary and later taught third grade at Livingston Elementary before making the move to school leadership as an assistant principal at Ficquett Elementary before moving to Fairview Elementary.

“Dr. Cobb and I reopened Fairview five years ago after district rezoning occurred,” Brunson explained. “From day one, our staff has been committed to teamwork, positivity, and supporting each other.  Dr. Cobb has always been generous with her time and pearls of wisdom; we’ve all heard her say, ‘a divided house will not stand.’  I share her belief in unity and optimism.  She and I have been an incredible team for these five years, plus one year together during Ficquett’s final year, and I speak for our entire staff when I say that we will miss her greatly and we will always think of her with the warmest of memories.  She will positively affect so many lives during her work at the Newton County Theme School!  She promises to be only a phone call away whenever I need her advice!”

When asked his goals for Fairview Elementary School, Dr. Brunson stressed the importance of relationships, commitment to the children and their families, and emphasizing student responsibility—things that he noted were already a high priority at Fairview due to the faculty and staff at the school.

“Fairview’s staff is sincere in our commitment to our students,” he explained. “Our school climate is very positive, and it’s one of those things you just have to experience for yourself.  Our teachers have given great effort over these five years; we’ve accomplished many things, and so much more is within our reach.  We are developing a culture where everyone strives to be safe, organized, accountable, and respectful.  I want to refocus the way we approach education to include an emphasis on student responsibility and self-motivation.  I care so much about our students and will continue to provide them with an environment where they will be successful.”

He added, “I will promote our school within this community and continue developing relationships with the Fairview families so our students are supported in all aspects of their education.  I want everyone in our community to know that our staff and students are proud to call Fairview our school.”

“I am confident that Dr. Brunson is positioned to continue and expand the excellent work of the Fairview team,” said Superintendent Fuhrey. “’His dedication and commitment to the students, faculty, and community will lead Fairview to even greater success.”