Griffin High School

On April 19, the Griffin-Spalding County School System (GSCS) Board of Education approved the superintendent’s recommendation to appoint Naja Douglas as the principal of Griffin High School.

Naja Douglas has served as the principal of Carver Road Middle School since 2019. Douglas began at Carver Road Middle in 2012 serving as a teacher and academic coach before being appointed assistant principal in 2015. Prior to joining GSCS, she taught special education and language arts at Ringgold Middle School for 10 years.

Douglas received her bachelor’s degree in Exceptional Learning from the University of Tennessee in Chattanooga and her master’s and specialist degrees in Instructional Leadership from Tennessee Technological University.

“During her tenure as principal at Carver Road Middle, Naja has had many great accomplishments. The school has seen great gains in student achievement and improvements in school climate and culture. I am confident that her knowledge, experience and leadership will be an asset to the students and staff at Griffin High School. Naja has an unwavering commitment to transforming lives and I look forward to seeing the impact she will make,” stated GSCS Superintendent Dr. Keith Simmons.

With 15 years in education, Ms. Princess Banks comes to Griffin High School from Bibb County, where she served as the Program for Exceptional Children instructional coach. Also, Ms. Banks was part of the 2022 graduating class of the Bibb County Schools VIP Leadership Academy for future leaders. Prior to Bibb County Schools, she was a science teacher, mentor and head basketball coach for Carver Road Middle School in Griffin, Georgia. Ms. Banks also was employed with the Lamar County School System for six years in several roles, such as alternative school lead, Credit Recovery department chair, CTAE Early Childhood and Teaching as a Profession instructor, FCCLA advisor, basketball assistant and head volleyball coach. Ms. Banks and the high school volleyball team made numerous state playoff appearances.  She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Clemson University, a Master’s in Healthcare Administration from the University of Phoenix, and an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from the University of West Georgia.  

Ms. Banks believes in the impact of education and its ability to change lives.  She also believes we are given an opportunity to learn and change our spectrum of understanding, therefore, modifying our outcomes.  She is excited about returning to the Griffin-Spalding County School System and the opportunity to work with students, staff and the community of Griffin High School.  She looks forward to a momentous year and being part of the BEAR Nation.

Dr. Ray brings more than 20 years of experience as an educator and school leader, having served students, teachers, and communities across Georgia as a teacher, principal, mentor, and adjunct professor. His leadership is grounded in strong relationships, high expectations, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Dr. Ray holds a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Georgia College & State University, an Education Specialist in Educational Leadership from Georgia College & State University, a Master of Education in Foundations of Education from Troy University, and a Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education from Georgia Southern University. In addition to his work in K–12 education, he also teaches graduate-level courses in curriculum theory, curriculum development, and assessment practices.

Throughout his career, Dr. Ray has remained passionate about fostering student achievement, supporting teachers, and helping students reach their full potential. Outside of education, he enjoys spending time with his wife of 20 years and their family, traveling, playing golf, and cheering on the Atlanta Falcons.

Dr. McElroy brings a strong background in teaching, instructional leadership, curriculum development, mathematics, student support, and school improvement. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with a concentration in Statistics from Georgia State University, a Master’s in Secondary Education, an Educational Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction, and a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership for Learning from Kennesaw State University.

In addition to her degrees, Dr. McElroy holds a Coaching Endorsement, Gifted Endorsement, Student Support Team Coordinator Endorsement, and Educational Leadership Certification. Before joining Griffin High School as Assistant Principal, she served as a middle grades teacher, district-level Instructional Coach, Curriculum and Instruction Specialist, K-12 Mathematics Coordinator, MTSS Coordinator, and Mental Health and Positive Student Support Coordinator.

Dr. McElroy is passionate about bridging the gap between teaching and learning and believes that all students can learn when they receive the right support. Her experience in academics, behavior, and student well-being will be a valuable asset to our school community.

Dr. McElroy is looking forward to joining Griffin High School and is grateful for the opportunity to serve our students, staff, families, and community.

Mr Samuel Wright has been in education for over eleven years. He got his start serving as a Language Arts and Social Studies teacher in Bibb County at Howard Middle School from 2013 to 2017 where he also served as an assistant coach for the school’s football team and later a head coach for their middle school basketball team. From there, he served briefly at Veteran Memorial Middle School in Newton County as the Department Chair for the 8th Grade Social Studies team. In 2019 he transitioned into instructional coaching, aiding Dooly County High School and the Dooly County K-8 Academy in their transformative journey from the CSI List.

Throughout his tenure, Wright wore several hats including overseeing the school’s EIP and REP programs, training new teachers, and finally serving the elementary school as an assistant principal. Educationally, he received his Bachelor’s of Education from Fort Valley State University and later his Masters degree in History. Additionally, he’s served as an adjunct instructor for his alma mater from 2020-2023, teaching World History to the freshmen students while also contributing academic articles to various publications including the Journal of the Georgia Association of Historians.

His educational philosophy centers on social constructivism and as a result he aims to create an environment that allows staff and students to learn from each other. His favorite quote from an unknown source states, “He who teaches speaks to the future”.